So, you have decided to take on a sewing project; the first thing that comes to mind is the type of fabric to use. Making this choice isn’t going to be as easy as just picking out your fabric. After all, your favorite fabric might just be wrong for the project you have in mind.
Let’s give you a detailed insight into what to consider when selecting the right fabric and the choices that would fit.
Read till the end, and you can be sure you would have the perfect raw material for whatever project you want to start working on.
Before Picking Out The Fabric, You Should:
-
Think About The Strength of The Fabric
This is an essential consideration you would want to think about – how durable the fabric is. When going for casual wear, something that would be worn regularly, you would most likely prefer a fabric that you can easily wash often without it losing its quality.
For this purpose, fabrics like polyester or even cotton would be ideal, because you can wash them regularly, and they will still look as good as new.
Other fabrics cannot withstand regular washing, such as silk, and should not be used to sew everyday wears. But if you plan on sewing outfits that won’t be worn regularly – evening dresses – then it would be a great addition.
-
Check for Pattern
This point is majorly for you if you are planning on sewing an outfit you saw online. It would help if you knew the exact fabric used because some of the patterns might require a specific type of fabric.
But, if you plan on using something different, then ensure that it is at least similar, so you can get the end result your pattern promises.
For instance, if you are going for a pattern that requires you to use velvet, and you end up using linen, condition your mind that you are about to achieve something entirely different, and just hope it is wearable. So this is a significant factor to look into.
-
Keep in Mind the Difficulty Level
This is also especially true if you are a beginner. You shouldn’t go for a fabric you might not be able to work with. Let’s face the truth, some fabrics even pose a challenge to professional or advanced sewers, so it’s important to select something you can easily maneuver until you have gained more experience.
Here is a little tip; you might want to steer clear from silk, I understand that it looks beautiful, but its slick texture, makes it challenging to work with.
Are you looking for beginner level fabric? You can go for cotton, linen, cotton-linen blend, or any light to medium weight fabric.
-
What Are You Making the Outfit for?
The same way, you have to consider how often you are wearing the garment; you also need to know what you are using it for.
For instance, if you want to sew a winter sweater, it isn’t wise to use a linen fabric, and also, you can’t use fabrics like flannel or wool to make that perfect sundress you want. Mismatching of fabrics is a no-no, and would eventually make your outfit look absurd.
Regardless of whatever type of project you want to do, consider the kind of fabric, and be sure that it fits your project.
- Are You Getting it Online or In-Store
We are in a modern age, so it’s understandable if you want to stay in the comfort of your home and order your fabrics online. There is nothing wrong with that, but mistakes in choosing the right fabrics might occur.
When buying your fabrics online, you get to miss out on the opportunity to feel it yourself, of course, we know that most online shops have information on their fabrics, it is still different from a physical shop.
It might be a better alternative to buy at a physical store for beginners, and even some advanced seamstresses still prefer this option. However, you can use online stores to restock on fabrics you have previously worked with, that way you can be sure you are getting precisely what you want.
Finally, make sure you buy enough fabrics for the project you want to start.
