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From: kitty42
Date: 07-10-2005, 05:27 PM (1 of 5)
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i have a question concerning the grainline of the fabric for a skirt i want to make. the fabric seems to have these lines running perpendicular to the grainline (sewn into, not printed) and had been hoping that these lines would go vertically on the skirt. however, if i lay the patterns out according to the instructions, these lines will be going horizontally. i was wondering what anyone would reccommend, should i follow the instructions and live w/ it, or try cutting against the grainline? thanks for any help ~kitty A woman needs a man, the way a fish needs a bicycle.
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User: kitty42
Member since: 07-10-2005 Total posts: 2 
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 07-10-2005, 08:18 PM (2 of 5)
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This can work for you. I can see why you'd prefer vertical lines, vs horizontal ones. Did you prewash the fabric? Be sure to. The layout suggested on the pattern is probably the most efficient use of fabric (least waste). If you choose to switch it, be sure that you line up alllll the arrows on your pattern pieces. If you turn one of them 90 degrees to the left, then turn allll of them 90 degrees to the left.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: kitty42
Date: 07-10-2005, 09:10 PM (3 of 5)
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i kept looking things up on the internet to see if there was any suggestions but i couldn't find any and I didn't wanna do *anything* to the fabric til i knew what i was doing, but was planning on prewashing. if you think it's ok, as long as i have all the pieces going the same way, i will be one very happy camper. thanks very much ~kitty A woman needs a man, the way a fish needs a bicycle.
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User: kitty42
Member since: 07-10-2005 Total posts: 2
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From: paroper
Date: 07-10-2005, 09:32 PM (4 of 5)
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There shouldn't really be any problem laying your fabric at right angles to the edge, as long as you keep the fabric on the "straight" cross grain of fabric. Many fabrics are even printed that way (border fabrics for instance). However, you must decide if you have enough fabric (you probably do.) Sometimes with a a-line skirt, you can lay your pattern so that the front faces one way, the back the other and they fit "into" each other when you lay them out. You'll need to determine if there is a reason this cannot be done though, like if there is an irregular stripe or pattern repeat that would be backwards if the pattern were laid opposite of itself. If you match the selvages perfectly and fold at the center, the fold will become the place you measure your straight of grain. As for washing the fabric, I don't unless I expect it to shrink (I don't worry about that unless it is 100% cotton) or I think that it will fade or if I am mixing fabrics that are not of the same content, like with possibly a lining or some contrasting yokes. That is a matter of personal preference. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: VicRae
Date: 07-15-2005, 10:04 AM (5 of 5)
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Kitty42 Usually with quilting they suggest to pre wash your material and that shrinks and tightens the threads so that it doesn't matter which way you lay your pattern out for cutting the pieces. But, with patterns for clothing you need to watch for the stretch of the fabric and how it will hang after the skirt is sewed together. I just used a fabric of red and white that ran as a border fabric. I cut the basic center of the dress out on the straight of grain and then matched the sleeves on the border to match the stripe on the edges of the sleeves. Then cut some of the striped border and added to the bottom of the dress. Turned out great as it was a traditional Native American dress and it saved me time from adding the ribbon trims. I hope that this gives you the help you were asking about. Vicky |
User: VicRae
Member since: 03-08-2005 Total posts: 2 |
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