Lycra PBT Material - reviews?

[CamillaJayne]

I've come across the material Lycra PBT and was wondering if anyone had heard of it before, and if it is any good for making a tail?

Here are some properties:
- chlorine and salt resistant
- colour doesn't fade
- two way stretch
- lighter than lycra
- doesn't absorb water/repels water quickly
- goes back to original shape after extreme strain
- body hugging/form fitting
(taken from http://www.macrointlco.com/category/19/PBT.html)


Here is the link:
http://www.fabricuk.com/search.php?qry=pbt&Search=


Many thanks,
Camilla-Jayne

[Mermaid Arabella]

I've never heard of it, but my first reaction is to be careful when making tails out of a 2-way stretch fabric (instead of 4-way stretch). You'll need to make sure you cut the material in the right direction - you'll want the stretch across your body, as opposed to down the length of your tail. Depending on the direction of the stretch on the bolt, this might mean you'll need to make the tail in multiple pieces. :T

[UtahMermaidPearl]

Here's a link with some more information https://www.agonswim.com/fabrics/fabricInformationGuide.cfm

[CamillaJayne]

I've never heard of it, but my first reaction is to be careful when making tails out of a 2-way stretch fabric (instead of 4-way stretch). You'll need to make sure you cut the material in the right direction - you'll want the stretch across your body, as opposed to down the length of your tail. Depending on the direction of the stretch on the bolt, this might mean you'll need to make the tail in multiple pieces. :T



Thank you!!:D I didn't think of that

[CamillaJayne]

Here's a link with some more information https://www.agonswim.com/fabrics/fabricInformationGuide.cfm


Thank you!! That was very useful!!:D

[PearlieMae]

Two-way stretch can be a pain, and yes, have it stretch around, rather than long. I made a two-way stretch tail and instead of having side seams, I cut the fabric so it went 3/4 around, and for the 1/4 panel, I turned the fabric 90˚ so the stretch was lengthwise. The panel went down the back (the seams went down my legs like old fashioned stockings), and that way, I got the comfy stretch around, but was able to bend and sit without putting undue strain on the length of the tail.

That being said, I opt for 4 way stretch whenever I can, because even with the workaround, it's not as comfy.

[CamillaJayne]

Two-way stretch can be a pain, and yes, have it stretch around, rather than long. I made a two-way stretch tail and instead of having side seams, I cut the fabric so it went 3/4 around, and for the 1/4 panel, I turned the fabric 90˚ so the stretch was lengthwise. The panel went down the back (the seams went down my legs like old fashioned stockings), and that way, I got the comfy stretch around, but was able to bend and sit without putting undue strain on the length of the tail.

That being said, I opt for 4 way stretch whenever I can, because even with the workaround, it's not as comfy.


Thanks for the advice!! What material would you recommend?

[PearlieMae]

Spandex. Swimsuit material. Performance (dance) material. Make sure it stretches widthwise and lengthwise!

Don't get the kind with the metallic scales printed on, the holographic coating doesn't last and wears off after a swim or two.

Research Mernetwork for making fabric tails. There's TONS of resources here, if you use the search function!

[Mermaid Aria]

I have also seen people use scuba knit which thicker than spandex but not as much as neoprene

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