There are so many fabrics available that selecting the ideal material for a project is sometimes difficult, but it is worth taking the time to find your ideal fabric. Here are five of the best fabrics for making comfortable and stylish garments for yourself and the whole family.
Knits
Knits are ideal for many children’s clothes and for casual garments with a little stretch such as t-shirts. It is a good idea to test machine and needle settings on scraps of fabric before you start, and be careful not to stretch the fabric as you sew. Although not strictly necessary, it can be a definite advantage to use ball point pins as well as machine needles to avoid snagging or damaging the fabric.
Double Gauze
This dressmaking fabric consists of a double layer of gauze that is held together and stabilized in place by small stitches. Because it is loosely woven and breathes well, it is excellent for summer dresses and is really soft and easy to wear. The loose weave does make it slightly harder to sew, but with a little practice you will find that the overall result is worth it.
Voile or Lawn
These fabrics are both light and are similar in terms of how they should be treated. According to an article in the Mirror, the choice of fabric is the starting point for everything you make, so choosing a soft, floaty material like voile or lawn can make a standard dress pattern into something really special. Voile and lawn are quite stable and easy to sew, but if they are very sheer, they may benefit from a lining.
Rayon Challis
This fabric is silky and easy to sew, so it is ideal for summer garments. It does not fray too much and has the advantage of washing like cotton. You will find a selection of rayon fabrics and other dressmaking fabrics in a variety of patterns and colours available online from suppliers such as http://www.quality-fabrics.co.uk/dressmaking-fabrics-14-c.asp.
Cotton Linen Sheeting
Lightweight blends of cotton and linen make for fabrics that are easy to sew and to wear. They are similar in weight to quilting cottons but tend to drape better and are generally a little more flexible. These fabrics come in many different prints so that the clothes you create can really stand out from the crowd.
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