User Manual

handling special fabrics

Fabric Handling Table

Fabric

Many fabrics, because of their construction or finish, demand

special attention in sewing. Techniques used in stitching and

handling, and choice of machine accessories, will vary with

the fabric. Let the table below guide your selection.

Special Handling

Vinyl-

leather-look, patent, suede, reptile

Use transparent tape as a substitute for pins or basting - Topstitch to hold seams and

edges flat - Avoid worked (maohine) buttonholes. Use bound buttonholes.

Pile-

velvet, velveteen, oorduroy

Stitch in direction of nap - Use plain seams - Zig-Zag or bind seam edges to prevent

fraying - Press over a self-fabric cloth.

Deep Pile -

fake fur

Pin rather than baste seams - Stitch in direction of nap - Use plain seams for short-hair furs;

narrow overedged seams for shaggy, bulky furs - Shear pile from seam allowances to reduce

bulk

Permanent Press-

peroale, broadoloth, shirting

Control seam tension manually by holding fabric taut as it passes under the presser

foot. Sew at moderate speed. -

Rne Knits -

trioot, jersey

Use namow overedged, double stitched, or French seams - Hold thread ends securely for

a few stitches at start of seam - Support seams while stitching. See page 45 to increase

presser-foot pressure.

Blanket Binding-

satin faoe

Hand-baste binding to blanket (pin marks show) - Miter corners.

Soft Sheer-

chiffon, voile, China silk

Use French seams, double stitched - Hold ends of upper and lower thread when you

begin to stitch - Support fabric while stitching.

Napped Fabric -

cashmere, mohair, camel hair

Cut with nap running down - Sew in direction of nap - Topstitch to hold seams and

edges flat.