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.
If you are creating a garment that needs to be able to move or mold to your body you will want to make sure that it contains Lycra or spandex. Both of these materials will result in fabric that can twist and expand when needed while still sitting close to the body.
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.
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.
You may want to think about how easy a specific fabric will be to care for when choosing whether or not to use it in your design. If you know that you will be wearing a garment on a regular basis you may want to choose fabrics that are washable or are easy to care for in other ways.
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 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.
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 you are creating a garment that needs to be able to move or mold to your body you will want to make sure that it contains Lycra or spandex. Both of these materials will result in fabric that can twist and expand when needed while still sitting close to the body.
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.
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.
You may want to think about how easy a specific fabric will be to care for when choosing whether or not to use it in your design. If you know that you will be wearing a garment on a regular basis you may want to choose fabrics that are washable or are easy to care for in other ways.
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 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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