Fabric is a key component of a garment. How well crafted the cloth isn’t as important as having the right fabric. The design won’t be too appealing because it’ll look like a disaster.
The task of choosing a fabric may seem easy. The truth is, it can be intimidating because of the multiple choices available today.
The pattern and color of any fabric are what often come to mind first during the selection process. Yes, this is essential. But there is other stuff you need to pay attention to. Durability, price, and quality are also important. How do you choose the right fabric for your project? Keep reading to find out.
Fiber: What is it?
Fibers are those flexible, long, and thin structures in a garment. They are similar to threads. Fibers are made from either artificial or natural substances that are used for making yarns. Yarns are then blended for the production of various fabrics. And they are grouped into two kinds – according to their sources.
There are synthetic and natural fibers. Some examples of synthetic fabrics are rayon, nylon, polyester, and so on – they are often made from repeating units of polymers. Natural fabrics include silk, wool, cotton, etc.
With the aid of chemical processes, synthetic fibers are made in the lab. Some of the raw materials used in these chemical processes include petrochemicals.
How to Choose the Right Fabric
The numerous kinds of fabrics available today can get you easily overwhelmed. However, when you are prepared ahead, you should be able to spot the perfect one on time. Here are a few tips.
Understand its use
Ensuring that you know how a type of fabric is used is essential. Learn this before making any purchase. Do you want a piece that will last long after a wash or through multiple washes? You need to do your research about the different types of fabrics and their uses.
Stay away from cheap materials
It’s okay to be economical. Indeed, you can easily find some good quality polyester shirts Wordans for a really good price. However, if you crave an affordable, high-quality material, then upholstery fabrics are your best bet. This type of fabric is in different kinds, patterns, and colors. It is always sold by the yard. This fabric is perfect for multiple items of washing. It’s durable.
Don’t put yourself in trouble by looking for a bargain. Cheap fabrics do wear out faster. It means that you will have to replace them many times. Inexpensive fabrics are difficult to sew as usually shrink. Some chemically treated fabrics may cause allergic reactions, incredibly cheap ones.
Consider the drape of the fabric
The flow of a fabric is determined by its drape. This means fluid fabrics have more drape and fabrics with less drape are stiffer. Pay attention to the drape. However, don’t confuse weight with drape. They are different, but they both affect the look of garments.
When a skirt flows away from the body, the fabric has more drapes. A fabric that has a soft drape will fold close to the body. A good example is to choose a well-draping and thin fabric if you desire a flowing skirt. For a more structured skirt, a thick and stiff fabric is the right choice.
Test the stretch
Testing the stretch of the fabric is vital. To do this, simply pull it between your fingers. A lot of fabrics today tend to stretch especially when pulled diagonally, against the grain. It’s not hard to figure out.
Always pick fabrics that don’t have much stretch. These types will have more natural wear and fall. Regardless, go for what suits your need. However, if you are buying a jersey or lycra fabric, think twice. Some stretches are not easy to sew.
Pay keen attention to the color
Double-checking the color of the fabric is important. Here is a fact, the color of fabric can look different with the lighting of a store than how it looks with natural light. Observe the color in natural light, preferably near the window. Could you do this before you buy it? You can also hold it up close to your skin. You need to see how it appears against you. Should it be very close to the color of your skin, it may not pop well when made into a garment (not always the case though).
Examine the weight
It’s also important to consider the weight of the fabric you are buying. A good method to do this is the grams per square meter (GSM) method. This shows the weight of a fabric, whether it is light or heavy.
The thickness of the material is ascertained when the weight is measured – there are heavy-weight, medium-weight, and light-weight.
Conclusion
Ticking off the checklist discussed above is essential. Take your time to consider these factors before buying fabric. Should you need help, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.