There is an overwhelming amount of fabric to choose from in a fabric store. That’s why it’s important to have some basic knowledge about fabrics before choosing one for a sewing project. A good fabric choice could be the difference between a really nice, finished product and a disaster. When in doubt, take a more experienced seamstress to the store with you to help you pick out the fabric.
Find a Pattern
Unless you don’t know what you want to make, the best way to choose the right fabric is to find a pattern first. This way you will have an image in your mind about what you want the final project to look like and you won’t waste hours roaming around the store. It is always a good idea to have a pattern unless you know how to design clothes.
All patterns have a section where suggested materials are listed. This is the best clue as to which fabrics will work best for that pattern. You should only search for fabric in the sections of the store that contain those types of fabric. That way you can avoid being disappointed when you find a great bolt of fabric only to be told you can’t use swimsuit material for a prom dress.
Once you know which sections of the store you should look in, you’ll want to be armed with a set of questions to help you make a selection.
Do You Like the Print and Color of the Fabric?
This is probably the most important factor when selecting a fabric. If you don’t like the way it looks or it does not match your sense of style, the project will not turn out good, no matter how well it is sewn. Of course, you could always design your own fabric and have it shipped to you.
Choose colors and designs you like and avoid things you don’t. If you are making the sewing project for someone else, try to keep their tastes in mind, too.
Does the Fabric Have a Good Texture?
Feeling the actual texture of the fabric is a good way to determine whether it would be a good choice for a sewing project. For instance, if the fabric is for clothing, you wouldn’t want it to be too stiff or scratchy. Plus, if the fabric has a shiny finish, this might not always work for the project you had in mind.
When in doubt, think about your project and choose a fabric that you think you’d see used on a finished garment at a clothing retailer. For instance, when making a dress, you will want to hold the fabric up to see if it drapes well and would look like something you could buy at the store.
Is the Fabric a Practical Choice?
Sometimes you’ll find a fabric that you absolutely love but it is not a very practical choice for your sewing project because of the care involved. For instance, a fabric that is “dry clean only” would not be a good choice if the sewing project is for a child. Fabrics that wrinkle easily should also be avoided.
There are also other things to consider from a practicality standpoint. Like, do you really want a pair of pants that are light pink? Or, is that see-through material really going to make a good shirt?
Do You Feel Confident Sewing on the Material?
Some fabrics are more difficult to sew on than others. Cotton is the easiest while anything that stretches or has a very smooth surface can be more difficult to work with. Consider your sewing skills before selecting a fabric that will be a challenge.
Is the Fabric Affordable?
Unless you have an unlimited amount of spending money, you should keep price in mind when selecting fabric. Otherwise, you could quickly spend more money on the fabric than it would cost to purchase the finished product at another store. Fabric prices range from $1.99/yard to over $30/yard, depending on the material, so check the price before you buy.
You can save money by only purchasing fabric that is on sale. This means that if purchasing the fabric is not urgent, you should wait until it goes on sale. Many fabric retailers also have coupons where you can save as much as 50 percent off a cut of fabric. You should always look for these deals before heading to the store.
Keep these suggestions in mind when picking fabric for a sewing project and you should have a much better finished product. Plus, it makes the task a whole lot easier.
Cara Stromness - Cara holds a BA degree in English from The University of Utah where she minored in Human Development and Family Studies. She enjoys ...
