Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Professional Sewing Machine Tools Part 2

Sewing Tools: Professional Sewing Machine Tools

point turner
  Sewing Machine Needles

 There are sewing needles that are specifically designed for a particular fabric, thread and stitches. When you use the right type of needle, you are also spared from skipped stitches, shredding and looping threads.

Point Turner
 A point turner is a hand-held, pointed plastic tool designed to poke into tight corners. For crisp, sharp corners and points, use this tool to push out the corners of collars and cuffs before pressing. The opposite end is flat or rounded; use it to hold open seam allowances while pressing, so you don’t burn your fingers.

basting tapeBasting Tape Basting tape saves you the hassle of hand basting using thread and needle.  Basting tape holds zipper, bias tapes and trims in place while stitching.      





 

Pressing Tools

tailors ham Tailor’s Ham

Resembling a ham, this pressing tool is used as a base or a mold when pressing curved or shaped seams.      

Needle Board A flat, flexible board with a bed of short needles placed very close together, a velvet board or needle board is used for pressing napped fabrics, such as velvet and corduroy, without crushing the fabric’s pile.  

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Professional Sewing Machine Tools Part 1

Fine tuning using professional sewing machine tools

Sewing tools are very important part of the sewing process. Although some sewing projects can be completed even without the sewing tools that we will discuss, as you enhance your skills and improve your projects, you will be needing these to make the sewing process simpler and better. You can sew and fine tune your projects with the use of the following sewing tools:

Cutting Tools

Needlework Scissors and Snips

 Small, 3"- to 5"- long needlework scissors or snips are very useful for clipping close to the stitching line or trimming intricate areas of a project.  You will need this too whenever your large bent-handled shears can’t reach some parts of your project. Snips have spring-loaded handles. Keep a pair alongside the sewing machine, at-the-ready to cut stray threads. Rotary Cutter Rotary cutters are ideal for straight cuts in one or more fabric layers. When choosing a rotary cutter, look for a handle that is comfortable. If possible choose blades than can be replaced easily. Rotary mats and rulers are made specifically for rotary-blade cutting, and the materials don’t dull rotary blades as other products might.  

Altering and measuring tools

French curve or fashion ruler

French curves have a variety of curves to mimic the body’s curves and are used when altering patterns. This is often useful when doing  length adjustment, but especially when changing the style of a garment. Grid Board A grid board when placed under the fabric and pattern helps you align the fabric grain while pinning and cutting. A  padded grid board on the other hand, allows you to pin into it when stretching or blocking fabric. There are those types that have ironing surfaces that are helpful for  fusing large fabric sections.  

Marking Tools

Fabric Marking Pens The disappearing ink allows you to mark most projects at the exact location needed—even on the fabric right side— without fear of staining or discoloration.

 Professional Sewing Machine Tools 2...

Monday, October 29, 2012

Sewing Machine Basics: Sewing Tools

Sewing Machine Basics: Sewing Tools

Even if you have the most expensive sewing machine without the basic sewing tools, you may find it difficult to finish your project. Our list is basic so personalize it for your needs.

Basic Sewing Tools

sewing machine kitPins

 When choosing your pins, look for smooth, sharp and rustproof pins that can bend without breaking. Most often, these range in lengths from 1/2" to 1 7/8".  Use different types for general sewing, quilting, working with silks or knits.

 Pincushion

 Pincushion, of course, keep you safe from pins.  The most known is the red tomato with an emery-filled strawberry, which sharpens and cleans pins and needles; a rectangular, wristband pincushion mounted on a plastic wristband that is perfect for pin-fitting and marking hems; and magnetic “grabber” types that make for easy plop-and-drop pin catching.

 Needles

There are many types of needles, and there are separate guidelines that give in-depth information on how to choose the correct one for your sewing project. For the most basic machine-sewing project, choose a universal or ball-point needle for knit fabrics, and a “sharp” for woven fabrics. Choose the size of the needle based on the weight of the fabric. For lightweight fabrics, choose a finer needle (lower numbers); for heavyweight fabrics, choose a thicker needle (larger numbers).

