Choosing Your Fabric:
Know your skill level. Some fabrics, like chiffons and satins, require more advanced sewing skills. If you are a beginner, I suggest starting out with light to medium-weight cotton. Cotton is a durable fabric that’s inexpensive. If you make a mistake you won’t be out of a lot of money. Plus, it can come in loads of fun prints, which will inspire you to want to sew.
How does the fabric feel? Be sure to shop for fabric with both eyes and hands. As a result, I have reached for some beautiful fabrics only to find them scratchy. Rub the fabric together, does it make a noise that would bother you if you were wearing it?
How is the fabric to be cared for? Check the end of the bolt of fabric for care instructions. If you don’t like hand washing fabric you don’t want to accidentally buy dry clean only fabric. If you aren’t buying the entire bolt be sure to take a picture of bolt end that has the fabric information on it including the fabric care instructions.
What is the fabric made of? Depending on your personal preference you may want to check if the fabric is natural, synthetic or has been chemically treated.
Now that you know what to look for when buying fabric be sure to read about choosing the correct thread: Thread 101: A Guide To Choosing Sewing Thread
Do you enjoy shopping for fabric? Where’s your favorite place to go?
Ah! This is great. There have been so many times where I call my mom to see what kind of fabric (and where to find it in the store) I need for a particular project.
This is great! Super helpful for beginner sewers.
great tips! I always love trips to the fabric store!
elle
Southern Elle Style
I agree that it is important to take the material into account. Sometimes I find the best patterns, but they happen to be made out of a really tricky material. In this case, there are too many options for you to settle for the difficult choice. I’ve been wanting to make a Hawaiian quilt, do you have any ideas for where I would find fabric to fit this theme?
I would try fabrics.com
My wife told me that she wants to start sewing, and I was curious about how you would choose the right fabric for the job. It’s interesting that you say to consider the use of the fabric when you choose it. It would be nice if you were making clothes to get something that is a little more durable in the end.
Checking how the fabric needs to be cared for does seem like a smart thing to do. I wouldn’t want to make something that I couldn’t wash. It might be a good idea to talk with the professional at the fabric store.
I agree that you want to consider the correct type of fabric when you are planning on using it. It would be good to consider this because it would affect the feel of the clothing. You would probably also want to find a good company with a wide selection to buy your fabric from.
I’m planning to start sewing dresses that I personally designed, which is why I’m currently looking for a cotton fabric supplier. I agree with you that it would be best to rub the fabric together first and check if it makes noise because this will most likely feel uncomfortable. You’re also right about the importance of verifying whether it is meant for dry clean only.
I like that you said when in doubt about a fabric, ask for help. My mom and I would like to try sewing a Hawaiin quilt together, but we aren’t sure about which fabric we should choose. We’ll have to talk to some professionals or find stores that specialize in quilts and see what would work best for us.