The first step in planning a new sewing project is choosing the type of fabric you will use.
So, how do you select the suitable fabric? What are the steps involved? The truth is, this is not as easy as choosing your favorite fabric.
This article will discuss the process of choosing fabric and the decisions you need to make to achieve the right fit. This will help you gather the suitable raw materials to make the garment you want.
So, take a look!
Check Your Pattern
Most sewing enthusiasts make one common mistake: they try to follow a design they found online and not their imagination.
Ideally, you should evaluate the pattern before you start using it. These patterns will usually recommend a variety of fabrics or even one fabric. These patterns make your job a lot easier because you can follow the instructions to determine what fabric you should get and how much.
To get the best result, you should follow the fabric guidelines provided by your pattern. If you have to replace the fabric, make sure it is the same fabric as the design pattern recommends.
This will ensure that the fabric will fit and flow the same way.
Consider the Strength of the Fabric
You should also consider how strong the fabric is. This will vary depending on what project you are working on.
You will need a fabric to wash if you’re making something likely to see wear, such as a dress or tee. If you cannot wash the fabric often enough to keep it clean, it won’t be used.
A fabric like cotton or polyester is a good choice for these garments because they are durable fabrics that can hold up to a wash.
However, some fabrics cannot withstand regular washing or machine wash.
These won’t work if you are making a regular garment. You would have to wash and dry clean them constantly, which can be very inconvenient.
Although silk and taffeta are more challenging to wash, they can make great additions to outfits you don’t wear as often as other fabrics.
Pattern Sizes
Patterned fabrics are another option. They can bring a unique flair to your sewing project, which is not always possible with solid colors. If you don’t match your patterns correctly, your project can look messy and mismatched.
It is best to begin with larger patterns in your fabric. Because they are not as complex, these are easier to match and offer more flexibility. Once you are comfortable working with larger patterns, it is possible to experiment with fabrics with more intricate patterns.
It’s okay if you’re not comfortable matching patterns yet. You have many solid-colored fabrics to choose from to make your project look beautiful. You can eventually move to the patterned fabric as soon as you feel comfortable.
Consider What You Are Making the Garment For
The type of fabric you choose to use can be affected by the frequency with which you use the garment.
This is best illustrated by considering the weather for which you are making the garment. You might use wool or flannel if you want to make a winter sweater. They are thicker and can hold heat in.
A lighter cotton or linen fabric may be better for the sundress you’re making. You don’t want to use the wrong fabric or make it look sloppy. Nobody is going to be wearing a wool spring dress.
This tip is not to limit yourself to garments. You will need a specific quilting fabric if you want to make a quilt. You can also find different fabrics for other projects around the house.
A better example is to make sure you use interior and upholstery fabrics as needed. You won’t use the same fabrics to make a lampshade as you would for clothes if you use them to make it. When working on a project, consider how the fabric will be used and compatible with your project.
Final Word
No matter what fabric you choose for your sewing project, you can always give it a fine touch with some Easy Fabric Painting Ideas.
Remember, the goal is to create a fantastic piece and not to limit your imagination!
