Do You Know Your Linen from Your Hemp?
Have you ever wondered what the difference between hemp and linen fabric is? Or maybe you’re looking for more sustainable fabrics for your clothes and home textiles. In today’s post we’ve got the lowdown on all things hemp-related. From legal restrictions to Bibles, read on to discover more about this fascinating fabric!
What is hemp?
Hemp is made from the fibres of the cannabis sativa plant. Crucially, this is not the same as the marijuana plant, but because the two look so similar hemp cultivation has been banned in many countries. Recently, the 2014 Food Act in the USA formally recognised the difference between these plants, distinguishing between ‘industrial hemp’ cultivation and cannabis production.
Despite the bad press in the last century, hemp has been widely used across the globe since around 2800BC. Evidence of hemp cultivation in China at the time shows that it was used locally, and we know that by 800BC it was brought along the Silk Road trading routes into Europe.
You can find out more about the history of hemp at the Berlin hemp museum.
What is hemp used for?
From the richest to the poorest in society, hemp provided a durable, practical and easy source of fabric. It has been used to make a huge range of products, from medicine to ship ropes, paper to paint and food to canvas. The fibres are inside the stalk, but all parts of the plant are used. It’s even an alternative fuel source! And, of course, hemp has long been used to create a range of fabrics for clothing and home textiles.
Linen fabric versus hemp fabric
Looking at linen and hemp fabric together it’s not easy to see which is which. Hemp fibres are longer and because of its limited cultivation it’s more expensive. Linen is made from the flax plant.
Despite these differences, the two fabrics share several characteristics:
- Durability and longevity
- Sustainability
- Comfort
- Thermoregulation
- Antibacterial and anti-fungal
What are the benefits of hemp?
With strong environmental credentials, hemp offers a sustainable alternative to crops like cotton. It needs less water to produce and grow, is biodegradable and compostable, and even captures significant amounts of carbon as it grows. Thanks to their deep root system, hemp plants don’t degrade the soil, meaning there’s no need for fertilisers. They are also pest resistant, so can be grown productively without harmful pesticides.
Hemp is soft on the skin and helps regulate your body temperature, keeping you comfortable all year round. Easy to care for, you can machine wash hemp textiles – just use a low temperature and mild detergent. Hemp is also odour resistant, so you’ll stay fresh all day.
One of hemp’s major benefits its is strength and durability. It is around four times as strong as cotton, and isn’t weakened by washing. This also makes it more sustainable, as hemp products will keep going for many years if properly looked after.
Due to its natural UV resistance, hemp protects from UV rays and keeps its colour strong, even when positioned in sunlight.
Many of these benefits are also found in linen fabric. Read more about linen as a sustainable textile for fashion here.
Everything You Need to Know About Choosing Couch Fabrics
Discover the different couch fabric types
Your sofa, or couch, is often the main piece of furniture in a room. Which means it’s important to get the right look for your space. But it’s not just the appearance of the upholstery fabric you need to consider – it also needs to have the perfect feel. You might love curling up on a soft, snug sofa or need a durable fabric that’s robust enough to withstand young children or pets. Which is why choosing between the couch fabric types can be tricky. Not sure which couch upholstery fabric is for you?
If you’re looking to buy or upholster a sofa you need to know about the functions and care requirements of different couch fabric types and how to choose the right one.
In this post we’ll outline the different types of upholstery fabric used to cover sofas, and look at the difference between natural fabrics and synthetic fabrics.
Different couch fabric types
Upholstery fabrics for couches come in a wide range of appearances and textures. Whether you’re upholstering your own couch or buying something already made, it’s good to get clued up on the various couch upholstery fabric types once you’ve decided on the size and shape of the couch.
Fabric selection for couch shapes
Some fabrics are associated with specific couch shapes, like faux leather or real leather upholstery which often comes in club or Ottoman style couches. Other fabrics, like linen or cotton, are often found in looser, more casual couch styles. Luxurious fabric like velvet gives a space an upmarket vibe and works with most couch shapes.
Natural fabric versus synthetic
If you prefer using natural fabrics in your home rather than those made with synthetic fibers then cotton or linen fabrics will be your best choice. These have the benefit of being extremely durable whilst also being more sustainable and healthier for your family than some synthetic materials.
Linen fabrics are great for upholstery projects because they are tough yet supple. They can also be machine washed, making them ideal for loose cover upholstery on a couch in a high-traffic room or where there is pet hair and children. Natural fibers like linen can be stain resistant, thanks to their inherent dirt repellant properties.
Synthetic materials like polyester fabric are fairly long-wearing, depending on the quality of the fabric, but they often don’t feel as comfortable against the skin as natural fabrics. They are often less expensive, so might be a good option if you’re on a tight budget. But they often won’t last as long as linen fabric, which means they may cost more in the long term.
Acrylic fabric tends to have good colour fastness, so it won’t mark cushions or clothing. But it can pill and look worn fairly quickly. Semi-synthetic fabric can offer the best of both worlds, but check the percentages of its components.
