How to Choose the Correct Fabric for Your Sewing Project |
Posted: July 11, 2016 |
Items to be worn, covered with, or laid upon are sewn every day. Choosing the right fabric for each project is necessary to ensure that the product will be durable and functional for its intended purpose. For clothing, pick fabrics that are comfortable to the touch and that move easily with the motions of your body. Consider the Item Being Sewn First The type of project you have, such as a shirt, dress, pair of pants or linens, will be one deciding factor in your fabric choice. For items that will receive the most abuse, such as pants, blankets and pillow covers, the fabric should be thick and made for heavy use. Lightweight fabrics, such as cotton and chenille, are ideal for dresses for wear in the spring, summer, and fall months. Popular fabric choices for blankets are cotton and fleece. For a blanket intended for cold winter months, wool or cashmere fabrics help hold heat close to the body, but still allow your body to breathe and be comfortable. Manufactured versus Natural Fabrics Natural fabrics are more attractive to buyers if you are working on projects to turn for profit. For personal use, it is a matter of personal preference. Natural fabrics tend to feel softer against the skin and are often lighter weight. Synthetic or manufactured fibers can cause skin irritation reactions or feel uncomfortable. Combining natural and synthetic fabrics adds durability to your finished product while maintaining a soft feel. Choose a Theme Just as important as the type of fabric is the theme or pattern. For clothing, most designers start with a central theme and build the apparel around it. For instance, a simple Jersey stretch-type material works well for tops, dresses, and bed linens. If you are working on table linens like placemats, cloth napkins and chair covers, an elegant design with neutral colors gives you more color options for accent pieces. Select Easy Care Options Creating sewn projects that are easy to care for and clean is ideal. Projects that require special laundering practices or dry cleaning only can cost more to keep clean than the cost of making them. When making items for use in your own home, consider fabrics with stain-resistance properties to slow down the staining process. It also helps keep the item in pristine condition for a longer period. Combining Multiple Fabrics When using multiple types of fabric for a single project, keep the weight and thickness of each fabric in mind. The product can be left with weak areas if thick materials on all sides surround thinner materials. Attempt to use fabrics that do not slide off one another so that the seams are secure. Final Word Sewing is a hobby that easily becomes a career. Sewing your own clothing and linens is also an ideal way to save money on fashion and home furnishings. Take the time to examine each piece of fabric you are considering and determine if it feels right, is durable enough, and will move as needed for its purpose.
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