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.
One thing to consider is how well the fabric drapes and flows. Some fabrics may be too stiff for certain projects while others may not have the kind of structure needed to get a garment or other fabric item to look right. Generally, materials like thin silks and satins will flow better and will drape more nicely while thicker cottons, corduroys and brocades may be stiffer and have more structure.
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.
If you are working with thick fabric or one that has a high pile you will need to make sure that you are using a different foot that will not catch or dig into the material. Some fabrics will also work best if you use a ball needle rather than a sharp one. If you are not sure which foot or needle to use you may want to read your sewing machine guide.
If you're sewing a delicate fabric like a silk or a satin you may also need a special needle and foot. You will want to make sure that the needle pierces the fabric cleanly so that it doesn't make the material run or tear. Knit fabrics usually work best when being sewn with a needle that has a ball point rather than a sharp tip.
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 have a project you want to complete but are truly at a loss for what you need to do so, it may be a great idea to start your buying at a fabric store or sewing shop. The staff can give you tips and hints that will make the construction process a much less stressful one. It can mean the difference between a beautiful garment you will love to wear and a project that is a source of frustration to you.
One thing to consider is how well the fabric drapes and flows. Some fabrics may be too stiff for certain projects while others may not have the kind of structure needed to get a garment or other fabric item to look right. Generally, materials like thin silks and satins will flow better and will drape more nicely while thicker cottons, corduroys and brocades may be stiffer and have more structure.
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.
If you are working with thick fabric or one that has a high pile you will need to make sure that you are using a different foot that will not catch or dig into the material. Some fabrics will also work best if you use a ball needle rather than a sharp one. If you are not sure which foot or needle to use you may want to read your sewing machine guide.
If you're sewing a delicate fabric like a silk or a satin you may also need a special needle and foot. You will want to make sure that the needle pierces the fabric cleanly so that it doesn't make the material run or tear. Knit fabrics usually work best when being sewn with a needle that has a ball point rather than a sharp tip.
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 have a project you want to complete but are truly at a loss for what you need to do so, it may be a great idea to start your buying at a fabric store or sewing shop. The staff can give you tips and hints that will make the construction process a much less stressful one. It can mean the difference between a beautiful garment you will love to wear and a project that is a source of frustration to you.
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