Sewing with Beaded Fabrics

Here are a few helpful tips when working with beaded fabrics:

--Most seams will have to be handsewn with small, close stitches. We recommend the Mettler polyester thread, beacause it allows for flexibility.

--If there are beads that are in the seam line and in the seam allowance, you'll need to break them with a ball-peen hammer. Bang on the beads to break them. Breaking the beads allows for the removal without cutting apart the chain thread that is holding all of the pieces together. When working with hand-beaded fabrics, you can simply remove each individual bead.

--It is best to use your zipper foot to sew the seams so that there is not interference from the remaining beads on your garment.

--Bind your seam allowance with tulle, also known as illusion.

--Sometimes the use of clear snaps work well in replacement of the use of a zipper.

Use these helpful tips to make sewing with beaded fabrics much less worrisome. Have a question that we didn't answer? Please post your question and we'll be happy to respond.

Knit Construction

The construction of knit garments differs from wovens. Knits are easier to work with, and the fit is more forgiving. There is minimal seam finishing involved, but there is some debate about what needle to use when working with knits. Like any other fabric, doing a test sample piece is best to see how your needle performs. There is a general assumption that when working with knits you have to use a ballpoint needle. When testing your fabric, first try your regular universal needle. If that needle is inadequate, then switch to a ballpoint. Every knit reacts differently, so be sure to always test your needle first. Another helpful tip: try using clear elastic as your stay at the neckline and shoulder seams. Also, unlike woven fabrics, often times your seam allowances on a knit piece are small measuring only 1/4". Working on a knit piece and have a question? Post a comment and we'll be happy to help!

What pattern size is mine?

Everyone has difficulty choosing what pattern size to use. Especially when you wear a size 6 in retail stores and you look at a pattern and suddenly you're a size 12! You should know that pattern sizing was standardized in 1967. In retail stores, garments utilize vanity sizing...which we all love and appreciate! However, patterns differ in size. To more closely match your shoulders and neck area of a garment, choose the pattern that matches your high bust measurement as opposed to your full bust measurement. Your high bust is directly under your arms and across your back. In other words, it is where your bra strap meets the cup. There are some execptions to this rule, but this advice works well for most women.

Which rotary cutter is better?

There are many rotary cutters to choose from and they certainly all look the same. So which one is better? If you purchase a rotary cutter with a titanium blade, the life of the blade will last twice as long. For larger, longer cuts on a pattern piece it is best to use the larger blade. When you need to cut into tight corners or small details, you should use a small rotary. If you have a dull spot that consistently shows up, then it's time to replace your blade.

How to become a blog "follower!"

Thanks for stopping by Fabrique's newest venture...an advice blog! Some of our best customers are having difficulty becoming a blog follower. Blogger.com is part of Google Friend Connect, which is a great socializing network created to allow people from all walks of life to connect and share their blogs. To become a part of Google Friend Connect, it is required that you have either a Google, Yahoo, AIM, or OpenID email account. So, for instance, if you have an e-mail account such as johnsmith@hotmail.com or janedoe@sbcglobal.net then you don't have instant access to Google Friend Connect. But all you have to do is simply sign up for a FREE e-mail account with Google, Yahoo, AIM, or OpenID. But, remember, regardless of your e-mail account you can always read the blog. If you have any questions that you would like for us to address in the blog, and you would rather not become a "follower," please feel free to e-mail us directly at the store: info@fabriquefabrics.com.

If you are interested in creating a new e-mail account to become a follower, please visit any of the following links below:
www.yahoo.com
www.google.com
www.aim.com
http://openid.net

Poly Thread vs. Silk Thread

Thread is the most basic, and usually most overlooked element when sewing. Yet it is literally the one thing that holds your work together! There is some debate as to whether a polyester or a silk thread works best when constructing your garments. Polyester thread is above and beyond the best kind of thread to work with due to several characteristics that a man-made fiber can provide. It has more flexibility and stretch than silk which is best when sewing fashion, because as the body moves the thread needs to give and take with each movement. Polyester thread is also stronger. You will notably notice very little fraying or breaking. Silk thread is limited in color choice whereas the range of color availability in polyester is nearly endless. At Fabrique! we believe that the best polyester brand thread available is Mettler, and it is the only type of thread that we carry. Mettler runs easily and cleanly through your machine and will leave very little fiber residue for you to clean up later. Have any questions for us? Please post, and we'll do the best we can to answer!

Welcome to our blog!

Fabrique! Fashion Fabrics is a couture fabric store located in North Dallas. We would like to welcome you to our new blog where we will discuss all things related to sewing fashion. Whether you're a designer, a dressmaker, or novice, we are open for discussion regarding any fashion construction or creation. We will post helpful hints or tips to help you as you sew. Or if you have a question about a project that you're working on, please feel free to ask for advice. We love to share our knowledge and experience!

To find out more about our store and who we are, please visit our website: www.fabriquefabrics.com