Jumat, 15 Desember 2017

A Beginning Sewer's Guide To Working With Stretch Velvet And Other Specialty Textiles

By Brenda Powell


One of the most challenging things that a beginning sewer can do is to work with difficult fabric. Some material types are so slick and slippery that cutting and piecing them together can be hard. Others, like stretch velvet, may not be as difficult but may have properties that can make them harder to utilize. If you are looking for some tips and tricks working with different materials, here is what you need to know.

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.

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 are new to the world of sewing you may find fabric stores or forums to be intimidating but they don't have to be. Speaking with the staff can be a great way to find out more about your project and to pick up on tips and tricks that will make the crafting process smooth and stress free.




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