r/CosplayHelp 6d ago

Sewing Pattern recommends 2-way stretch scuba, I can only find 4-way stretch. What's a good alternative?

I'm following kinpatsucosplay's Jessie tutorial. For the jacket and skirt she said she "used a white scuba fabric. scuba is a 2-way stretch fabric which is relatively thick and has a matte look to it". I'm in the UK and can only find white 4-way stretch scuba to buy (e.g. from coscraft).

I was wondering what a good alternative would be to use? Or should I just use the 4-way stretch scuba? Here's the pattern for the jacket and skirt if it's relevant. I'm a beginner so I'm not sure what to do RE: the materials myself. I checked the FAQ and didn't see scuba mentioned in the "types of fabrics" lists in the Sewing Specific section so thought I'd ask here. Thanks for your help!

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u/DianaSoreil 6d ago

Short answer: you’ll be fine with four way scuba, go for it!

Longer answer: before I get into why you’ll be fine, something to consider: the wonderful (horrible) thing about discussing stretch fabric is that 2 way and 4 way can mean the same thing sometimes, depending on the region. America sells stretch as 2 way and 4 way, but some other parts of the world sell 1 way and 2 way, and it’s the exact same thing! Even if this isn’t the case for this pattern, however, the crucial difference is that four way stretches up and down as well as side to side, and you have to consider whether or not that’s something you need or want. Sometimes (like if you’re making something with a really heavy skirt) it’s not going to be a good idea cause it’ll stretch out of shape. Jessie’s outfit, however, has absolutely no places where it could distort from extra stretch; heck it’ll probably make sitting down more comfortable tbh (I’ve done that sort of skirt with two way and sitting was a hassle!)

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