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

Posted by Unknown on 12:24 AM with No comments
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.

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 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.

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 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.




About the Author: