If you are just beginning to sew your own clothing or make other fabric items you may not be aware of the wide range of different fabrics that are available. Some, like stretch velvet, fleece or silk need to be handled in specific ways. If you have never worked with specialty fabrics here are some tips and tricks that may make it easier for you to do so.
Some fabrics drape and flow better than others. This is especially true of silk and some very thin types of satin. If you are using material that slides a lot you will need to make sure that you pin it securely prior to sewing it. The last thing you want is for the fabric to shift and move as it may mean that the pieces will not go together properly. Stiffer fabrics, on the other hand, may not have this same issue although you will still need to be careful if the surface is very slick.
If the fabric you use is stretchy you also need to handle it carefully. If you want it to fit properly, make sure you are not stretching it when you cut out the pattern pieces. You also need to make sure that you use a zig zag stitch and not a normal straight stitch as this can impact how the garment will fit you. The last thing you want is to burst a seam because the stitches cannot stretch with the fabric.
Thick fabric is also challenging albeit in different ways. Velvet with a thick pile may catch on a normal sewing machine foot. Tough materials such as leather may need special needles so that the machine can actually stitch them together.
Dressier fabrics will often have a certain amount of shine or glossiness to them. If you are making a dress or a blouse that will be worn to more formal events you may want to look for materials that have a shine to them. Of course, any fabric can be dressed up or embellished with sequins or trim but if you want an understated, elegant look then shinier fabric may be more appropriate.
Another thing to think about is what a fabric's care instructions are. This is especially true if you are mixing fabrics in the same piece or if you know that you will be wearing an item on a regular basis. If you will be mixing fabric types in one piece it can be a lot less problematic if all of the materials used have the same basic care instructions.
Patterns can give you a wealth of helpful information when it comes to working on a project. Pay attention to the material suggestions that are being made as well as any notions or embellishments that they want you to use. There may be suggestions about which machine foot to use, which stitch to utilize and which type of thread to use.
If you are new to the world of sewing you may find fabric stores or forums to be intimidating but they don't have to be. Speaking with the staff can be a great way to find out more about your project and to pick up on tips and tricks that will make the crafting process smooth and stress free.
Some fabrics drape and flow better than others. This is especially true of silk and some very thin types of satin. If you are using material that slides a lot you will need to make sure that you pin it securely prior to sewing it. The last thing you want is for the fabric to shift and move as it may mean that the pieces will not go together properly. Stiffer fabrics, on the other hand, may not have this same issue although you will still need to be careful if the surface is very slick.
If the fabric you use is stretchy you also need to handle it carefully. If you want it to fit properly, make sure you are not stretching it when you cut out the pattern pieces. You also need to make sure that you use a zig zag stitch and not a normal straight stitch as this can impact how the garment will fit you. The last thing you want is to burst a seam because the stitches cannot stretch with the fabric.
Thick fabric is also challenging albeit in different ways. Velvet with a thick pile may catch on a normal sewing machine foot. Tough materials such as leather may need special needles so that the machine can actually stitch them together.
Dressier fabrics will often have a certain amount of shine or glossiness to them. If you are making a dress or a blouse that will be worn to more formal events you may want to look for materials that have a shine to them. Of course, any fabric can be dressed up or embellished with sequins or trim but if you want an understated, elegant look then shinier fabric may be more appropriate.
Another thing to think about is what a fabric's care instructions are. This is especially true if you are mixing fabrics in the same piece or if you know that you will be wearing an item on a regular basis. If you will be mixing fabric types in one piece it can be a lot less problematic if all of the materials used have the same basic care instructions.
Patterns can give you a wealth of helpful information when it comes to working on a project. Pay attention to the material suggestions that are being made as well as any notions or embellishments that they want you to use. There may be suggestions about which machine foot to use, which stitch to utilize and which type of thread to use.
If you are new to the world of sewing you may find fabric stores or forums to be intimidating but they don't have to be. Speaking with the staff can be a great way to find out more about your project and to pick up on tips and tricks that will make the crafting process smooth and stress free.
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