ahrizel
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Date: 12/4/12 9:19 AM This is going to be my first experience sewing with stretch velvet. I've made one knit top before, but just a cotton rib knit fabric. I'm planning on using McCalls 6390 for the top and attaching a gathered skirt to it to make a basic tshirt dress. It's a poly stretch velvet, which should make a comfy dress for her. But any tips that would make this better, or a better pattern suggestion would be great.
Mary |
beauturbo
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Date: 12/4/12 2:17 PM I think that would be a good pattern match up to the fabric and would look and be great. And just easy washable for kids too, as can just go in the washer and dryer then. Just make sure you cut it all out with the nap of the stretch velvet going in the same direction and the direction you decide you want there, since if you don't the difference in shading might show at distance. Also that polyester stretch velvet, has low melting temp, so I would watch any hot irons touching it. Those two things are the main ones for me, that I would be thinking about when cutting it out and sewing it. |
annakeeton
 
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NY USA
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 1 member likes this. Hi, I find stretch velvet knits to be squirrelly to sew because of the nap. To help prevent the layers from shifting, I sometimes hand baste seams before machine stitching. Use a high-quality 100% polyester thread and a Stretch needle. |
ahrizel
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Date: 12/4/12 5:54 PM A stretch needle I know about. Would a walking foot help? I finished the hem of the knit shirt with a twin needle stitch. I'm not sure how that would look on the velvet. The neckline is just flipped over and stitched down. I know the knit won't fray, so I don't need to finish it, but I did zizzag the edges after I sewed the seams to keep them neater and sturdier. Any particular suggestions for edge finishes for the velvet? I understand about the nap, which means I have to cut the pieces very carefully to make sure the velvet doesn't look wonky. I tend to get sloppy sometimes on wovens where it doesn't show much. Ideas and suggestions are much appreciated! Keep them coming.
Mary |
JOshiro
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MN USA
Member since 5/14/05
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In reply to annakeeton << 1 member likes this.
Date: 12/5/12 0:07 AM I use washaway double-sided sticky tape (Wondertape? I forget what it's called) to baste before seaming. Regular pins and threadbasting wasn't "tight" enough for me, layers still shifted. I have also used washable glue stick (Elmer's school glue) to baste layers.
I also recommend using a walking foot, being aware of nap, and keeping the elements simple. Excessive gathering is bulky, so don't go overboard, and remember to remove the gathering thread after the seam is sewn because it will restrict the stretch. Use zig-zag seams. I can't think of anything else off the top of my head, good luck! |
sewbehind
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ON CANADA
Member since 6/30/05
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Date: 12/12/12 10:17 AM Someone already mentioned that stretch velvet is sensitive to heat when pressing. Use a velvet board or a piece of self-fabric on the underside when pressing to avoid those horrible flattened areas. Sometimes a terry towel will do too. A flat surface will flatten. Practice with scraps and get your stitches right. Use a light touch when pressing.
Helen
-- Edited on 12/12/12 10:18 AM -- |
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