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 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.
You should also give some thought to how warm a particular fabric will be. Heavier fabrics will generally be better at trapping heat. If you are making a garment that will be worn in warmer weather or which will be layered with other garments you may want to look for thinner, lighter fabrics. That way your garment will be more comfortable to wear.
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.
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.
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.
While some crafters choose to order their supplies on line this may not be the best option for a beginning crafter. Visiting a physical store can be a good idea as you can feel fabrics and speak to the employees about what textiles would be best for a particular project. Then, you can approach the work with more confidence and can create pieces that are beautiful and uniquely yours
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 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.
You should also give some thought to how warm a particular fabric will be. Heavier fabrics will generally be better at trapping heat. If you are making a garment that will be worn in warmer weather or which will be layered with other garments you may want to look for thinner, lighter fabrics. That way your garment will be more comfortable to wear.
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.
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.
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.
While some crafters choose to order their supplies on line this may not be the best option for a beginning crafter. Visiting a physical store can be a good idea as you can feel fabrics and speak to the employees about what textiles would be best for a particular project. Then, you can approach the work with more confidence and can create pieces that are beautiful and uniquely yours
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