Many of you want to use “satin” for your sewing projects!
Satin is a slippery fabric that can complicate our seamstresses! (like silk and viscose...)
To save you from pulling your hair out or having a nervous breakdown, I've prepared my ultimate guide for sewing satin and other slippery fabrics.
To your scissors and sewing machines! Let's go! 💪🏼✂️
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1) Wash your fabric:
This advice is actually valid for almost ANY FABRICS!
Most fabrics SHRINK in the wash.
And there is nothing more infuriating than a perfect garment that becomes a doll size when washed!
2) Starch your fabric:
Starch serves to stiffen your fabric, making it easier to cut and sew. You can buy STARCH in Spray, or make it yourself! Rest assured, the starch goes away completely after washing.
The recipe: a tablespoon of corn flour mixed with 4 cups of hot water and it's ready!
3) Use the right gear:
Pins thin and very sharp to avoid damaging your fabric
Needles adapted to fluid fabrics (70/10)
A good pair of scissors to easily cut your fabric
4) Sew with a short stitch
To avoid darkening your fabric, use a shorter stitch than usual (2 for example).
5) Manage hems
On slippery fabric, hemming can be a bit complicated...
You can:
- help yourself with an iron to mark your hem in advance.
- use a hemmer foot if you have one
- put a bias binding so you don't have to do a classic hem!
6) Take your time
For all the tricky seams, take your time and:
- pin well
- sew gently
- don't pull on your fabric
7) Careful ironing
Place parchment paper or a thin tea towel between your fabric and the iron!
It'll save you a lot of trouble!
(this advice is valid for fabrics that are a bit cumbersome to sew, including imitation leather!)
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Happy sewing!
Charlotte