As you can see different fabrics have different advantages and disadvantages. Here are the main kinds of upholstery fabric you can choose from:
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Cotton or cotton blend fabric – natural fabric with great durability
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Velvet fabric – looks great and comes in a wide range of colours, but not hugely durable
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Wool or wool blend fabric – natural,luxurious fabric with a soft feel (though make sure you don’t choose a scratchy fabric)
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Jacquard fabric –heavy, patterned attractive fabric with a classic, overstated look
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Genuine leather fabric – luxe-looking and elegant, mainly stain resistant but needs leather conditioner to prevent cracks
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Faux leather or suede fabric – easy to clean, but hard to repair if torn
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Polyester fabric – cheaper and easy to care for, but can pill
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Acrylic fabric – hard-wearing and good for a well-used piece of furniture, but can feel uncomfortable
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Linen fabric – sustainable, natural fabric made from the plant fibers of the flax plant, with great durability and a beautiful look
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Leather-look vinylfabric– an easy to clean and very durable material, but can feel sticky
Some of these are easier to work with if you’re sewing your own couch covers. Make sure your machine and needles are suitable for that particular kind of fabric. Faux leather and natural leather are particularly tough to sew. If you’ve ever sewed denim jeans you’ll know you need sturdy, ultra-sharp needles for thick fabrics!
Other fibers are simpler to work with, making linen or cotton fabrics a great choice for DIY slipcovers. Linen in particular is a casual fabric with a high-end look, combining ease of handling and simple elegance with strength and durability.
Buying upholstery fabric
If you’re buying a piece of upholstered furniture it’s a good idea to try it out in the showroom or store. That way you can feel the texture and get a sense of how comfortable not just the structure but the fabric will be.
If you’re making your own couch covers and ordering fabric online, try to get a swatch so you can feel the fabric before you buy larger quantities.
Pre-made furniture is covered with upholstery fabric that has been treated with fire retardant to comply with safety regulations. If you’re concerned about fire safety and are making your own upholstered covers you might want to treat the fabric.
Once you’ve decided between the different types of upholstery material, and chosen between natural and synthetic fibers, it’s time to measure your couch to work out how much fabric you’ll need.
How to measure a couch for upholstery fabric:
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Measure the length of the couch from the outside edges of each arm. Do not dip down onto the seat, keep the tape taught across the space between the arms.
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Measure the seat cushion length, starting from the base of one arm and extending to the other. Then measure the cushion depth from front to back.
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Put the tape at the front of one of the arms, then pass it along the arm to the back, round the whole back and over along to the front of the other arm.
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Measure the contour of the arm by placing the tape where the arm meets the cushion and pass it up and over the arm and down to the floor.
If your cushions are attached you’ll want to make a one-piece slipcover, but if they’re separate a two-piece cover works best. Some knit fabrics will allow a bit of stretch but other fabrics require really accurate measurements.
Amounts of upholstery fabric for a couch
The amount of fabric needed to cover a couch or sofa will depend on the size of your furniture. As a rough guide, a 2-seater will need around 10-15m, a 3-seater will require 11-19m, and a larger piece could need up to 30m.
If you’re not sure how to calculate it, bring your measurements along to the fabric retailer, or get in touch with them online, and they can advise you. It is always best to err on the side of caution and order too much. You can make bags or cushion covers with any surplus.
Things to watch out for in your couch fabric choice
It is important to choose a fabric that can withstand high use. Delicate fabric like silk or some vintage linens are not a good option as they will quickly become damaged, not only by sharp objects and pet claws but also through everyday use. Choosing a durable fabric for furniture makes long-term sense.
If your sofa is in a very sunny room, look for a fabric that resists fading, and possibly opt for lighter colours.
Look for high thread count if you’re buying cotton fabric to ensure it’s robust enough. You don’t have to choose between a comfortable fabric and a durable one – linen fabric is both! It’s known for being a soft fabric, yet also has great inherent strength and resilience. It doesn’t need to be professionally cleaned as it’s machine washable – just make sure your linen fabric is pre-washed to avoid any possible shrinkage.
Couch fabric types in a nutshell!
So, if you’re looking for a new couch or are making some slipcovers for your existing sofa, here’s what you need to think about in your fabric choices:
What is the overall look you’re going for?
Fabric durability – how much wear will the fabric need to withstand?
Will it attract pet hair or get easily stained?
Do you want synthetic fabrics (polyester or acrylic, for example) or natural fiber fabrics?
How will you care for the couch upholstery – spot cleaning, machine washing or dry cleaning?
Is your priority for comfortable fabrics or easy-clean materials?
To browse our wide range of linen upholstery fabric go here, and do get in touch if you need any help choosing.
How to Frame Fabric for Wall Art
How to frame fabric for wall art
If you want to give your interior a quick new look, adding some new art is an easy and inexpensive way to switch things us without redecorating. For something a little different than the usual posters or artwork, why not make your own DIY wall art using a piece of your favourite fabric?
