Sewing/Fabric
Terms[edit | edit source]
- Face
- the right side of the fabric
- Selvage
- finished edges
- Raw edge
- unfinished edges
- Grain
- the direction of the nap
- Nap
- Bias
- Warp
- Weft
- Bolt
Preparing Fabric[edit | edit source]
Always wash and press all fabric before sewing with it. New fabric will usually shrink a certain amount. Marking of patterns must be done on quite flat (well-pressed) fabric, as creases will distort the shape of the chalked pattern.
Types of Fabric[edit | edit source]
There are two groups of fabric, natural and synthetic. Synthetic fabrics are man made, while natural fabrics are either from a animal protein, like silk or wool, or a plant fiber, like cotton or linen. Fabrics can either be knit, or woven.
Natural fibers[edit | edit source]
Natural fibers are known to be more expensive than synthetic, but can drape beautifully and keep one cool in a way that synthetic fabrics often cannot.
Cotton Muslin[edit | edit source]
It is recommended that beginner in sewing get started with a cheap natural fiber such as cotton muslin. This is un-dyed unbleached cotton that is useful for making mock-ups and undergarments. It is a woven fabric so it has little stretch.
Cotton Jersey[edit | edit source]
Cotton jersey is a knit fabric. It is stretchy, soft, and does not wrinkle or pucker. It is another good beginner fabric, however it can be pricy. Its often used for activewear.
Cotton Flannel[edit | edit source]
Cotton Flannel is a warm, soft, medium weight fabric. Its weave is loosely spun. It's good for cold weather clothing.
Linen[edit | edit source]
A type of woven fabric made out of the flax plant. Very good for keeping cool in summer.
Wool[edit | edit source]
Wool is a protein fabric made from the hair/fleece of camels, goats, alpacas and other animals. It's very good for cold weather.