Tape Measure

Flexible fiberglass or fabric measuring tape that is ideal for taking body measurements, measuring patterns and layouts as well as general measuring. Fabric type measuring tapes tend to stretch after prolonged use.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Choosing Wool Fabric: Boucle Fabric

Choosing Wool Fabric: Boucle Fabric

Wool is from animal coats. There are two types of wool, woolen and worsted. Worsted wool is carded and combed and is usually superior in quality - strong, smooth and has luster. Worsted wool lasts longer and wears better, however they are harder to sew. Examples of worsteds: gabardine, tartans, wool challis, and worsted suitings. Woolens are woven from yarns that are made of shorter fibers. Because they are spun loosely, they are fuzzier and softer than worsted wool. Examples of woolens: boucle fabric, herringbone, hounds tooth, melton, wool flannel and wool tweeds.

How to Choose Wool Fabric

  • Look for moth holes and other imperfections.
  • Check if the fabric wrinkles easily. This can be done by squeezing the fabric.
  • Using your thumbnail, scrape the fabric. If it separates easily, this means that the fabric may not wear well and will ravel.

Wool Boucle Fabric

This fabric is loosely woven or knitted fabric, that has small loops (curls), which make the surface nubby. It is often used for vests, unlined and unstructured coats, and sweater looking garments. Moreover boucle fabric resists wrinkles. Fabric Preparation: Preshrink by holding steam iron over fabric, approx ½ inch, or dry-clean Layout/Cutting/Marking
  • Use the with nap layout, and cut single thickness.
  • Needles - Sharps size 80/12
Pressing Steam iron at wool setting, on wrong side, light pressure. Or, use wool ironing board cover; press with wool (boucle best) press cloth on right side. Boucle fabrics can be damaged very easily. To revive the texture, hold a steam iron 1 1/2” over fabric and steam generously.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

How to Care for Boucle Fabric

How to Care for Boucle Fabric

Boucle fabric, being blended with nylon, makes up a strong and durable fabric. However, like any fabrics, it is not immune to dirt, fading and stains. Therefore, you should learn how to care for your fabric.

Quick Notes on Caring Boucle fabric

Many boucle fabrics are dry clean only, especially wool boucle.  If your boucle fabric is washable: 1. Place the boucle fabric material in your washing machine and add soap or detergent. Set to delicate or gentle washing. 2. Fill in with cold water. When washing by hand, gently squeeze out excess water after washing. 3. Dry the item on a clothesline, drying rack or lay it on a large towel on a flat surface. 4. When ironing, set to wool setting. Iron until wrinkle free!

Other References for Boucle Fabric Care

Fashion Glossary: A Complete Guide to Fabrics www.bizchickblogs.com2/9/11 Plus, different fabrics require different care (we will be creating a cheat sheet for care in the upcoming glossaries in this series). ... Boucle: Knit or woven fabric created with repeated loops, giving it a textured surface.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

How to Sew Boucle Fabric

Sewing Boucle Fabric

The weave of boucle fabric can be loose or tightly woven. Between the two, loosely woven boucle is harder to sew. To work successfully with the fabric it is necessary to adjust your hand- and machine-sewing techniques to better accommodate the fabric.

How to Sew Boucle Fabric

1. Using a walking foot or roller foot on the sewing machine will greatly help when working with boucle fabric. This helps you in moving the fabric as you sew and the roller foot prevents the needle from catching on the open weave.

 2. Adjust the sewing machine stiteches at 2mm or 12 stitches per inch. If needed, adjust accordingly. Using a wide zigzag stitch will also help as this kind of stitch is less likely to catch on the open weave.

