If you are working on sewing projects chances are you want to ensure that the textiles you are using will work well for your design. Some fabrics will not be suitable for certain projects. An experienced sewer will usually be able to tell whether a particular fabric will work but a beginning crafter may not. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether stretch velvet or other fabrics will be right for your project.
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.
Many materials have spandex or Lycra in them. This is great as it can allow them to move with your body. Many active wear designs will be made from this kind of fabric. If you are sewing something that is designed to expand you will need to make sure you are using a zig zag stitch rather than a straight one. This will allow the material to move properly. You may also want to serge the edges so they do not curl and warp.
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.
Care instructions and shrinkage are also things to consider when picking which fabric you will use. A garment that will be worn a lot will need to be cleaned frequently. Choosing material that can be washed multiple times is a good idea in this case. Most bolts of fabric will have care instructions printed on them so pay attention when picking your material.
Patterns have more information on them than just the shape of the pieces. They will include which materials you should use and what findings you will need. If you plan to buy all of the things you need at once it can make the sewing process much less frustrating.
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.
Many materials have spandex or Lycra in them. This is great as it can allow them to move with your body. Many active wear designs will be made from this kind of fabric. If you are sewing something that is designed to expand you will need to make sure you are using a zig zag stitch rather than a straight one. This will allow the material to move properly. You may also want to serge the edges so they do not curl and warp.
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.
Care instructions and shrinkage are also things to consider when picking which fabric you will use. A garment that will be worn a lot will need to be cleaned frequently. Choosing material that can be washed multiple times is a good idea in this case. Most bolts of fabric will have care instructions printed on them so pay attention when picking your material.
Patterns have more information on them than just the shape of the pieces. They will include which materials you should use and what findings you will need. If you plan to buy all of the things you need at once it can make the sewing process much less frustrating.
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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