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Coat! Fabric: check. Pattern: check. Lining: undecided. I'm thinking about velvet. Should someone talk me down?
RebeccaMarie   Intermediate DC Member since 5/5/12 Posts: 88	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/23/12 4:24 AM So, when I was home in Kansas City, my mom bought me some stunning wool/angora coating fabric from Kaplan's. Now, I have visions of a super-classy coat dancing in my head. The fabric (a deep peacock/teal-blue color) is dense and thick (3/16") but not super heavy -- felted, maybe? It drapes like a dream. I'm using McCall's 6442, view C as my pattern. I know, for sure, that I want to line the hood and do the cuffs in velvet. Ok. Gushing done :). Here's my question ... Since this is definitely the nicest fabric I've ever laid hands on and since I'll get great mileage out of a good coat, I'm thinking of going all out and lining the whole thing in velvet. But I'm worried this is a bad idea. Is velvet a no-go for lining a coat for some big list of reasons I haven't thought about? I mean, it seems like it'd be a nice, warm lining. I don't mind spending more than I'd typically shell out for a lining fabric -- especially since it'd likely eliminate the need for interlining. I also imagine it'd be smooth enough to slip in and out of conveniently. Is there any reason I shouldn't go for an all-velvet lining? And is there a particular kind of velvet that might work especially well? (Similarly, is there a type to avoid?) My hunch is that cotton velvet might be too heavy/stiff for my purposes, but a 100% rayon or a micro-polyester choice with be both lightweight and fluid enough, yeah? FWIW, I have a walking foot, a roller foot, and extra velvet to avoid crushing the pile if I need to press. Any thoughts or insight into this super long-winded series of questions would be lovely. Thanks, and happy holidays to everyone! ------ Humor, DIY escapades, pop culture, kitsch and creative miscellany from a bipolar bureaucrat with a sewing machine, a bottle of prozac, and an occasionally loose grip on reality -- http://sewciopathic.com ... plus, stuff for sale(!) at sewciopathic.etsy.com.
rmusic1 Advanced Beginner UNITED KINGDOM Member since 7/3/10 Posts: 712	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/23/12 5:55 AM one thing to consider is, how easy will it be to get the coat on and off if it is lined with velvet? normally at least the sleeve lining needs to have some "slide" factor otherwise you run the risk your nice wool cardigan/top meets velvet and decides to go nowhere. I guess it depends on the type of velvet you have got as well, but I'd at least line the sleeves with something else. Good luck with your project!
Elizabeth made this   Intermediate CO USA Member since 8/8/07 Posts: 489	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/23/12 6:48 AM I agree...you absolutely want some slide factor in your lining. Everything is going to stick to the velvet--even if you just line the body, it's still a recipe for static and discomfort. Also, the weight of the velvet could be overwhelming as a lining fabric--especially in a longer coat as you're doing. This would definitely affect the outer drape of your fashion fabric. If you're going for warmth, you could use the velvet as an interlining between the coat and the lining, but it still might not be the best choice if it feels too heavy for the fashion fabric. Cotton flannel is a good alternative for an interlining, and rayon Bemberg or slippy silks are good lining fabrics. ------ emadethis.wordpress.com Dare to do more. ~Natalie Dessay
sarah in nyc Advanced NY USA Member since 1/8/05 Posts: 1594	Login to reply to this post In reply to RebeccaMarie << Like this post Date: 12/23/12 10:48 AM if you wear a dress or a skirt under the coat you will probably find that it has ridden up above your hips as you wear the coat...aside fromt he clothing adjustments you will need to make before you remove the coat..you will also appear lumpy. ------ sarah in nyc www.sewnewyork.blogspot.com
RebeccaMarie   Intermediate DC Member since 5/5/12 Posts: 88	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/23/12 11:01 AM Thanks ladies! You've talked me down off my ledge. I had a nagging feeling the full velvet lining wouldn't work out, but I had no idea why. Glad I asked! I have absolutely no idea what beginners -- at sewing or anything else, really -- did before they could pop online and ask a bunch of gurus. ------ Humor, DIY escapades, pop culture, kitsch and creative miscellany from a bipolar bureaucrat with a sewing machine, a bottle of prozac, and an occasionally loose grip on reality -- http://sewciopathic.com ... plus, stuff for sale(!) at sewciopathic.etsy.com.
PattyE   Intermediate MI Member since 9/7/10 Posts: 676	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/23/12 11:02 AM I agree with the others...velvet might not be ideal as a lining. I would stick to Bemberg which feels so great, or a fab charmeuse. Can't wait to see your coat!
nancy2001   Advanced AL USA Member since 12/3/05 Posts: 6148	Login to reply to this post In reply to RebeccaMarie << Like this post Date: 12/23/12 12:29 PM So relieved to hear the others talked you out of velvet. Velvet would have to be the worst possible choice for lining. If I were you, I would stick to a simple and elegant Bemberg rayon such as Ambiance. ------ The essence of life is statistical improbability on a colossal scale. Richard Dawkins
EleanorSews   Advanced MI USA Member since 7/26/07 Posts: 3782 Board Moderator	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 12/23/12 6:58 PM I sort of think a slightly heavier lining with a drapey quality would be cozier. Check out woven linings on Emma One Sock. It's a satin finish on the front side and a flannel feeling finish on the inside. Makes for a great coat lining. I've used this stuff to replace coat linings when the time came. ETA: I love the idea of lining the hood with velvet though. And using it on the cuff. -- Edited on 12/23/12 6:59 PM -- ------ "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." Anais Nin "Attitude is the difference between an adventure and an ordeal." unknown
Nancy K Advanced NY USA Member since 12/28/04 Posts: 7636	Login to reply to this post In reply to RebeccaMarie << 1 member likes this. Date: 12/25/12 9:08 PM No, do not line it in velvet. It's hard to sew and press, and if you use it in the sleeves it will catch on your clothing. If you want to splurge on lining use a silk charmeuse or crepe. This is luxurious and long lasting, and comes in a myriad of colors and prints. ------ www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
Michelle T Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 4192	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/25/12 11:38 PM Kasha Satin is a wonderful Flannel backed satin. It makes a beautiful lining. ------ Proud parent of a Dwight International School Honour Roll Student

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