 3. Use size 70/10 -90/14 sharps and universals for the sewing machine.

 4. You can use any thread like cotton, polyester or a blend of them.

 5. Pin pattern pieces to the fabric as you usually do and don't forget to hand-stitch the hem using 5-7 hand sewing needles. 6. Sew accordingly.

Monday, October 22, 2012

What is a Boucle fabric?

Boucle Fabric: Definition

A boucle fabric is a heavy weight fabric made with boucle yarn. Boucle yarn has a length of loops of similar size which can range from tiny circlets to large curls. This fabric has the characteristic curly yarn finish similar to poodle cloth. Boucle is woven wool that combines two or more shades of a color to create texture. Depending on the weave, the weave varies from loose to firmly woven.   boucle fabric

How to make boucle fabric

To make bouclĂ©, at least two strands are combined, with the tension on one strand being much looser than the other as it is being plied, with the loose strand forming the loops and the other strand as the anchor.   Wool Coat Textures Outerwear pieces are the best way to accentuate your fashion style during the Fall chill. With pressed boucle & tweed, we are feeling texture this fall! Boucle (pronounced "boo-clay") is a French word meaning "to curl".

Friday, October 19, 2012

How to Buy a Sewing Machine

Whether you are upgrading your sewing machine, or it is your first time to buy, surely you have set your standards on what kind of sewing machine you want. If you have not yet done so, here is how to buy your sewing machine.

Buying a Sewing Machine

http://info.fabrics.net/how-buy-sewing-machine/
  1. Determine your sewing needs. What specific fabric are you often going to sew? Do you sew only medium-weight fabrics, or going for an upholstery and outdoor gear. Are you planning to do machine embroidery or quilting? What is your budget for a new sewing machine?
  2. Ask sewing friends about their machines. It is better you ask friends who already own a sewing machine. They have the experience and preferences on how to make a good buy.
  3. Test Run. It is recommended to do a test run when looking for a sewing machine. This way, you know how it works. Does it work smoothly, or have some noises? Sew different stitches and use different fabrics.
  4. Needle Nuances. Many machines allow for adjusting needle positions from left to right. This helps create an accurate seamline and is helpful for top stitching and zipper insertion as well. Many also allow you to stop the needle consistently up or down if you choose.
  5. Foot Notes. Check how many feet come with the machine. You'll need an all-purpose foot (often called a zigzag foot), and one for blindhemming, buttonholes and zipper insertion.
  6. Thread Tactics. Try sewing on the machine with some novelty threads and see how it performs.
  7. Weighty Matters. How much does the machine weigh? Do you have a place to leave the machine set up all the time, or will it need to come down after each sewing session?
  8. Speed Settings. Check the machine still retains its full power at the slower speeds.
  9. Special Functions. Does it have special functions like having  a memory or adjust the presser foot pressure, or will allow for adjustments only in pre-set increments.
  10. Warranty. What type of warranty does the machine have?
  11. Trade up policy or financing.  If you require financing, are there plans available from the dealer? What are the terms compared to what you can find elsewhere?
The pointers mentioned above are only some suggestions on how to make a good buy. The rule of the thumb is, find a sewing machine that will address your sewing needs at a reasonable price.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

How to Make Poplin Shorts

How to Make Poplin Shorts

It's very convenient to buy your clothes at the mall. But it will be satisfying to create your own. Below is a video on how to make a pair of poplin shorts! Fabric used:  Stretch poplin 97% polyester 3% spandex

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Poplin vs Twill

Difference between Poplin and Twill

poplinPoplin bears a smoother texture but similar weight to Oxford, the result of a fine yarn running one way with a thicker one interweaving it. It is soft and comfortable, and often used in more casual shirts. Colors find themselves easily at home here, and it takes sporty patterns especially well.








twillTwill. Meanwhile, twill, a shimmery diagonal weave, makes for richly textured shirts without sacrificing formality. In herringbone twill, the direction of the diagonals switches back and forth every quarter inch or so, giving the fabric even more depth. When occasion or whim calls for a solid shirt, twill plays the role with panache.






