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: MyGirlFriday
Date: 12-30-2006, 02:10 PM (1 of 4)
|
For Christams 2 years ago my DH purchased me a really nice sewing machine with all of the bells and whistles! I just want to do some basic sewing! I have lots of patterns and fabric but find that I get discouraged when trying to purchase the correct fabric for the pattern. Is there some easy way to figure out what works best?? mgf~ 
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288 
|
From: paroper
Date: 12-30-2006, 02:48 PM (2 of 4)
|
The back of each pattern is your best clue. It will give suggested fabrics, taking into account the cut of the garment, gathering, need for thick, thin, stiff or soft fabric. It will also tell you if the pattern is not recommended for certain fabrics such as one way fabrics, stripes or plaids. It will also tell you if the pattern is only intended for fabrics that stretch. On patterns that need excessive stretch, there will be usually a 6 inch ruler printed on the back of the envelope. There will be a colored area to place your fabric and hold it, then another spot to stretch your fabric to see if it has enough stretch. The back of the pattern envelope will also give you yardages to tell you how much fabric will be needed for fabric with or without nap or sometimes fabric with nap only. Nap fabrics may be not only fabrics that look different when viewed from each end of the cut, or have a noticable pile, they can also be fabrics that are printed only one direction which may be more fabrics than you might at first realize. Anytime you buy a stripe, plaid or a print, you need to check to see if the design goes only one way...it may be a little red sail boat in a huge design that only points up if the fabric is laid one direction...florals are the worst!!!
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: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-30-2006, 04:06 PM (3 of 4)
|
As usual, Pam says all the important stuff in a very clear way.. (easy to understand) I just want to add a personal comment.. I seem to learn more about what fabric NOT to use, by reading that part she mentioned.. It seems to make me think about why that is not suitable and therefore I feel I learn more or maybe retain more of what I read.. And I use that stretch ruler every time I am sewing with a knit fabric.. I never depart from that rule...
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
|
From: AndreaSews
Date: 01-05-2007, 04:55 PM (4 of 4)
|
I can see how you'd want to get started off on the right foot with that nice machine, and who doesn't want to be successful on their first few pieces? When I got started, I did my best to interpret the back of the pattern, and when I got stuck, I just walked up to the cutting counter and asked a clerk to help me out. She spelled it all out for me since I didn't understand the charts. Sometimes if you get them at a good moment they'll even step out from the counter and walk you over to a few good choices. It helps to go to the fabric store when it isn't too busy.
Andrea
|
User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
|
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-21077.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft