Tuesday Tips with Lindsey Rae!

I'm still playing catch up here on the blog, but here is a copy of the second tip I posted over on Instagram/Facebook, all about using tricky fabrics...

I'm so glad that y'all got involved in last weeks tip. This is something I want to continue to do throughout the year, so if you have anything sewing related you want to know send me a DM or post below. And to make it a little more special if your question is used in a future 'Tuesday Tip' post I'll send you a free PDF pattern!! How awesome is that - knowledge and free stuff 😁

This weeks tip...

@fkehutchins asked about the best way to get an accurate cut with tricky fabrics that shift.

✂️ Wash and dry the fabric in the way you intend to launder it once it is made. This means that it will wash out any sizing that is in the fabric and give you it's natural hand.

✂️ Spray fabric with a spray starch like Flatter Spray (my personal fave and available in my online store) and press. This will put back some structure into the fabric and make sure there aren't any crazy wrinkles that will cause havoc when you cut.

✂️ I always use my massive cutting table or dining table to cut out tricky fabrics. You want to make sure there is no fabric falling off the edges and pulling. This creates drag and will mess with your cutting.

✂️ I also use my cutting mat and a small rotary cutter to cut fabrics that like to slip. I find that it gives the fabric less chance to move when I rotary cut then when I use scissors. I have tried both and rotary cutting wins hands down.

✂️ I tend to use pins and pin around the edges, but I have very fine good quality Clover flat head pins that won't put holes in or cause runs in my fabric. However, if you have cheap-o pins, then I would suggest getting some pattern weights, or making your own. This way your pattern pieces will not move on you.

Basically, you want to have a large area and move the fabric and pieces as limited amount as possible. Once you have everything cut out make sure you stabilise anything that is cut on the bias (such as your neck) with fusible stay tape (another product in our online shop) or with a stay stitch. Slippery fabric tends to grow, move, and stretch as you are working with them so the more you can stabilise them with starch and stabilisers the more the will act appropriately.

#sewtogrow #patterndesigner #tuesdaytip #tiptuesday #learntosew #hints #tricks #help #teach #inspiration #diy