Poplin Polyester Blend

Both poplin and twill are available as cotton or polyester and a blend of both. Polyester blend is less expensive, however, they may not be as smooth as the cotton type. The good thing about the polyester version however is, it can be worn without ironing.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Difference between Poplin and Broadcloth

Poplin vs Broadcloth by definition

broadclothpoplinPoplin is a strong fabric in a plain weave of any fiber or blend, with crosswise ribs that typically gives a corded surface. Poplin traditionally consisted of a silk warp with a weft of worsted yarn. As the weft is in the form of a stout cord the fabric has a ridged structure, like rep, which gave depth and softness to the lustre of the silky surface. It is now made with wool, cotton, silk, rayon, or any mixture of these, though originally made from silk. The ribs run across the fabric from selvage to selvage. Poplins are used for dress purposes, and for rich upholstery work. They are formed by using coarse filling yarns in a plain weave. Shirts made from this material are easy to iron and do not wrinkle easily.      


Broadcloth, on the otherhand, is a dense woolen cloth. Modern broadcloth can be composed of cotton, silk, or polyester, but traditionally broadcloth was made solely of wool. The dense weave lends sturdiness to the material.            



Difference between Poplin and Broadcloth

Poplin is lightweight fabric with a fine smooth weave and texture with a certain crispness. Broadcloth would have a somewhat coarser texture and softer feel and may be a bit thicker. Broadcloth, a fabric whose weave is very similar to poplin except more densely packed, is one of the most formal shirting for day-to-day wear. End-on-end broadcloth is that made by interweaving threads of alternating colors for a visual texture so subtle it appears solid from an arm’s length away. Thanks to its tight weave, this cloth displays patterns with exquisite precision.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Why choose to use Polyester Poplin?

Why choose to use Polyester Poplin?

Poplin  has been used since the 15th century and was been named for the Papal residence in France. During that time, it was normally made of silk. But because of its material being expensive it has evolved to several materials which include cotton, wool and polyester.
polyester poplin

This fabric is a strong fabric made in plain weave with crosswise ribs that gives its corded surface. Poplin made of cotton or wool is very suitable for winter wear. Meanwhile, polyester poplin because it is a softly texture wrinkle-resistant fabric with a beautiful draping quality, it is being used for event and promotions. The good thing about this polyester fabric is being wrinkle resistant. Moreover, most of this type of fabric is flame resistant and machine washable.

Fabric Care: Polyester Poplin

Polyester poplin is easy to handle and care. Machine wash in cold water. Machine dry at low temperature and remove as soon as the cycle is complete. If ironing is needed, use a moderately warm iron.  

More about Polyester Poplin

Fabrics Blog: Polyester Poplin Fabric Characteristic
fabricsnet.blogspot.com
10/1/12
 The ribbed surface makes this material heavy and durable. The term poplin originates from papeline, a fabric made at Avignon, France, in the 15th century. Because of the fabric characteristics, it is often used in medical and ...
  Land's End Canvas Plaid Poplin Shirt | Great Lakes Prep
Instead opt for a lightweight option like poplin in darker colors to match the fall palette but still stay comfortable. Keep the flannel close for those cold nights but for the still warm days consider the Plaid Poplin Shirts by Land's ...
  Peach Poplin Shorts and Parfaits Who remembers 8th grade homemaking class? I sure do. My teacher used to play a motivational tape by Zig Zigler in the background as my friends and I worked together to cook and create. I remember learning to make ...
   Thurlow Sew-Along - Choosing Your Fabric - LLADYBIRD   What I like about this pattern is that it can be made in a multitude of fabrics to cover every season – not to mention that every pair has the potential to look completely different. Yellow/White Polka Dot Cotton Poplin You can play it safe with a subtle print or even a solid color.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Silk Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress

Silk Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress Designs

Silk chiffon is one of the fabrics that can offer lustrously textured finish that falls elegantly across a gently draped bodice. When taking care of your silk chiffon bridesmaid gown, it is better to have it dry cleaned. silk chiffon bridesmaid dress

There are a lot of designs and styles that you can use for a silk chiffon bridesmaid gown. Some are one shoulder neckline, A-line, convertible, empire waist, peplum, halter and strapless. You should find the design that would enhance the assets of your body.

