One of the most challenging things that a beginning sewer can do is to work with difficult fabric. Some material types are so slick and slippery that cutting and piecing them together can be hard. Others, like stretch velvet, may not be as difficult but may have properties that can make them harder to utilize. If you are looking for some tips and tricks working with different materials, here is what you need to know.

One thing to consider is how well the fabric drapes and flows. Some fabrics may be too stiff for certain projects while others may not have the kind of structure needed to get a garment or other fabric item to look right. Generally, materials like thin silks and satins will flow better and will drape more nicely while thicker cottons, corduroys and brocades may be stiffer and have more structure.

If the fabric you use is stretchy you also need to handle it carefully. If you want it to fit properly, make sure you are not stretching it when you cut out the pattern pieces. You also need to make sure that you use a zig zag stitch and not a normal straight stitch as this can impact how the garment will fit you. The last thing you want is to burst a seam because the stitches cannot stretch with the fabric.

You should also give some thought to how warm a particular fabric will be. Heavier fabrics will generally be better at trapping heat. If you are making a garment that will be worn in warmer weather or which will be layered with other garments you may want to look for thinner, lighter fabrics. That way your garment will be more comfortable to wear.

If you're sewing a delicate fabric like a silk or a satin you may also need a special needle and foot. You will want to make sure that the needle pierces the fabric cleanly so that it doesn't make the material run or tear. Knit fabrics usually work best when being sewn with a needle that has a ball point rather than a sharp tip.

Another thing to think about is what a fabric's care instructions are. This is especially true if you are mixing fabrics in the same piece or if you know that you will be wearing an item on a regular basis. If you will be mixing fabric types in one piece it can be a lot less problematic if all of the materials used have the same basic care instructions.

Patterns have more information on them than just the shape of the pieces. They will include which materials you should use and what findings you will need. If you plan to buy all of the things you need at once it can make the sewing process much less frustrating.

While some crafters choose to order their supplies on line this may not be the best option for a beginning crafter. Visiting a physical store can be a good idea as you can feel fabrics and speak to the employees about what textiles would be best for a particular project. Then, you can approach the work with more confidence and can create pieces that are beautiful and uniquely yours