PatternReview.com online sewing community
Join our community of 579,274 sewists!
SIGNUP Membership is free and includes 1 free lesson
Login |
Join our community of 579,274 sewists!
Signup | Login
To participate in the PatternReview.com forums please Login or Join PatternReview
12 
Member since 4/16/08
Posts: 1687
Send Message
3 Replies
Posted on: 3/6/19 10:41 AM ET
How much stretch can be expected in the waist of a pair of pants made from cotton sateen that is 98% cotton and 2% spandex? I am just trying to get an idea inch wise what to expect. Thanks.
  
Member since 5/22/06
Posts: 3084
Send Message
thumbsup 2 likes
Posted on: 3/6/19 12:43 PM ET
In reply to blessedtosew
Probably the best way for you to figure that out is to take a 4” square piece of fabric and stretch it cross grain against a ruler (as the cross grain will go around your body) as far as it will comfortably go (no need to pull it beyond recognition!). If the piece stretches from 4” to 5”, for example, you know you have a stretch factor of 25%. If the piece stretches from 4” to 6”, you know you have a stretch factor of 50%, and so on. I would wash and dry the fabric before doing this test, so you’ll have the best idea of how your fabric and its stretch factor will end up. Cotton sateen is a great fabric to sew with but, in my experience, it does shrink some on the first wash and continues to shrink (just a little) in the next one or two washes. HTH
  
Member since 5/21/14
Posts: 14387
Send Message
1 Replies
thumbsup 4 likes
Posted on: 3/6/19 12:54 PM ET
In reply to blessedtosew
Every fabric is different, there are many variables besides the percentage of Lycra or spandex. If you don’t like math, it might be easier to take a 10 inch bit of your fabric between your hands, against a ruler, and do the stretch test. 2 inches is 20% 3 inches is 30%, etc. Grasp it a few inches in from the selvedge.

Another important factor is recovery. When you stretch it out, and then let go of the fabric, does it go back to its original shape and size or stay stretched out? You need to consider that when making pants as well. If you don’t, your pants will grow throughout the day. Think of how jeans are tight when you first put them on but then they can actually be a bit too loose by the end of the day. So to avoid this, at least somewhat, baste your side seems once you get the fit the way you like it, and wear them around the house for a few hours just basted. Then re-baste them with the fabric in it’s relaxed state. Just know that they will be tight when you put them on first thing, but they will loosen up to be exactly where you want them later.
------
Little strokes fell great oaks. On the other hand, go big or go home!

Projects completed in 2024: 3 pairs gloves. Four pairs of jeans. Five custom tarps. A dozen linen hankies. A wool wrap for a friend. Four linen bath towels and 24 washcloths. Two bed pillows.
38.5 yards of fabric out.
  
Member since 4/16/08
Posts: 1687
Send Message
Posted on: 3/6/19 4:09 PM ET
Thanks.
  
Member since 6/15/15
Posts: 496
Body Type:
Send Message
1 Replies
Posted on: 3/7/19 10:01 AM ET
You can internet search KNIT STRETCH GAUGE, and find a printable gauge for determining fabric stretch. Handy. Sorry that I don't remember where I found the one I saved. Lots of them.
------
Linda A
  
Member since 4/16/08
Posts: 1687
Send Message
Posted on: 3/7/19 5:25 PM ET
In reply to Arbuck
Thanks.
  
Member since 8/21/18
Posts: 448
Send Message
3 Replies
Posted on: 3/7/19 5:26 PM ET
In reply to blueviola
Hey, are you saying stretched out fabric reverts to its unstretched shape after a wash?
  
Member since 6/22/07
Posts: 2510
Body Type:
Send Message
thumbsup 2 likes
Posted on: 3/7/19 6:21 PM ET
In reply to misterstitch
Sometimes
------
If it can be done with a needle and thread, I can do it!
  
Member since 5/21/14
Posts: 14387
Send Message
thumbsup 1 like
Posted on: 3/7/19 8:36 PM ET
In reply to misterstitch
Actually, you still need to check for recovery before purchasing to get the best results. When I learned this, I went through my stash and gave away a carload and have no regrets over doing so. But even with good recovery, basting and wearing is a good idea, if you want a snug fit especially.

Washing won’t fix everything. I find that my beloved cottons don’t recover that well, generally, sadly. With 5% Lycra I can get away with tops, or short dresses for hot weather farm work.
------
Little strokes fell great oaks. On the other hand, go big or go home!

Projects completed in 2024: 3 pairs gloves. Four pairs of jeans. Five custom tarps. A dozen linen hankies. A wool wrap for a friend. Four linen bath towels and 24 washcloths. Two bed pillows.
38.5 yards of fabric out.
  
Member since 4/28/07
Posts: 2777
Body Type:
Send Message
thumbsup 2 likes
Posted on: 3/11/19 10:11 PM ET
In reply to misterstitch
Sometimes stretched out fabric with poor recovery will revert to its unstretched shape after a wash - and feel like it fits all right when you leave the house at 6:30 in the morning, then by lunchtime it will be stretched and saggy and droopy.
  
12 
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Nature's Fabrics
Natural & Organic Fabrics
Specials!
Metro Textiles
NYC Fabric Store
Specials!
Discovery Fabrics
High Performance Fabrics
Specials!