Silk Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress Videos

A-Line Strapless Knee-Length Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress Bridesmaid Dresses. A-Line Strapless Knee-Length Chiffon Elastic Silk-like Satin Bridesmaid Dress Product Main Fabric: Chiffon, Elastic Silk-like Satin Embellishment: Pleated, Ruched, Bows Inner...

Sheath / Column Strapless Long Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress  Bridesmaid Dresses Style: Sheath / Column Strapless Long / Floor-Length Chiffon Elastic Silk-like Satin Bridesmaid Dress Main Fabric: Chiffon, Elastic Silk-like Satin Embellishment: Split, Ruc...

A-Line Sheath Strapless Sweetheart Long Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress Bridesmaid Dresses Style A-Line Sheath / Column Strapless Sweetheart Long / Floor-Length Chiffon Elastic Silk-like Satin Bridesmaid Dress Main Fabric: Chiffon, Elastic Silk-like Satin Embelli...

Friday, October 12, 2012

Silk Chiffon Wedding Dress

Silk Chiffon Wedding Dress

If you have a long time boyfriend, you might expect that he is the person you want to marry. Planning out for a wedding can be tedious and stressful especially if you are not prepared enough. It may come to a point that you will be trying on several dresses and you will find them all suitable for you! This is the dilemma you want to avoid. One thing you should consider about wedding dresses is not only the style and design but also the fabric you intend to use. A silk chiffon wedding dress should be one of your best options. A silk chiffon wedding dress could do wonders for your wedding. The flowing drape with added softness of silk chiffon reflects a romantic and feminine side of a woman. Here are some of the best silk chiffon wedding dress designs to suit your style preferences.

Silk Chiffon Wedding Dress Designs

  silk chiffon wedding dress

 BOHEMIAN INSPIRED WEDDING DRESS  

 This Bohemina inspired silk chiffon dress has a modern look that features an elegant off-the-shoulder, draped neckline, fitted bodice with slight drop waist. The front draped skirt with its sheath silhouette adds romance to the dress.            

silk chiffon wedding dresses

Wedding Dress made from Silk Chiffon

 This sheath silhouette is achieved in asymmetrically layered Silk Chiffon. A playful fly-away bodice overlay adds movement and elegance while a Silk Charmeuse waist sash pulls this sassy, romantic look together.              

Other Samples of Silk Chiffon Wedding Dresses

Cut a shapely figure - Wedding Style Guide Blog
  weddingstyleguide.blogspot.com
10/8/12

 Nicole Kidman's wedding dress followed this comfortable empire line in a cloud of french lace and silk chiffon, with an up to the minute micro-pleated sleeve detail. Mini Short is back for perky brides, the knee length shows off ...

  Wedding Dress: Hayden Panettiere Red Silk Chiffon Long Sleeve ... magnificantcelebritydress.blogspot.com
9/5/12

Lighting all the carpet that Hayden Panettiere in this red celebrity dress at Vanities 20th Anniversary Party red carpet. Hayden Panettiere Vanities 20th Anniversary Party red dress was from Gucci Fall 2011 silk chiffon gown. Hayden Panettiere ...

