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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
About the Author:
Get a summary of important factors to keep in mind when choosing a fabric store and view our stretch velvet selection at http://www.fabricsinmotion.net right now.
