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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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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