  Maxstudio Crinkled Silk Chiffon Tiered Dress
  bridalgownsweddingdresses.blogspot.com
9/17/12

Maxstudio Crinkled Silk Chiffon Tiered Dress with best price and finish evaluation from a variety item for all item.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Creative Ideas: Sewing Silk Chiffon Purse

How to Make Silk Chiffon Purse

Silk Chiffon is one of the best fabrics you can use for a glamorous purse to partner with your gown. This fabric can create a luxurious finish. Below is a video to help you make a silk chiffon purse. You will need the following materials to create one.
  1. Thread
  2. Needle
  3. Fabric Sheers
  4. Pins
  5. Seam Ripper
  6. Sewing Machine
  7. Hot Glue Gun
  8. Rotary Cutter (optional)
  9. Self Healing Mat (optional)
  10. Large Ruler (optional)
  11. Materials
  12. All materials were bought from Hancock Fabrics unless stated otherwise.
  13. Satin ¼ yd.
  14. White Cotton ¼ yd.
  15. Lace & Chiffon ¼ yd. each
  16. Pearls/Rhinestones (optional)
  17. Chain (Old purse from a thrift store with chain)
  18. Zipper 9 inch

Other References to Create Silk Chiffon Purse

How to Make a silk chiffon handbag inspired by BluGirl « Fashion
  fashion.wonderhowto.com
7/1/10
Tired of carrying that purse around while you are trying to have a conversation or dance the night away? How about a cute little handbag to swing around while you maintain your social life. In this video, you'll learn how to make a silk chiffon ...

How-To, Silk Chiffon Flower Hand Bag : Secretlifeofabionerd ...
  clothes.specialvalueproducts.com
9/5/12
 Lace & Chiffon ¼ yd. each Pearls/Rhinestones (optional) Chain (Old purse from a thrift store with chain) Zipper 9 inch. Disclaimer: All items were purchased with my own money unless stated otherwise. Music: The Flight New ...
  and some great floor length silk chiffon numbers to close | 21st ... 21stcenturypoets.com9/5/12 and some great floor length silk chiffon numbers to close. Sep 5, 2012 at 3:34 PM in Poetry. Although it provides considerabl less home in comparison to the luggage on top of, them doesn include the bulk in addition to landed consider one ...

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Silk Chiffon Dress

Silk Chiffon Dress Designs

Silk chiffon fabric is a lightweight fabric that can offer sheer and elegant drape with fluidity. This is one of the best fabrics you can use especially if you are choosing your cocktail dress. Chiffon is most commonly used in evening wear, especially as an overlay, for giving an elegant and floating appearance to the gown. It is also a popular fabric used in blouses, ribbons, scarves and lingerie.

Silk Chiffon Dresses

Here are some dress designs you can deal with your tailor for your best cocktail outfit.  

COBALT BLUE ONE SIDED SILK CHIFFON DRESS

silk chiffon dressEthereal and elegant,this silk chiffon dress makes a radiant style statement, perfect for your most festive affairs. One shoulder with gold-toned sequin and bead embellishment, inside zip and hook-and-eye closure, silicone band around the back for hold. Softly tailored fit. Team with jet black accessories and sparkling fine jewelry.               SILK CHIFFON WRAP FRONT DRESS silk chiffon dressCream and pale-taupe printed sheer silk-chiffon. D-ring fastening cuffs, plunge crossover front, pleats from waist, detachable slip to line. Concealed hook fastening at front, internal tie fastening. 100% silk. Dry clean.                 Stunning Black Silk Chiffon Strapless Cocktail Dress And here's a red-carpet-worthy little black dress that is simply to die for!  An incredibly dressy and ultra-feminine stra... Strapless Silk Chiffon Dress w/ Jewel Detail  This strapless silk chiffon dress has been embellished with jewel for a simple yet elegant look.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Sewing With Silk Chiffon

How to Sew Silk Chiffon

  Silk chiffon works best for loose tops, flowing dresses and pants. Make sure that you are in control when you work with silk chiffon. This fabric is sometimes hard to handle.  

Pre-shrinking the Fabric

Pre-shrinking is not necessary when you work with silk chiffon. When sewing with this fabric, hold onto top and bobbin threads when you begin sewing to prevent it from pulling down into bobbin. Let fabric feed in naturally.  

