Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: IlovemySinger
Date: 04-13-2006, 08:46 PM (1 of 8)
|
I have learned through experience and have found that I am completely lost when it comes to terminology. So, I was wondering what muslin is. -Megan
|
User: IlovemySinger
Member since: 03-31-2006 Total posts: 27 
|
From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 04-13-2006, 10:07 PM (2 of 8)
I'm still learning a lot of the terminology too, but I know this one! A muslin is a practice version of whatever it is you're making (I usually hear it in the context of fancy dresses). It's often made out of muslin fabric, just to confuse matters, or another inexpensive fabric that it similar to the fabric you will use for the real deal. The idea is that you use it to practice, work out any kinks in the pattern, and address any fitting issues before you cut into your expensive fabric. The experts here can probably fill you in on some of the finer points! 
http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
|
User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222 
|
From: Chrysantha
Date: 04-13-2006, 10:23 PM (3 of 8)
|
Actually muslin is an inexpensive cotton fabric usually with slubs (those little nubbies), it's mostly unbleached. (off white/beige...slubs -may- be brown or not...). Muslin also comes in a bleached version. Not all muslin has slubs...it can be smooth. Depends on the maker and how expensive it is.
Chrys
|
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
|
From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 04-13-2006, 11:10 PM (4 of 8)
|
Oh, duh! I misread it as "I was wondering what a muslin is." Sorry - hopefully I didn't confuse you too much, IlovemySinger!
http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
|
User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222
|
From: paroper
Date: 04-13-2006, 11:26 PM (5 of 8)
|
It is kind of sewing machine slang for a rough draft of any kind. Often, to save a lot of money they are made of muslin fabric as already stated, so that's why we call it that. You want a decent grade of muslin to test your garment though (and muslin does come in grades) so that it doesn't "give" more than your garment, otherwise there really isn't any point. The muslin is nice because you can mark on it and see the corrections. I often use a decent grade of gingham or check. It makes it easier to measure the -garment. Gingham has a ready-made measuring scale which makes it easier to take up or let out or check for straight of grain (to the floor).
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: IlovemySinger
Date: 04-14-2006, 12:13 AM (6 of 8)
|
Oh, duh! I misread it as "I was wondering what a muslin is." Sorry - hopefully I didn't confuse you too much, IlovemySinger! You didn't confuse me. I didn't realize there were two aspects of it. Thank you all for your help. -Megan
|
User: IlovemySinger
Member since: 03-31-2006 Total posts: 27
|
From: westozmum
Date: 04-14-2006, 05:00 AM (7 of 8)
|
Hi all just thought to add in an Aussie slant...........muslin here is refered to a light weight fabric that has an open weave .......not only used for making a mock up garment but also used in cooking to make puddings(at christmas time) and swaddling (wrapping) our new born babies when it is a hot summer and our new babes like the feeling of being all wrapped up! Here we use calico for a toille to make a practice garment for fitting and may trace the pattern pieces onto the muslin after any adjustments have been made......more durable than paper!! Have fun!! Westozmum aka Laura from the Land Down Under
|
User: westozmum
Member since: 02-16-2006 Total posts: 41 
|
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 04-15-2006, 01:16 PM (8 of 8)
|
That sounds like what we call 'cheesecloth'.. Used a lot in decorating for halloween, etc.. with stiffy stuff..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
|
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-18909.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft