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.
If you talk to an experienced tailor or seamstress, chances are there is one type of fabric that they hate working with. Often they may be frustrated when working with slippery materials that slide and move no matter how carefully they are pinned together. If you are working with fabric like this go slow when cutting it out and use sharp scissors so your cuts are nice and clean.
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.
Silk fabric can be beautiful to look at and very dressy but it needs to be handled gently. A sharp needle is best for this fabric because it will pierce cleanly and will not cause runs in the material. As this fabric can be quite expensive and runs will show up easily it is important to handle it properly when cutting and sewing it.
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.
Many beginning craft makers find it easy to rely on a pattern when making a garment or other item. If you are doing so, make sure to pay attention to the suggestions that are printed on the pattern. Don't be afraid to feel the different fabrics that are recommended so that you know what they feel like and can find textiles that have a similar feel to them.
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.
If you talk to an experienced tailor or seamstress, chances are there is one type of fabric that they hate working with. Often they may be frustrated when working with slippery materials that slide and move no matter how carefully they are pinned together. If you are working with fabric like this go slow when cutting it out and use sharp scissors so your cuts are nice and clean.
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.
Silk fabric can be beautiful to look at and very dressy but it needs to be handled gently. A sharp needle is best for this fabric because it will pierce cleanly and will not cause runs in the material. As this fabric can be quite expensive and runs will show up easily it is important to handle it properly when cutting and sewing it.
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.
Many beginning craft makers find it easy to rely on a pattern when making a garment or other item. If you are doing so, make sure to pay attention to the suggestions that are printed on the pattern. Don't be afraid to feel the different fabrics that are recommended so that you know what they feel like and can find textiles that have a similar feel to them.
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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