Washing Silk Chiffon

Completed garment can be dry-cleaned.   Fabric Tips and Tricks
  • When choosing the thread, use silk or polyester thread.
  • Press with a dry iron on silk setting. Make sure iron is clean. Steam can cause water spots if your steam iron leaks.
  • Test your stitch length on scraps of your fashion fabric cut at the same angle as the seams you will be doing.
  • With some fabrics, and especially with fully bias-cut garments, it is best to use a very tiny zig-zag stitch to sew your seams.
  • Use directional sewing:  sew from the hem, up to the waist.  If you sew down a seam you sew into the grainline, and stretch it.  If you are using French seams, be sure to use directional sewing for both seams.
  • Carefully guide your fabric through the machine.  Make sure not to stretch it as you sew.
  • Use French seams on lightweight silk garments.  This help stabilize the seams, and helps keep them from warping.
OTHER REFERENCES
Sewmentalmama: Sewing with chiffon sewmentalmama.blogspot.com9/9/12 This was my second time sewing with silk chiffon and I was surprised at how much more confident I was. ... The dress is also lined in silk, which I sewed separately to the chiffon, then joined at the armholes, neckline and zip. Sewing With Silk Chiffon | Power Sewing www.powersewing.com4/30/11 Silk Chiffon has a mind of its own. Do not attempt to work on this fabric when you are under time pressure. You and the fabric will end up in a standoff!

Monday, October 8, 2012

Sewing Tips: Silk Chiffon Fabric

Fabric Tips: Sew on Bias of a Silk Chiffon

Sewing can be a bit tricky and hard especially for thin and lightweight fabrics. Even the best seamtress would become crazy if these fabrics are not prepared properly. Here are some tricks to sew on the bias of the grain, either with a bias cut garment, or with a skirt cut with multiple A-line panels, especially for silk chiffon fabric.

Cutting Silk Chiffon Fabric

  1. Make sure that you have enough work space to work your fabric. Make sure that your space is big enough so that you won’t have to move it to cut out all your pieces.
  2. Lay your fabric piece over tissue paper to cut then cut the fabric and the tissue as one. This helps keep your fabric from shifting and warping as you cut it, and means you will know exactly what size the piece should be.
  3. Use fabric weights to keep your fabric in place and prevent it from moving.
  4. Cut each fabric individually.
  5. Use serrated scissors or a rotary cutter to cut your fabric. These cut without as much slipping.

Preparing the Fabric

Pin and Baste. Use fine silk pins. While basting can be time consuming, it saves you from having to redo.  
Continue SEWING SILK CHIFFON...
 

Sunday, October 7, 2012

What is Silk Chiffon?

Definition: Silk Chiffon

Silk Chiffon fabric is a very lightweight, sheer, flat-crepe textured silk with a dull, soft finish. Often seen in overlays for evening gowns. Excellent for shawls or scarves where a floaty look is desired.

Image via Flickr
Because this fabric is lightweight, it is necessary that a layer of tissue paper is applied when sewing two pieces together. This will keep the fabric together and in place. After sewing, the tissue paper can be easily removed. As a general rule, sewers should work slowly and steadily with this fabric, taking care not to run it through a sewing machine too quickly or it will bunch and gather.

Sewing Silk Chiffon for Pants

When sewing silk chiffon for pants, the garment should be one-third to on half larger than your hip measurement and one quarter to one third larger than your bust measurement. If your hips are 40 inches, full pants need to measure 53-60 inches. for a 36-inch bust, the garment should measure 44 to 48 inches. When sewing with this fabric, hold onto top and bobbin threads when you begin sewing to prevent it from pulling down into bobbin. Let fabric feed in naturally.  

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Sew with Poplin

How to Sew Poplin Fabric

poplin

Poplin is one of the most versatile fabric you can play with. It can be made from cotton or polyester and while it is thin, it is very durable. This gives you the freedom to do almost anything that you want from it.

