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The Best Fabric For The Job

© Brenda Cummings

Choosing your fabric is an important factor in the success of your sewing project and requires careful thought and planning. Before you buy your fabric, look at the information on the back of the pattern envelope. It not only shows the amount of fabric you will need in the correct fabric width, but also gives a list of the different types of fabric suitable for this particular pattern. Following these suggestions will allow you to get as close a copy of the original illustrated garment as possible.

The color of the fabric is the next influence on the finished look and how it looks on you. Color can affect mood. Warm colors like yellow and pink can make you feel at ease and relaxed. Cool colors like blue and turquoise can stimulate and challenge. Cold colors like slate grey and purple can make you feel distant and dignified.

You also need to consider your skin tone and how different colors look especially those worn near your face. If you have ever had your colors done you will know what colors look best on you. Dark colors can give a slimmer outline because they recede, whereas bright colors like pinks and reds advance and make a figure more defined. Choose accordingly.

Hold a portion of the fabric near your face to see how it looks before you buy. Drape it over your shoulder to see how it looks in a larger piece and to see how it moves and hangs.

Try to find some mix and match fabrics to add more color and interesting elements to your garment. You can also add texture by combining shiny and flat fabric. For example, if using satin backed crepe for a dress, make the top with the shiny side and the skirt with the crepe side or vice versa or simply make a shiny sash or waistline trim.

It is also helpful to know about the many types of fabrics available and how to care for them. Fabric is either made of natural fibers (like cotton) or man-made fibres (like nylon). To learn more about the different fabrics available check out these sites from fabric direct:

Fabric Glossary: http://www.fabricdirect.com/html/glossar... Fabric Care Tips: http://www.fabricdirect.com/html/fabric_...

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