In this post we’ll show you how to frame fabric and create your very own unique piece of fabric art. The best DIY crafts reuse and repurpose some materials, whilst making something entirely new and different.
All you need for this project is a few simple craft tools and a piece of decorative fabric that will complement your existing interior design. Then say goodbye to boring walls!
How to make your own framed fabric wall art
This is a DIY you can easily do in an afternoon, once you’ve gathered all the materials. It’s perfect if you’ve got guests or visitors coming and you want to give your home a fresh new look without a major overhaul.
It’s also a brilliant way to use up any offcuts or spare fabric, making it a sustainable, eco-friendly project as well as bringing something exciting to your space. You can also use a thrifted frame to cut down costs and waste.
What you’ll need:
- Picture frame (look in thrift stores to save money and repurpose existing materials (you can also use a framed mirror and remove the glass)
- Fabric – choose something fairly robust, like linen fabric, that won’t snag or pull
- Eggshell or wood paint (if you want to change the frame colour)
- 1/4″ thick plywood (cut the same size as the frame) OR cork board
- Stapler or glue
- Tape measure
- Picture hooks and string (if none on your frame)
Step-by-step guide to DIY wall art
First, prepare your frame. If you’ve sourced a second hand frame you might want to lightly sand and re-paint it. Some frames have glue residue or old sticky tape holding the backing board, so this will need removing before you add your fabric to the frame.
You may be able to give it a simple quick wipe down if the frame is in good condition already.
Then you need to choose your fabric. Whether you’re rummaging in your local fabric store or buying online, it’s important to keep these things in mind when selecting fabric for wall art:
– What is the decor in your room like? Choose a pattern or print that works with your existing colour scheme. A bold or distinctive pattern looks amazing framed on the wall, but you also might want a more minimalist look, like some natural linen fabric.
– What type of material will work best? Very fragile textiles like silk might not be the best choice as they might run or snag when stretched over the cork board or plywood. Removing the staples will also be harder than if you use a more robust fabric like cotton or linen, or an upholstery fabric.
Measure your cork board or plywood, and the frame up to the trim. Cut the board to fit using a jigsaw for clean edges.
Cut your fabric slightly larger than the board so you have fabric for folding over the back to create a hem.
Lay your fabric right side down on a clean, flat surface. Make sure the focal point on the other side is going to be the right part of the pattern or print on your fabric.
Place the board on top, so the wrong side of the fabric meets the facedown side of the board. Fold over a 2-3cm hem around the edge, keeping the corners neatly folded (like a bedsheet corner).
Glue or staple your fabric along the back of the board. Pull the fabric tight as you work, to avoid wrinkles.
Place the fabric-covered board inside the picture frame, pushing it right up to the trim. Fasten it in place – usually this is done with small clips that you just fold down over the board. Attach the hanging thread or hooks to the back of the board.
Hanging your framed fabric wall art
If you have an existing picture hook or nail, just hang your art work there. If you want it somewhere else, to optimise the impact of your textile art, or to fill an unused space on the wall, follow these tips on how to hang a picture.
Change things up whenever you like!
The great thing about making your own fabric art this way is that you can easily change the fabric whenever you fancy a different look for your room.
Just unfasten the frame clips on the reverse of the frame, then remove the plywood and fabric-covered board. Carefully loosen the staples from the fabric and peel the fabric away from the cork board.
Replace with a new piece of fabric to decorate your wall, then hang and create a whole new vibe in your space.
Browse our extensive range of linen fabrics to find inspiration for your homemade picture frame fabric art. Linen is not just a durable, robust fabric, it comes in a huge range of colours and patterns so there’s something for every home.
You could buy extra fabric for other upholstery projects and use up any surplus to make wall art around your home. Choose contrasting colours for a dynamic, contemporary look. Or go for neutrals and calming tones to bring a tranquil feel to a space.
Happy creating!
What is Upholstery Fabric?
What is upholstery fabric?
With so many kinds of fabric available, it can be hard to navigate all the different names and types. In this post we’ll tell you everything you need to know about upholstery fabric.
Upholstery fabric is the padded covering for a piece of furniture. The term ‘upholstery’ refers to the webbing, springs and stuffing used to make chairs, sofas and other cushioned pieces.
So, in short, upholstery fabric is the material used to cover an item of soft furniture. The fabric hides the stuffing and holds it all in place, as well as creating a decorative finish.
Soft furnishings versus upholstery fabric
It’s not to be confused with ‘soft furnishings’, which in interior design speak usually refers to cushions and curtains. Upholstered furniture has featured in homes for centuries, and remains popular today.
The craft has been a respected skill since the Middle Ages and a good upholsterer can transform a piece of furniture. Upholstered furniture offers comfort and ease, as well as the chance to alter the look of your room.
Re-upholstering a chair or sofa can be an expensive business so it’s essential to choose the right fabric.
