I love to wear corduroy skirts and I have made some corduroy dresses for my daughter too. What I have learnt is that 100% cotton non-stretch corduroy makes much nicer, better draping skirts and dresses than stretch corduroy. The stretch fabric often seems thicker and plusher but it just doesn't drape which you really need it too.
Compare these three Muriel farbenmix dresses in the linked photo above. The dark red dress, while very plush and velvety looking really sticks out when worn and is very stiff. The floral print dress is non-stretch and drapes well, which looks much better on.
Compare these two very similar skirts:
Simplicity 4188 in stretch corduroy was a total wadder.
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McCall 5429 in non-stretch corduroy is a joy to wear.
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I have learnt this the hard way. So if you want successful corduroy skirts and dresses, forget the stretch! |
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I have not sewn with corduroy in a long time, but when I do again, I will definately choose non-stretch! Thanks for a very helpful tip.
5/30/09 7:16 AM
Thanks, ClaireEmily. Once again, a few pictures are worth thousands of words!
5/30/09 7:57 AM
Thank you for this helpful advice. I hadn't realized that the lycra made such a difference in the drape of the fabric.
5/30/09 8:34 AM
From my experience, I totally agree.
5/30/09 9:04 AM
Very counter-intutive. Thanks for the heads-up!
5/30/09 10:50 PM
Thanks for the tip! Please give details on how you did the neck on the red. Is that ribbon? how did you get it so perfect? Thanks.
5/31/09 8:58 AM
The neckline on the dark red dress is a velvet ribbon. I stitched very carefully on the edge on each side, doing the outside (larger circumference) side first. I have to admit that I was surprised at how flat it sat, the ribbon must have had some give in it.
5/31/09 6:42 PM
Thanks for the tip - I'll remember this when using corduroy.
5/31/09 7:40 PM
Thank you, This is certainly useful to know.
6/2/09 9:43 PM