{"id":1868,"date":"2019-08-23T08:12:05","date_gmt":"2019-08-23T07:12:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/?p=1868"},"modified":"2024-03-05T11:39:19","modified_gmt":"2024-03-05T11:39:19","slug":"how-to-sew-stretchy-fabric","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.contrado.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-sew-stretchy-fabric\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Sew Stretchy Fabric Without Falling Into Despair"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you are an accomplished sewer or a novice, knowing how to sew stretch fabric is a key skill that will help with a wealth of sewing projects and keep your nerves.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s no secret that sewing with stretchy fabric can be somewhat of a challenge (some people find it downright scary!) Stretch fabrics tend to make up a huge majority of people\u2019s wardrobes. They are comfortable, easy to wear and require minimal care. Knowing how to sew stretch fabric will give you the confidence to push your sewing skills, and, trust us. It isn\u2019t as hard as you might think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a stretch fabric?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stretch fabric is a generic term for any textile; knitted or woven, that has a greater amount of recovery and stretch than is normally expected. These textiles can be stretch-woven fabrics<\/a>, single knits, some double knits, and even bias-cut fabrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most stretch fabrics<\/a> are knits. Jersey fabrics make up a large percentage of this group. The most prominent feature of these fabrics is their 4-way stretch. This means they stretch both crosswise and lengthwise. There are some stretch fabrics \u2013 usually heavier ones \u2013 that only have a 2-way stretch. Therefore, it is vital to make sure you check you are using the right kind of stretchy fabric for your project.<\/p>\n\n\n

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What can stretchy fabric be used for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People love wearing stretchy materials thanks to their innate ability to move and grow with us. They are soft and comfortable and are perfect for keeping up with an active lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I learn how to sew with stretchy fabrics with my home sewing machine?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A common misunderstanding about how to sew with stretchy fabrics<\/a> is that you need to serger. Overlockers or sergers are wonderful at handling stretch fabrics and creating a polished finish, but are they always necessary? Although a serger can make it quicker to sew with stretchy knits, it is a costly addition to your sewing machine. It is also not imperative for sewing with stretchy textiles. A zigzag stitch on a standard sewing machine can be used as an alternative to a serger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The difficulty some people might find with sewing stretchy fabrics comes from the amount of stretch that certain materials might have. It is important to factor in the percentage of stretch in your chosen fabric, and that it matches the pattern you are working with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top Tips for sewing stretch fabric<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By following a few simple tricks and tips, your knowledge of how to sew stretch fabric will skyrocket. Ensuring the finished seams lie neatly and flat and at the same time don\u2019t break when the garment is used is your endgame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to handle the fabric<\/h3>\n\n\n
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  1. Ensure you have the right fabric for your project or pattern.<\/li>
  2. Always pre-wash your stretchy fabric. Leave it to dry flat for at least a day so that it keeps its shape.<\/li>
  3. Take your pattern and place it on the fabric. To keep your fabric in place, pin it and cut out the patterns with scissors OR use paperweights and a rotary cutter.<\/li>
  4. Try to keep pins inside the seam allowance. This avoids opening unwanted holes in the garment<\/li>
  5. Take away the curl. Some kinds of stretchy fabrics<\/a> \u2013 such as knitted jersey \u2013 have edges that tend to curl. This can make it even harder to sew. To reverse the curl, use a starchy spray and press the edges <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    TOP TIP: <\/strong> Know how to cut your fabric: remember not to stretch your fabric when cutting it. We recommend laying it flat on a table or other flat work surface. Don\u2019t let the material hang over the edges, as this could stretch it out of place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What thread & needle to use for stretch fabric<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    1. Choose the right type of needle. All stretchy knit fabrics should be sewn with a special needle; either a ballpoint or a stretch needle. A ballpoint needle consists of a rounded tip, which pushes the yarns away when sewing. It avoids damaging the knit fabric while cutting and sewing. This contrasts with the usual piercing through and ripping them. <\/li>
    2. The size matters after all. Ensure you opt for the right size of needle for your fabric.<\/li>
    3. What thread to use for stretch fabric: special threads are not usually required and a regular polyester thread works well as it has a slight amount of stretch. Stay away from cotton-thread as it can break when pulled.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      TOP TIP: <\/strong>Part of understanding how to sew stretch fabrics is to have patience. It is super important to take your time when sewing stretchy materials. Pause occasionally with the needle down, so you can readjust the alignment of the raw edges of the material. Don\u2019t rush it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The Best Stretch Stitches & Sewing Machine Settings for Stretchy Fabrics<\/h3>\n\n\n
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      1. Use stitches that will hold the stretch of the fabric. The stitches need to stretch with the fabric, so they don\u2019t pucker and break. If you must sew with a straight stitch, then hold the material taut, but don\u2019t pull it.<\/li>
      2. There is a wide variety of stretch stitches available, depending on your sewing machine model. The best stitches to use for sewing stretch fabrics are: