PatternReview.com online sewing community
Online Sewing Class: Beyond the BoatNeck
Register Today!
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
Member since 4/23/06
Posts: 263
Send Message
Posted on: 9/17/07 11:18 AM ET
Someone here on PR asked me why, if I was concerned about fabric “growing” as I wore it, would I be using a stretch fabric. That got me thinking, does non-stretch fabric NOT grow? For example, if I wanted to make a pair of cotton twill pants, should I use non-stretch twill?
Thanks!
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 192
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 9/17/07 4:54 PM ET
In reply to Stacy1
Non-stretch fabrics still grow and some more than others. I notice this especially with wool crepe and, most recently, with some very expensive 40mm crepe back silk satin. For me, it is mostly an issue in pants though.

I would like to know how you can tell in advance which will grow and which won't OR how to avoid them growing. Lining or underlining doesn't seem to help.

Sue
  
Member since 5/11/03
Posts: 4837
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 9/17/07 4:55 PM ET
In reply to Stacy1
I think whether you use stretch or non-stretch twill for your pants depends on what you prefer. A quality stretch fabric has good recovery. But really, I've found that all my pants (home sewn and RTW; stretch and non stretch fabric) get a bit looser as the day progresses and shrink back up when washed.

Edited to add--I do stay the waist and sometimes the crotch seam (depending on the cut of pants and fabric I'm using) with twill tape or fusible bias. I don't mind the fabric relaxing, but I don't want my inseam hanging down too low or my waistband sliding off my hips.
-- Edited on 9/17/07 4:59 PM --
------
Kim
  
Member since 4/23/06
Posts: 263
Send Message
Posted on: 9/18/07 10:56 AM ET
Here's a question that kind of relates to this - should I stretch the crotch seam when I sew it? I've always done this, but now I'm not sure if I should. Does this contribute to the "growing" problem?
  
* 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