In this guide to upholstery fabric, we’ll show you the different types of material you can use to cover furniture, and things to consider when choosing between upholstery fabrics.
What’s different about upholstery fabric?
The thing about upholstery fabric is that it needs to be tough. Think of the number of times someone will sit on that chair, or drape themselves across the sofa in front of the TV. Think of the small children clambering over the arms of your chairs and having pillow fights with the cushions. And think of the muddy dog who wants a cosy corner to curl up in after a long walk.
To withstand the rigours of daily life, upholstery fabric is heavyweight and uses a pile or flat weave. It usually has woven patterns rather than dyed-in patterns.
Thick upholstery fabrics aren’t suitable for making clothing or bedding as they aren’t supple or soft enough. You can tell the durability of a fabric by looking at the ‘double rub’ rating.
This measurement replicates the wear and tear of someone sitting on a piece of furniture by dragging a mechanical arm back and forth over the fabric surface. The number given indicates how many rubs the fabric withstood before getting marked or damaged. The higher the ‘double rub’ the more durable the material.
DIY upholstery
Re-vamping the upholstery fabric on an old but much-loved piece of furniture not only prolongs the item’s life, it can also instantly refresh your space. On large pieces, like a sofa, the choice of furniture fabric can guide the rest of the room’s decor.
Making a new set of loose covers or covering a chair or headboard is something most people who are experienced with sewing can manage. It can be a fun, satisfying project to take on.
Just make sure you get the fabric and measurements right from the start to avoid costly mistakes.
Sometimes a chair or sofa needs more drastic action. To make a piece of old furniture much more comfortable, try replacing the upholstery. Pointy springs and saggy stuffing will be turned into plump, inviting cushioning. If the furniture needs completely re-upholstering, including replacing the webbing and stuffing, you will probably need help from a professional.
Transform your living room chairs or sofa with just some great new fabric and a little know-how!
Once you’ve accurately measured the furniture and calculated how much upholstery fabric you’ll need, the next thing to consider is what type of material you need.
Read on to find out more.
What are the types of upholstery fabric?
Leather
Tough and easy to clean, leather has long been a staple upholstery material for masculine armchairs and luxe sofas. If you choose good quality pigmented leather it will feel soft to the touch.
The downsides to leather upholstery fabric are that it can be hard to repair and uncomfortable in hot weather. Leather is also one of the more expensive options for covering furniture.
Velvet
Plush, soft and welcoming, velvet makes a great upholstery fabric in the modern home. It tends to come in plain colours rather than patterns, and adds a splash of style to your living room or bedroom.
But some people are wary of velvet for upholstered fabric because it has a reputation for being hard to look after. In fact, it’s pretty hardwearing – particularly if it’s made from a combination of a natural material like cotton and synthetic fibres.
The pile of velvet fabric can get easily crushed, giving the surface a different texture and feel in places, but this often resolves as the fabric ages.
Velvet fabrics are often treated to make them stain resistant, and can be hoovered and spot cleaned. Specific cleaning tips for stains will depend on which fabrics the velvet has been made from.
Linen
If sustainability is important to you, choosing a natural upholstery fabric will be your priority. But you needn’t compromise on durability and looks! Linen fabric looks beautiful on upholstered furniture and gives a natural charm to your living room. Good quality linen fabric is also tough and highly durable.
Linen can be machine washed and has an inherent stain resistance, making it a sensible choice for high traffic rooms. It also helps regulate your body temperature, which means you’ll sit comfortably in all weathers.
Make sure you buy top quality pre-washed linen upholstery fabric to avoid additional shrinkage when washed.
Cotton
Another natural fabric, cotton is widely used as an upholstery fabric. It’s a reasonably priced material and comes in a huge range of prints and colours. Cotton feels soft and comfortable, but can be less durable than some other upholstery fabrics. It’s easy to sew, and is a popular option for slipcovers.
Make sure you get heavyweight upholstery cotton rather than lighter fabric if you’re looking for an upholstery fabric.
Cotton is not very stain resistant, however and can fade if exposed to strong sun light for extended periods.
Wool
Wool is durable, stain and dirt repellant and resistant to pilling. These qualities make it a good upholstery fabric, but it can feel itchy against the skin so may be better in areas without direct contact.
Felted wool is softer because the fibres have been flattened in the felting process.
Synthetic fabrics
There are several types of synthetic fabric used in furniture upholstery:
Acetate
Made from the cellulose extracted from wood, acetate feels like silk but is more practical. Silk is sometimes as an upholstery fabric on low wear items, but acetate is stronger than pure silk. It has a flowy drape and luxurious sheen.
But it isn’t very durable and so not a great choice as an upholstery fabric.
Olefin/ polypropylene
Olefin is a man made fiber that’s used as an upholstery fabric because it has excellent abrasion resistance and repels mildew. It’s useful in damp places, such as basements, and on furniture that gets a lot of wear or outdoor furniture. Olefin, or polypropylene as it’s otherwise known, also resists stains and sunlight.
