Burda Style For people who sew
I just got an awesome deal on some chiffon. Can anyone offer up any tips or tricks for sewing with this.
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Oct 4, 2009, 09.53 AMby henrikevb
patience :)
shouldnt be much of a problem with a good machine and needles.
Oct 4, 2009, 11.52 PMby oscarthegrouch108
if you find that you are having trouble finding the straight of the grain, need to straighten an edge etc…. i’ve found that the best way is to pull a thread. it takes forever (depending on the fabric width), but it’s worth is to get a straight edge.
you’ll find that you’ll want to pin a bit more because it does shift and slip easily. if you have a serger that will do a rolled hem, that is usually one of the nicest ways to hem it (to my eyes anyway) besides a very narrow regular hem.
other than that, a lot of patience as henrikevb said :)
Oct 5, 2009, 11.15 AMby ThirtyDaysSeptember
I’ve heard it helps to starch the crap out of it. :)
Oct 6, 2009, 09.10 AMby KateXXXXXX
The best way to deal with it is to ensure that for cutting, the WHOLE WIDTH of the fabric is ON the table. Line the selvages up with the edge of the table and use weights and a cutting mat and rotary cutter for preference. You don’t need to buy fancy fabric weights. I use tins of tomatoes, beans, cat food… Books are also good! :D
If you must use scissors, keep them as flat as possible.
BASTE! By hand… And lay the fabric pieces out flat on the table to do this. Keeping the fabric fully supported while you both baste and sew is important.
I’ve never found it necessary to starch it. Just work carefully and don’t rush things. Serging/overlocking the major seams is good. I tend to use a 3 thread ‘rolled seam’ – you set the machine for a three-thread rolled hem with a longer stitch length and a slightly wider cut, and roll the two pieces together. Looks like this:
http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/KatePages/Sewing_Projects/Anya/tinyseam.JPG
http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/KatePages/Sewing_Projects/Anya/outsideseam.JPG
Otherwise use a French or narrow felled seam, as the stuff frays in an ugly manner and you need to have the neatest possible seam finish because the fabric is sheer and the seam finishes can be seen.
1 Reply
Oct 8, 2009, 01.53 AMby oscarthegrouch108
kate, i always find something useful on your pages!
Oct 6, 2009, 08.17 PMby Laurie1962
Thank you so much everyone. Now to find just the right pattern and start sewing.