12 Best Sewing Tweezers

Best Sewing Tweezers in 2023

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Sewing Tips: Preparing to Use Some Tricky Fabrics

Tricky fabrics require more time and effort to become successfully stitched garments. They have special requirements that must be thought of before cutting into the fabric.

Tricky fabrics require more time and effort to become successfully stitched garments. They have special requirements that must be thought of before cutting into the fabric. Often they require special interfacing or stabilizing, a particular needle for the best-quality stitch, or a notion that is not readily available at the local chain fabric store. Additional yardage may be required for the garment.

Sheer Fabrics

Many sheer fabrics are slippery (for example, chiffon, organza, and tulle), and special attention must be paid when cutting them. Additional pattern pieces may need to be drawn and cut for each side of the garment when cutting in a single layer. Use tissue paper or pattern paper under the fabric in a single layer, and pin through the fabric, pattern, and tissue to prevent the fabric from slipping while cutting or sewing. When cutting, use fabric weights to avoid marking the fabric with holes from the pins.

Lace

This beautiful fabric is available in different weights and can be sheer and fine or heavily embellished. When working with lace, keep in mind that there is definitely a pattern, or repeat, to work with. Additional pattern pieces may need to be cut when cutting out the lace in a single layer. Stitching the garment with tissue paper will protect the lace from snagging on the feed dogs. Choose tissue paper in a color that blends with the lace, in case little bits of paper remain after stitching. Often, lace is expensive; however, a small amount used in a section of a garment can be effective. Careful measuring and layout of the pattern piece on the lace ensures efficient use of the lace-again, avoid placing a prominent motif in the bust area.

Satin

In any blend, any weight, satin needs the most delicate handling. Sample everything before stitching this fabric. Marking pen could bleed through the fabric, and removing the markings with water will spot the satin the wrong-sized pins could mar the surface of the fabric with pulled threads; the slightest nick or rough surface could snag the threads that float on the surface of the satin. Be careful to cover the cutting surface with paper or tissue paper. All pattern pieces should be cut and laid out in one direction to ensure that no shading occurs. The wrong needle or thread weight will cause pulled threads, or holes in the fabric that cannot be removed. Plus, over-pressing can cause the satin to look limp and worn out. Satin is a difficult fabric to work with and requires patience and a clear understanding of how to handle the fabric.

Beaded Fabrics

Often beading is done by hand or machine on silk chiffon as a base, so working with beaded fabrics requires knowledge of several things: the beading is usually a pattern or a repeat; the threads that hold the beading to the cloth must be reinforced before cutting; the beads must be removed from the seam allowances before stitching; and the correct needle and thread must be chosen for the weight of the base fabric. Pressing can damage the beads, so steam and finger-press from the wrong side of the garment. Place tissue paper or pattern paper beneath the fabric when cutting and stitching to prevent snagging and to help feed the fabric along the feed dogs.

Denim

Although denim is considered the "work horse" of cottons, it comes in many weights, blends, and surface treatments. Pre-treat denim to shrink the yardage and remove excess dye, which could bleed onto other garments. Press the denim while still slightly damp to prevent permanent creases. When cutting denim, it is critical to be on the straight-of-grain, otherwise problems such as twisting occur. When seams intersect, or when hemming, pound the seams with a mallet to flatten, making them easier to stitch through. A strong, sturdy denim jeans needle should be used to avoid skipped stitches and accommodate the heavier thread available for topstitching the seams and hems.