It does, however, get easily soiled and doesn’t have a very long life. And if you’re trying to avoid synthetic fibres in your home you’ll want to avoid this fabric as it’s made from tiny plastic pellets.
Polyester
Commonly used in blends with cotton or other natural materials, polyester can stand up to hard wear. It can be prone to pilling and often doesn’t look as classy as other types of material, which may mean it’s not the best upholstery fabric.
Acrylic
Often used in outdoor furniture, acrylic is strong and cheap. But it can pill and doesn’t always give the finish you might want.
What to look for when choosing upholstery fabric
For heavy use items, like the family sofa, you need a durable fabric that’s also easy to clean. Machine washing is simpler and cheaper than dry cleaning, so if stains and dirt are likely to be an issue, take this into account when choosing upholstery fabrics.
Loose or fitted covers?
Fitted upholstered fabric looks sleek and elegant. There are no visible seams or zips, and it gives a polished feel to chairs and sofas.
But if you have young children or pets, loose cover upholstery fabric makes more practical sense. Loose covers can be removed and washed. This is great for dealing with stains and everyday dirt. It’s important to check if the fabric has been pre-washed before cleaning as some upholstery material may shrink in the wash.
Upholstery fabric, wrapped up
How much care can you deal with?
To sum up, when choosing an upholstery fabric consider how much wear and tear your furniture has to withstand. Order samples of different materials so you can see how they feel to the touch as well as whether they work with your home decor. The quality will have a big effect on durability. This is easier to see when you can actually touch the fabric.
Decide whether you want natural or synthetic fabrics, and how important easy-care is with your lifestyle.
Do you need something durable and abrasion resistant? Or a fabric that’s resistant to stains? Something not prone to fading? Or is the overall look more important?
Consider how your chosen fabric might look in five years’ time. Knowing how a fabric ages is really important when using in upholstery where the furniture is a centrepiece in a space.
You need to also factor in how much cleaning and care you can manage. Can you afford to spend out on dry cleaning? If you won’t be able to vacuum your sofa regularly or keep your upholstered headboard out of the glare of the sun, then this will impact your choice.
If you’re sewing your covers yourself, make sure your machine can handle thicker fabrics. For tips on measuring and sewing new fabric, go here and here.
Happy fabric hunting! Hope you find the best fabric for your upholstered furniture project!
How much fabric for a pillowcase?
How much fabric for a pillowcase?
If you’re planning on making some gorgeous new bedlinen and need some advice on how much fabric you need, you’re in the right place! A new set of sheets, duvet cover and pillowcases can instantly lift a room, giving your decor a refreshing new feel.
It’s the easiest way to revamp your bedroom without the hassle of redecorating.
Bedlinen is a great sewing project for the beginner crafter as it uses straightforward patterns. If you’re more experienced with a sewing machine you can even use an existing pillowcase as a template and not use a pattern at all.
In this post we’ll help you work out the measurements and calculate how much fabric you need to make pillowcases.
What kind of fabric to make a DIY pillowcase?
As huge fans of linen bedlinen we know how comfortable it is. We love how it keeps us cool in summer and warm in winter. And how kind it is to all the family’s skin.
Another popular natural bedlinen material is cotton. This will also help regulate your body temperature but isn’t as sustainable a material as linen.
Silk is a super luxurious fabric for bedding, adding a glamorous feel to your bedroom. It tends to be pretty expensive, however, so may not be for all budgets.
Synthetic fabrics are often less suited for bedlinen. They can feel sticky against the skin and cause overheating. So, if you’re making your own pillowcases for your bed we strongly recommend using natural or natural-mix fabrics.
What size pillowcase are you making?
The amount of fabric needed to make a pillowcase depends on the size of your pillows. Pillowcases come in Standard, Queen, King and Body sizes.
A Standard size pillow measures 20 inches wide x 26 inches long.
A Queen size pillow measures 20 inches x 30 inches.
A King size pillow measures 20 x 36 inches.
And a Body size pillow is 20″ x 54″.
Before you start sewing a pillowcase you need to measure your pillow to get the correct dimensions.
How to measure how much fabric to make a pillowcase
Whichever fabric you choose, here’s how to work out the amount of fabric to get when making pillowcases. On average 1 yard of fabric will make one Standard size pillowcase. If you’re making two pillowcases go for 2 yards, and keep increasing by one yard if making more.
This will depend a bit on the width of the fabric. With a very wide piece of fabric you may be able to get away with fewer yards. One yard of 46″ wide fabric (the most common width) is enough for one Standard size pillowcase.
If you’re not sure whether you have a King size or Queen size pillow, lie it flat on the bed. Measure the width, from the top seam to the bottom. If there are no seams on your current pillowcase, take your measuring tape the whole way around the pillow to find the width, then divide this number by two.
