Qualities Of Fabrics Explained
Topics: free sewing pattern, fashion designer, sewing pattern
Fabrics are ever new and an inspiration to one who sews. Each year, new developments in synthetic fibers and in the blending of synthetic and pure fibers offer many exciting variations in textures and designs.
It is often difficult to distinguish the fabrics of the natural fibers from those of synthetic or blended fibers.
Silk, linen, cotton and wool are made from natural fibers and are known as the pure fabrics. Silk fibers are from the cocoon of the silkworm, cotton fibers from the cotton plant, linen from the stem of the flax plant and wool fiber from the fleece of sheep.
Synthetic fibers, such as rayon, acetate, nylon, and Dacron (Dacron is a trademark for polyester fiber of the Dupont Company) polyester fiber, Orion (Orion is a trademark for an acrylic fiber of the Dupont Company) acrylic fiber, etc., are made into widely used fabrics. However, some of the most interesting and durable are made by blending natural fibers with synthetic fibers.
Widths vary, but are more or less standard for various types of fabrics. Cottons, linens, velveteens and corduroys are usually 35″ or 36″ wide. Silks are usually 39″. Nylons, rayon’s and other synthetics run from 39″ to 45″ wide. Wools generally run around 54″ or occasionally 60″ in width. Imported fabrics do not always conform to our measurements and may be as narrow as 27″.
When buying pattern and fabric, consider one in relation to the other: is the fabric right for the design, or the design right for the fabric? Also, are both design and fabric right for one’s figure type? There is a wide assortment of patterns and fabrics for every type. Keep in mind that vertical lines tend to make one appear taller; large plaids, bold prints, horizontal lines and fabrics with a definite sheen tend to make one appear larger.
Refer to the back of the pattern envelope for suggestions as to suitable fabrics, for width and yardage required and for findings necessary to finish the garment, such as interfacing, linings, trimmings, zippers, etc.
It is not always easy to tell the right from the wrong side of a fabric. But the way cloth is rolled or folded is a good clue. Cotton and linen usually come folded with their right sides out; while silk and wool have their right sides inside. If rolled on a bolt, the right side is usually inside. Napped fabrics are softer and fuzzier on the right side. If one side of a fabric is more lustrous than the other, the shinier is usually the right. The weave, too, gives many clues. The right side is more perfect and free from irregularities, rough spots, etc. The selvage is generally smoother. Solid colored cottons can generally be used on both sides.
Shrinkage of Fabrics
Although most fabrics are pre-shrunk, precautions can be taken against further shrinkage.
To shrink fabrics, first snip the selvage and be sure both ends are straight with the crosswise thread. Cotton and linen can be immersed in warm water. The fabric should be folded lengthwise and then crosswise several times. Soak for several hours. Do not crush fabric or wring it. Hang fabric lengthwise and allow to drip. While still damp, spread fabric, folded lengthwise, on a sheet on a flat surface. Smooth and straighten fabric bringing ends and selvages together. Before fabric is thoroughly dry, press with the grain of the fabric on the wrong side.
To shrink wool fabric fold it lengthwise and place on a flat surface. Cover with a damp sheet and fold the two together. Then cover with a dry cloth and let set for several hours. Spread the fabric out and straighten if necessary matching ends and the selvage edges. When fabric is thoroughly dry steam press lightly on wrong side pressing out center fold.
Now you know a little about the different fabrics, it is time to start sewing.
Discover Free Sewing Pattern Secrets And Become A Professional Dressmaker In Your Very Own Home!
Click here for FREE online ebook!
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Tuning Your Sales Pitch (1)
Instead, he uses a brotherly tone in talking to his prospects. He talks as a brother who wishes to act as a benefactor, and who wishes to render a service.
Tools For Making Fishing Lures (2)
If you already have a claw hammer, you can use it for many lure-making jobs. At least two saws will be needed. If you already have a hand saw it can be used for working with wood.
