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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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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