It’s crucial to include a seam allowance in your measurements, so make sure you’ve included that when buying your main fabric. Add 1/2″ seam allowance for the width and 4-5″ for the length depending on whether you’re making an envelope pillowcase.
If your fabric isn’t prewashed there’s a chance it could shrink after you first wash it. To prevent this, wash your fabric before cutting to make sure you get enough.
Once you’ve got the right yardage, cut two rectangular pieces. One will be longer due to the envelope flap. Use these measurements:
Standard & Queen pillowcase
Front – 21 2/8″ x 37 6/8″
Back – 21 2/8″ x 31″
King size pillowcase
Front – 21 2/8″ x 48″
Back – 21 2/8″ x 41 2/8″
You can choose the same colour and pattern, or have contrasting front and back fabrics.
Then you’re ready to get sewing!
Simple DIY pillowcase sewing tips
It only takes a few minutes to create a great-looking pillowcase – even if you’re a beginner. Most pillowcases have envelope flaps, so we’ll use this as our basis here. We’ll also show you how to create French seams so there are no raw edges. For different style pillowcases you’ll need to look for specialist instructions.
Here’s what to do:
- Place your two pieces of fabric right sides facing. There will be one longer piece for the envelope flap.
- Fold over the short side hem (folding from the wrong side) of the longer piece by 2/8″ and then again by 3/8″.
- Iron and pin in place.
- Repeat for the short hem of the smaller piece.
- Sew the folded edges to create your seam.
- Put the two pieces on top of each other, right sides facing again.
- Fold in the overhanging envelope flap so it sits under the other piece of fabric.
- Pin around all three edges, leaving the flap side folded in.
- Sew these together, leaving a 2/8″ seam allowance. DON’T sew up the flap side!
- Trim off the excess seam, leaving a 1/8″ hem.
- Turn inside out.
- Unfold the flap to the other side.
- Iron and pin all three sides, leaving the flap side unsewn.
- Stitch with a 3/8″ hem.
- Turn right side out.
- Voila! You’re ready to insert your pillow!
If you’re looking for beautiful linen fabric to sew with, check out our huge range of European, top quality linen. And for more sewing tips go here and here.
How Many Yards of Fabric to Make a Dress?
How many yards of fabric to make a dress?
You’ve chosen a beautiful dress pattern, dusted off your sewing machine and are ready to get sewing. But how do you work out how many yards of fabric you’ll need for your project? In this post we’ll give you the lowdown on working out the amount of fabric needed to make your dress.
Your pattern will recommend the amount of fabric to buy. But if you’re making your own pattern, or need to work out yardage without one, we can help . To avoid having to go back to the store for more fabric, it’s best to err on the side of too much. You can sew any extra fabric for another project. There is no one answer for this question, so follow these tips to find out how to calculate how much fabric to buy.
Calculating how much fabric you need
To calculate how much fabric you need, or ‘fabric yardage’, first you need to think about the length of the dress. If you’re making a short dress with short sleeves for a child, 1 yard should be the right amount of fabric. For a longer adult-size dress with long sleeves you will need a minimum 2 to 3 yards of wide fabric.
You also need to take account of the width of the fabric. As a rule of thumb most fabrics come in 45 inches in width but you may find some 60 inches wide. For the narrower fabric width you’ll need more yardage.
How much yardage for a short dress with short or capped sleeves?
Your pattern will probably specify yardage, but as a guide for a short dress with short or capped sleeves in 35-36 inches width fabric, aim for 4 1/4 yards. If your fabric is 60″ wide you need 2 3/8 yards.
To find out more about how big a yard of fabric is, go here.
How many yards of fabric for a long length dress?
Obviously, the length of dress you’re sewing affects the amount of fabric you’ll require. If you’re using 36″ wide fabric for a longer length dress you need at least 5 yards of fabric. For wider 60″ fabric opt for 3 yards.
Consider the cut and style
As well as thinking about the width of fabric and length of the dress, it’s important to note the style and cut.
An A-line skirt, for example, will need more fabric than a straight skirt.
A bias cut skirt may require slightly less fabric, depending on the pattern, type and width of fabric.
A wrap dress will also need different quantities of fabric than a slip dress. For a full length ballroom dress 5 to 7 yards of fabric should be enough. A flared gown will need 6 to 7 yards of fabric.
Patterns affect the fabric yardage
If you need to exactly match up a pattern you will need more fabric than if you were making a dress from plain fabric. A ruched dress will also use more fabric to allow for the gathering.
Body measurements
We are all different shapes and sizes, so you need to factor your body measurements in when calculating how many yards of fabric you buy for your dress. You also measure differently if you’re sewing pants, a skirt or a shirt instead of a dress.
To obtain the correct body measurements when sewing a dress you first need a tape measure. Then follow these steps:
- If the dress is for yourself ask someone to help take your measurements.
- Ask the person you’re making the dress for to stand with their feet 15″ apart.
- Make sure you/they are wearing tight-fitting clothing or lingerie to get accurate measurements.
