Choosing Materials

Hi everyone, my name is Dan, I am a self taught sewer of about 3 years, and have made a variety of quilts, dresses, shirts and bags. I would love to hear how everyone goes about choosing their materials for projects.

I have recently started making make up bags as gifts, and sometimes I struggle with choosing the right type of material for the outer and lining, and usually just go off of the 'feel' I have a very good fabric shop nearby that has plenty to offer, but it can be sometimes a little overwheleming when you are faced with 2000+ types of material, none of my friends or family sew, so thought i'd jump on here to meet some like minded people, and see what other people think!

All the best

Dan

· 1 month ago

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Kim · 1 month ago

Hi Dan

I'd look first at the fabric suggestions on the pattern envelope and start there. Then I'd order some sample swatches, if ordering online, to get an idea of composition and weight (GSM - grams per metre). If you intend to purchase fabric from your lovely shop, ask the sales assistant if they can tell you what the weight is and what the fabric is made up of.

I've been doing this for years and have built up a little sample folder so I can get a feel of the fabrics and see how they drape and check to see if they'd look good in the project I'm hoping to use a specific fabric for.

At the end of the day there is always an element of risk. But you will make informed fabric choices as you understand composition and weight more.

Good luck, Kim

· 1 month ago

AnnieRose · 1 month ago

I think that one of the secrets of sewing (and maybe other) experience is to not mind failures. But I think a lot of us who sew are thrifty at heart and hate waste!

Always look out for 'offers' to build up your stash.

If you're not happy with your make, either keep it as a sample, or take it apart to remake / re-use the fabric.

Are you wanting a wipe-clean lining for your bags? If not, I would consider getting old sheets from your local charity shop (I do this for making toiles as well). Also worth looking in charity shops where some people donate fabric, but also some clothing can be re-purposed. The shops usually chuck stuff out that hasn't sold after a certain period. A friend of mine makes an offer for unsold jeans, and uses those to make very popular bags.

If you don't want to waste the makes you're not completely happy with, I suggest re-purposing them into simple tote bags or 'gift' bags to donate to the charity shop, They will love you!

· 1 month ago

SewHayleyJane · 1 month ago Admin

Hi Dan, lovely to meet you!

I agree with Kim, this is definitely a skill you build up over time and with experimentation.

The instructions should give you some indication of what fabric to go for - for bags it depends on the style as to weather you need something with a lot of structure like a heavy canvas, leather, cork but if it's something a little softer like a tote bag you can use cottons - interfacing will make it a little more structured.

Linings will always be lighterweight - from a cotton poplin, quilting cotton, satins etc.

If it helps you are welcome to create a post here when you are searching for fabrics for a particular project and we can help you out.

But also, the staff in your fabric should should be able to help guide you and a lot of online fabric shops offer a swatch service too.

· 1 month ago

Susge-sews-53 · 1 month ago

Hi Dan. When I make bags or pouches and the fabric on hand is too thin I just interface it with iron-on interfacing in whatever thickness I want to go for. Thus I'm not that dependent on the fabric on offer. Or I quilt my own fabric and use that. As Hayley advises, the lining should be thin and supple to adjust to the inside of the bag.

· 1 month ago

Jolene · 1 day ago

Hi Dan, you have made dresses? I have been a quilters for 6 years and would love to start making dresses. Would you have any advice for me on how to start my first dress?

· 1 day ago

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