Guidelines for Choosing Fabrics When Dressmaking

Dressmaking can never be possible without fabrics. A fabric is a basic material dressmakers use when designing and making any dress. There are many types of fabrics available in the market. Professional dressmakers very well know about the nature and appropriate use of every fabric. However, if you are still a beginner in making dresses, you should learn more about the different types of fabrics, and which one you should use for particular purposes.

There are specific factors you need to consider when creating and implementing certain dressmaking ideas. Before you start making any dress, you need to know where the outfit will be worn, what occasion, and some other specifications and requirements of the person who will wear the dress. Such factors will provide you useful and appropriate ideas when finding and choosing fabrics that are right for your project. After you have taken body measurements and decided on the design to use, it is time you pick out the correct fabrics to use.

Silk is a natural fiber taken from silk worms’ unwound cocoon. In general, silk is known for its absorbency features. The fabric is very comfortable to wear in tropical to warn climates. Dressmakers should know that silk has low conductivity. Thus, it can keep warm air close enough to skin specifically during winter or cold weather. Silk is most commonly used when making blouses, lingerie, shirts, robes, pajamas, skirt suits, and sun dresses.

Linen is another popular fabric used when making dresses. Linen is also a natural fabric because it is manufactured from natural fibers of a plant called fax. The fabric is characterized by its coolness and absorbency. It is popularly used when making dresses, skirts, and suits.

Wool is naturally warm, wrinkle resistant, and absorbent. That is because the fabric is made from hair fibers of animals like sheep (the most common source of wool fabric in the industry). Wool is best for making winter dresses and coats. You can also impart additional knowledge about wool, especially to the one wearing the outfit. Wool fabric should never be ironed, but it can be steam pressed. Most wools should only be dry cleaned.

Cotton is perhaps the most popular and commonly used fabric for dressmaking because it can be used when making just about any dress. Cotton is made from a plant also called cotton. It is characterized by its durability, making it long wearing and extra strong. The fabric can come with different textures, finishes, and weight. It can also be knitted or woven. Many people prefer to wear cotton clothes because it is comfortable to the skin and is ideal for all climates.

The abovementioned fabrics are made from natural materials. You can also choose from among several fabrics that are synthetically manufactured. Some of the synthetic fabrics are nylon, acrylic, and polyester. Nylon is highly elastic, tough, and moth resistant. Acrylics are light weight and are warm. On the other hand, polyester is light weight and is quickly drying, making it ideal for making athletic clothes. Polyester also exhibits wash and wear features.

Know the characteristics of fabrics you are considering using before finally making a dress. Natural and synthetic fabrics are equally recommendable, though synthetic types are more advisable for heavy duty purposes.

Now, you can proceed to make the dress.