- Measure the relevant places on the body, adding 2″ for comfort all round.
- The places you measure will depend on the garment you’re making – a dress will need more detailed sizing than a shirt, for example.
- For dresses you need measurements for: bust, waist, hips, nape to waist, depth of armholes, shoulder span, bicep and wrist round, sleeve length, height, dress length, waist to knee, waist to hip, and nape to bust.
Calculating fabric yardage from measurements
Once you’ve got accurate measurements, you can use these formulae to work out how much fabric to use:
A-line/ tunic dresses:
Multiply the length of the dress by two and add 0.25m.
Other dresses:
Multiply bodice and skirt length (from waist) by two, then add these together.
Add hem and seam allowance. Allow 0.75m for sleeves, plus hem and seam allowance.
Total these up – you’ll probably find you get to around 3 yards of fabric.
Remember – this total is dependent on the width of the fabric and style of dress you’re sewing.
Asking yourself ‘How do I work out how much fabric I need?’
As you can see, there’s a lot to take into account when calculating how much fabric to get when sewing dresses.
If you’re without a pattern, the main things to consider when buying fabric for a dress sewing project are:
The width of the fabric.
The style of dress.
The individual’s body measurements.
The pattern of the fabric.
The length dress you’re making.
As a rule of thumb, err on the side of getting too much fabric rather than too little – extra fabric is better than running out.
The easiest way to be sure you’ve got the amount of fabric you need is to follow your pattern’s instructions. But if you’re sewing without a pattern, these tips should help you figure out how much fabric your dress needs.
Once you’ve nailed the yardage, you’re good to sew!
How Big is a Yard of Fabric?
How big is a yard of fabric?
Once you’ve chosen a pattern and you’re ready to buy your fabric and get sewing. But how do you know how much fabric you need? A pattern may specify the amount in lengths, but you’ll find that the amount you need varies depending on the width of the fabric you’ve chosen. When you buy fabric for your sewing projects it’s usually sold by the linear yard.
So, how do you know how big a yard of fabric actually is?
How big is a yard?
Very simply, one yard of fabric is 36 inches long. But working out how much fabric you need for a sewing project is a little bit more complicated than that.
While a yard in length is always a yard, fabric width varies according to where you’re buying it. Average widths are between 33-44 inches. Because of the different widths available you need to calculate how many yards you need overall.
The width required also depends on your sewing project – if you’re making a large item, like a duvet cover, you’ll need a much wider piece of fabric than you’d need for a dress or bag. If that width isn’t available you can stitch two pieces together. Read your pattern carefully when working out how many yards of fabric needed.
It’s important to think also about the type of fabric and whether it’s patterned. Pre-washed fabric shouldn’t shrink, but with other fabrics you may need to build in a little shrinkage surplus in your yardage. Patterns can run lengthwise or widthwise, so take account of this in your calculations too.
Yard or meter?
To add to the confusion, fabrics come in yards and meters. So as well as working out the dimensions of a yard in inches you need to convert inches to centimeters if you normally use the metric system.
The Imperial system of inches and yards is used only in the USA, Libya and Myanmar. The rest of the world uses metric measurements. Which can make it hard to work out how to buy a yard of fabric or to determine the length and width in inches if you’re used to meters and centimeters.
If you’re using the metric system (meters and centimeters) 1 yard equals 0.9144 meters, or 91cm. Your retailer may specify that fabric is sold by the meter. They will give the width in centimeters. This might look like this ‘150 x 100cm’, which shows you the fabric is 150cm wide and 100m long. You then calculate the amount of fabric required by length.
How is fabric measured?
Fabric is usually sold from a bolt. This is a cardboard tube that the material is wrapped around, and then unfurled on a flat surface to be measured. Width is measured from the selvage (the woven edge, often marked with a white border) across the bolt.
How to measure a yard
Even if you already use the imperial system your tape measure may not have yards on it. To measure a yard you need to convert it to inches and then use your measuring tape to find the right width of the fabric.
Remember, there are 36 inches in a yard. So, for example, if your pattern calls for 2 yards of fabric you multiply 36 by 2 to find out your fabric yardage.
You can also convert feet into yards. How many feet in a yard? A yard is 3 feet. It might also help to know that 36 inches equals 3 feet.
Buying fabric: how much do you need in yards?
Calculating fabric amounts
Once you’ve answered the question of how big is a yard of fabric, you now need to work out exactly how much fabric your pattern requires. You could do this mathematical calculation using length and width plus the number of pieces required:
- Write down the width of your fabric and the width of one piece. Divide the fabric width by the piece width. This tells you how many pieces will fit into the width of your fabric. Round it down for ease.
- Divide the number of pieces needed by the number that will fit into the width (calculated above). This gives you the number of rows you’ll need.
- Multiply this number by the length of one piece to find out how many inches of fabric are needed in total.
- Take this number and divide it by 36 inches (round it up to make sure you’ve got enough) to get the total yardage required.
