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 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.
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 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.
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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