Tips On How To Buy Fabrics

The world of fabrics is more diverse than ever and it is easy to feel lost among all the extra choices.

Many of us choose fabrics based on the color and the patterns, however, if you want to have a successful project, you may want to care more than that. Technically, with the right techniques and tools, even the best sewing machine for beginners can handle a wide variety of fabrics.

Types Of Fabric

Natural fabrics include silk, cotton, linen, etc. Acrylic, Nylon, and Polyester are classified as synthetic. The last group is the combination of the two. All three categories can be made into garments but some are more suitable than others.

If the fabrics are loosely woven, you will have see-through projects but these are usually weaker.

The type of fabrics will decide how you should set up the sewing machine.

Colors

Whenever you buy a piece of fabric, always open it up to check for uneven spots and other imperfections.

Sometimes the color or patterns are faded in some places. If you see any piece like this, don’t buy it as it will probably fade even more after washing.

To test the fabric, take a handkerchief and damp it a little bit, and then rub the fabrics with it. If the color transfers to the fabric in your hand; that is something you don’t want to buy.

The color of the fabric is also important. The patterns or colors should enhance your beautiful features. Different colors will look different on the same person.

When shopping for fabrics, you want to see them in daylight rather than the time after sunset.

The light inside the shop can sometimes distort the true colors so make sure you check the fabrics where there is natural light.

By the way, recently I discovered a great list of basic sewing machines and coverstitch sewing machines, if you are interested, here is the guide on best starter sewing machine that will help you sew with ease.

Location And Suitability

Where you will use the garments will determine what material to use. For example, if you want to make a dress and bring it to the tropics, something that can absorb sweat and has good ventilation fits the bill. You don’t want to use wool to make a bikini, trust me.

The climate of the place also plays an important part. For those who live in a hot and humid zone, garments made from natural fabrics are the best choice. Anything thick or heavyweight will make you feel like melting inside out.

Shrinkage

How much a piece of fabric shrinks will determine how much you have to buy for a certain project.

The majority of fabrics shrink but they do at a different ratio. If you don’t have much knowledge in this, make sure you buy 10% extra on yardage just in case.

There are preshrunk fabrics on the market, which are another safe bet. They will have the “mercerized” or “sanforised” label on.

Like I said before, you can use any machine on any type of fabric. Mine is just a basic model but I am able to handle most of the most common kinds of fabrics. Want to know what I use? See here which is the best sewing machine for beginners and let me know which one you like.

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