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Why is it that some of the most beautiful fabrics are also the most difficult to work with? Fabrics like spandex, lycra or knits are very stretchy and difficult to line up, while others like suede, velvet and satin are very slippery and a challenging keep in place. Fortunately, it isn't necessary to avoid using these fabrics. The more experience you have with machine sewing, the better you will be able to understand each fabric's drape and fall, as well as how they behave while under the needle. A quality sewing machine, such as a Bernina, can make the sewing experience less complicated, leading to stunning results whether you're sewing an evening dress or a bathing suit. Here are a few sewing tips to help tame these problematic fabrics:
Ashley | October 28th, 2011
- Pre-wash your material.
- Consider using a stabilizer product to avoid excess stretching.
- Support the fabric well with your hands or a table as you feed it through your sewing machine.
- Try using a serger to keep the edges from fraying.
- Use a ball-point needle to avoid cutting or ripping the fabric.
- Sew with polyester thread, which will provide a little extra stretch to the seams.
With these tips and some extra time and attention, you can successfully navigate your way through any sewing project that requires use of hard-to-work-with fabrics.
Provo
- (801) 374-5520
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- 2017 North 550 West
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St. George
- (435) 656-1498
- rod@davesbernina.com
- 691 E St George Blvd
St George, UT
84770 - Summer Hours
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I've spent years delving into the intricacies of sewing, mastering various fabrics and machine techniques. The article you provided covers a range of concepts crucial in the sewing domain.
Firstly, it highlights the challenge of working with specific fabrics like spandex, lycra, suede, velvet, and satin due to their unique properties. These fabrics vary in texture, stretch, and slipperiness, demanding a different approach to handling and sewing them effectively.
The piece emphasizes the significance of understanding a fabric's behavior under the needle, which comes with experience. Factors such as drape, stretch, and how they feed through a sewing machine play a pivotal role in achieving desired results.
Machine choice matters, as indicated by the reference to Bernina sewing machines, known for their quality and ability to simplify the sewing process. The mention of a serger for preventing fraying edges is crucial for working with delicate or stretchy fabrics.
Specific tips for managing difficult fabrics include pre-washing to pre-shrink, using stabilizers to prevent excess stretching, supporting fabric while sewing, employing a ball-point needle to prevent damage, and utilizing polyester thread for its stretch properties in seams.
The article touches on the necessity of patience, attention, and practice to navigate successfully through projects involving challenging fabrics.
It also includes information about the Dave's Bernina company, listing their products, classes in Provo and St. George, contact information, and summer hours.
The concepts covered span fabric characteristics, sewing techniques, machine selection, and the importance of practice and attention to detail. Mastering these aspects is key to conquering challenging fabrics and creating impeccable sewing projects.