How To Understand The Qualities Of Color (3)
If one paints an object, he must keep in mind its shape and character as revealed by its color (hue, value and intensity) and texture. The light and shade on objects can be thought of as agents for the expression of shape and texture, as modifiers of color.
What To Do When The Bell Doesn't Ring (4)
The case of the transformer may feel very slightly warm to the touch. This is normal. It does not indicate overloading, but only the internal molecular friction of the iron core of the transformer as the alternating current goes through its periodic reversals.
4 Keys To Selection Of The Quarterback (5)
In order for the quarterback to gain absolute respect he must be fairly proficient in other phases of team play. It would be ridiculous for a single-wing quarterback to attempt to lead his teammates on offense, if he were deficient in blocking himself.
First Steps In Investing Explained (6)
They forget that a high degree of safety will always be coupled with a low rate of return and that this is a fundamental principle of all investment. Building and Loan Associations These are locally owned, privately managed thrift and finance corporations.
Life Secrets Of The Orchid (7)
Darwin immediately predicted that some day a moth with a proboscis at least twelve inches long would be discovered to be responsible for cross-pollination of this peculiar orchid. In time such a moth was found and was duly named Xanthopan morgani praedicta.
Discover The Beauty Of Cut Roses (8)
The more beautiful the integral parts of a floral arrangement, the easier it is to achieve a pleasing effect, but good arrangement of poorer material can often surpass less artistic handling of perfect specimen blooms.
Tools For Pottery Explained (9)
It is used for finishing surfaces and edges of pottery and sculpture. Cellulose complexion sponges can also be used. #7 Brushes. Several soft, hair brushes are needed for applying slip and glaze, and for mending.
Table Tennis: More Than Just A Pasttime (10)
In 1905, E. C. Goode of London introduced the rubber-faced racket, which made possible a variety of strokes and spins impossible with the primitive bat of the nineteenth century.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Handyman Techniques Explained (1)
Rather than trying to get the screw out, drive it deeper by hammering with a nail set. Then fill the hole with plastic wood and start with a new screw.
How To Learn Positive Traits In Home Business Success (2)
Topics: Home business, home based business, personal development, self development There are many positive traits of individuals who achieved great success in home business. As such individuals leverage on great resources in the information age such as internet to develop their business, one can learn greatly from them.
How To Clean Walls And Ceilings (3)
This is important because any water that dribbles down a soiled wall leaves a streak that is very difficult to remove. Use a light stroke and overlap each cleaned area.
Discover The Right Plants For Your Aquarium (4)
Plants like Amazon Swords grow best with a sub-sand filter when the roots are confined. Use small, shallow, cup-like planters, either under the sand or on top of it.
How To Begin At Golf (5)
Many have tried - and are still trying - but they cannot hope to improve unless they overhaul their swing completely because the swing habits they have formed are permanently ingrained within their muscle structure.
Understanding Prereading Skills For Preschoolers (6)
Practice in associating letter forms with their sounds. This is phonics. Parents may well leave this step to teachers, and merely reinforce the child's school learning by means of games like this: "I'll say three words: toy, tell, ten.
How To Set Up A Workshop For Furniture Making (7)
It has the necessary "give" and has insulating value against heat and cold. With your workshop set up thus, you are ready to start the important work of furniture making.
Exercises To Help With The Golf Backswing (8)
One such is Guy Wolstenholme, British Walker Cup player and now a professional. To counter the tendency to sway and to maintain the weight on the inside of the right foot he practiced with a golf ball wedged between the outside edge of the right foot and the ground.
How To Teach A Parrot To Talk (9)
You should then say over very clearly whatever sentence you wish it to learn, and, always. allowing a suitable interval between each, repeat this perhaps a dozen times. It is of the utmost importance that you should then leave the bird alone to think over what it has heard you say.
How To Prepare Hors D'Oeuvre (10)
More than most foods, an antipasto should appeal to the eye as well as to the palate, so a little time spent in making an attractive arrangement will be well worth while.