How to shorty-ize a full wet suit?

[Garrobo]

I've been wearing a full-length 3mm Henderson wet suit. I'm kinda short-legged to start out with and I had a few inches taken out at the ankles by a seamstress after I first started using it. This sewing is falling apart. Now I want to cut it off so as to expose my sholders and arms and maybe above the knees to get rid of the skid pads covering the knee caps. If I just cut it off with scissors will the thing start unraveling or will it stay put? All my diving will be in tropical waters of around 75-85 degrees so warmth isn't a problem. No, I don't want to buy another shorty.

 

[spectrum]

You should hem the edges or fold and glue a 1/2 inch fold inward. You can then add an extra coat of cement to bind the threads.

You can try to just cut and use, some grades of fabric are pretty well bound but time will probably catch up to it. Also remember that the slightest nick in an unreinforced opening is an invitation to tear.

I've been toying with doing a similar project.

Pete

 

[saltydawg]

You should hem the edges or fold and glue a 1/2 inch fold inward. You can then add an extra coat of cement to bind the threads.

You can try to just cut and use, some grades of fabric are pretty well bound but time will probably catch up to it. Also remember that the slightest nick in an unreinforced opening is an invitation to tear.

I've been toying with doing a similar project.

Pete

I have done many "home "repairs on suits while commercial diving the important thing to remember is to use black glue on the seams and thread, and the edges that were cut. I have even taken some cloth and cut two inch strips and glued them arround the the edge half on one side and folded over with half on the back side...

 

[munkispank]

if you wanna go hard-core on this, you can also buy lycra bias-binding from a fabric store (joann etc) and use this to bind the cut edge. I did exactly this. Gives a more 'professional' edge and if you stretch a little as you apply, then it will hug your skin better and prevent water leaking in. Depends how good you are with a sewing machine

 

[do it easy]

I would suggest wearing it while marking it so the cut will follow the right contours.

 

[diver 85]

I would suggest wearing it while marking it so the cut will follow the right contours.

IMO, excellent idea....Would hate to see him in a 'new' curved outfit......

 

[Buoyant1]

I would be conservative on your "edits" though....you can always take more off, but you can't add it back!

I dove with a guy in the Keys that wore a cut off Akona a year or so back...

 

[BRANDY]

I would suggest wearing it while marking it so the cut will follow the right contours.

He could end up with some DAISEY DUKES

 

[waterpirate]

while assisting another instructor for an open water pool training session, they all had big fun calling me the "james dean" of diving for cutting the sleaves off my white stag 6 mil, and letting the beaver tail fly.
Eric

 

[diver 85]

while assisting another instructor for an open water pool training session, they all had big fun calling me the "james dean" of diving for cutting the sleaves off my white stag 6 mil, and letting the beaver tail fly.
Eric

..................That was pretty........I bet.........