Being wrinkle-free, it has high demands for uniforms, outdoor uses and even as table skirt! Poplin fabric is easy to sew because you do not need any special thread or needle to do the job.  

 1. Lay your fabric flat on the table. Smooth out the fabric and get rid of any wrinkles. 2. Pin your pattern pieces to poplin fabric. It would be easy to do so since it will not slide around. 3. Follow your pattern's directions for sewing your garment.  Iron any seams according to the pattern's directions. 4. Try on your garment. Make any adjustments to the fit as necessary. Poplin looks best when tailored well with crisp, clean lines.  

Other References on How to Sew Poplin

Spoonflower blog - Fabric Project Ideas http://blog.spoonflower.com/Sep 24 Layer the poplin, backing, and batting together in one "sandwich" in this order: Batting on the bottom, then backing with right side facing up, then poplin with right side facing down. I used 2 yards of Spoonflower cotton poplin printed with my daughter's choice of Heidi Kenney's Bunny Bunch design. Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing - Pink Floral Wiggle Dress http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/May 29 First, it's made from this really lovely pink floral cotton poplin, marked Ascher Studio in the selvage (just like this other floral dress I made). I just sewed two pieces of fabric into a rectangle, leaving a space to turn them right sides out. Then, I closed up the hole by hand sewing.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

How to skirt a table using poplin

How to skirt a table using poplin

  For best table skirting, you need to prepare poplin fabric, table skirt clips, and table topper. Here is how to do it:

Steps how to do table skirting

  1. Empty the table with anything and place your table topper.
  2. Put the clips over the edge and topper. Place one foot in between clips.
  3. Attach your skirt to the first clip. If you have a plain poplin fabric, you need to use a different clipper like thumbtacks or pushpin. Slowly work your way around the table and attach the skirting to the remaining clips.
 

Video References on Table Skirting

How To Skirt a Table. This video will show you how to skirt a table with a tablecloth if you do not have a table skirt How to Make a Table Skirt for Decorative Tables Worry-Free Decorator Tables Here: www.readytocover.com Proudly Made in the USA Learn how to make your own table skirt with this 10 minute instructional video from a 22 year master seamstress. Features ReadyToCover.com decorator tables Blissful Events and Weddings: Special tiered table skirt ourblissevents.blogspot.com9/17/12 Special tiered table skirt. So excited, had my auntie sew this table cover for us, it was a success!! Love it, so girly & fun. Used it for a baby shower, mom to be is having a baby girl of course! Posted by ourblissevents at 4:36 PM ...

Monday, October 1, 2012

Polyester Poplin Fabric Characteristic

Poplin Characteristics

The 100% polyester poplin is an extremely functional material. It features a bit rigid drape and horizontal ribbing. This fabric is easy to iron as well as wrinkle-resistant.
poplin
Image via Flickr
The ribbed surface makes poplin heavy and durable. The term poplin originates from papeline, a fabric made at Avignon, France, in the 15th century. Because of the fabric characteristics, it is often used in medical and professional uniforms, for pants, shirts, pajamas, sportswear, upholstery and other home decor.  

Poplin Fabric Care

To care for poplin fabric, machine wash in warm water, tumble dry on a medium setting, then remove promptly.  

Other Useful References About Poplin

Dressed Up & Down featuring Townsend Smith - Shorts - TheStyleBlogger http://www.thestyleblogger.com/

Again sticking to lightweight fabrics here with a linen herringbone jacket, unlined chambray shorts, gingham poplin shirt and silk knit tie. Fabric swatches are great because you can hand pick from endless colors and patterns and they are free from just about any fabric shop. Pocket Square is a sample Fabric Swatch.

  FairyFace Designs - Little Apples Stained baby quilt http://fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.com/ The other thing I learned when making this quilt was not to use lightweight cotton/poplin for sashing. The yellow is much lighter than the Little Apples fabric, and this did cause me some problems piecing the blocks together, and particularly when basting, it stretched like mad in the strangest of places.