Use a yard conversion chart
But the simplest way to work out yardage is to use a conversion chart. If your pattern tells you to use 54 inches of fabric, for instance, you simply read across the chart to find the right number of yards for your sewing project. This conversion chart shows you need 1.5 yards of fabric. For a piece measuring 9 inches you need 0.25 yards (pic via sew4home.com).
Once you’ve bought the right amount of fabric you’re ready to get sewing! If you need tips on cutting fabric straight go here. And to find out how to deal with fabric that puckers when you sew go here.
Tips on How to Sew Knit Fabric
How to sew knit fabric
Every sewing project calls for different skills, tools and fabrics. Get these right and you’re likely to end up with a great-looking garment or piece. But it’s not always easy to know how to tackle the wide range of fabrics available. Some, like knit fabric can be harder to sew with a straight stitch and to keep in shape, thanks to its natural elasticity.
Wobbly seams, uneven stitches and pulled fabric needn’t be an issue! With a little know-how and practice you to effectively sew with knits and create a garment you’ll wear with pride.
In this post we’ll show you to get the best out of sewing with knits, rather than woven fabrics like linen. We’ll take you through some simple tips, show you how to sew beautifully straight seams and help solve problems that might arise as you sew.
Sewing with knits: The lowdown
You might think you need an overlocker or serger if you’re sewing knit fabrics. But don’t worry if you’ve only got a regular sewing machine – sewing knits is perfectly possible. No need for professional or fancy sewing machines!
Here’s our simple guide on how to sew knit fabrics on a domestic sewing machine.
Knit fabrics vs woven fabrics
What do we mean by ‘knit fabrics’? And how are they different from woven fabrics? Knit fabric is made by knitting one continuous yarn in backwards and forwards loops. Woven fabric is made by interweaving horizontal and vertical yarns at right angles on a loom. The difference comes from the way stretch fabric is made –by not crossing warp and weft thread the fabric retains some natural elasticity and give.
You can tell the difference by sight: knits look like they’re made from slim braids, and woven fabric has a grid-like pattern. They also feel different too. Knit fabric stretches when pulled, especially if pulled along its width. Woven fabric doesn’t have much stretch. If you want to sew with knits it’s important to understand how they behave, and making sure your pattern is suitable if you want to sew with a stretch fabric.
Types of knit fabric
You may come across different materials that fit into the knit fabric category. You’ll find different weight knits too, with lighter fabrics often being trickier to sew and more robust stretchy fabrics are easier to handle.
Some types are: jersey fabric, double knit, novelty knit and sweater knit fabric. These each have their own qualities that make them suitable for different garments. Your pattern may specify which to use. But if not, speak with your fabric salesperson or do some research to find out the way stretch fabric behaves and how to sew with it.
Jersey fabric is super comfortable and lightweight, so it’s a popular choice for sewing tops and t-shirts. Double knits have two layers of fabric, making them easier to sew with and ideal for more structured garments. Check your pattern and do some research to find the best one for your project and pattern.
Tips for sewing with knits
The ideal method for sewing knits is to use a serger or overlocker. But for most of us this is out of our budget and scale. By using the correct equipment you can achieve great results with a domestic sewing machine. From avoiding universal needles to using zigzag stitches, follow these tips for sewing stretchy fabrics:
Select the right side:
To sew with single knit fabric, make sure you sew on the correct side. Gently pull the fabric. The right side will have a faint stripe to it. Double knit, or ‘interlock’ knits don’t have a wrong side. Follow the instructions on your pattern if you need to put the wrong side together.
Choose the right needle:
Stretch, jersey or ball point needles are best for sewing knits. Ball point needles have a rounded tip that doesn’t snag on the fabric fibres. A universal needle might be ok, but stretch needles or a ballpoint needle is preferable. Try sewing a small square of your knit fabric with different needles to see which works best. You may find you get straighter seams and smoother stitches with ballpoint needles.
Use zig zag stitch:
This stitch works on stretch fabrics as it resists the innate elasticity in the fabric. Zig zag stitch is ideal if your machine doesn’t have a stretch stitch setting. For vertical seams that don’t depend on much stretch you can use straight stitch. You can change the stitch width of your zig zag stitch – try narrow zigzag stitches for seams and slightly wider for a topstitch. Always test a zigzag stitch on a scrap of stretchy fabric before sewing your full pattern.
Try different stitch length:
On a scrap of fabric, use a ball point or stretch needle set to zigzag stitch, and play with varying your stitch length. Your fabric may respond better to shorter stitches
Use your sewing machine feed dogs:
It’s vital not to stretch your knit garment when sewing as this will distort the final shape and cause misalignment. The feed dogs are designed to keep fabric feeding through freely. Let them feed your stretchy fabric without pulling or forcing it.
Use polyester thread:
With polyester thread you can take advantage of the thread’s natural elasticity as it will stretch a little. Cotton thread has less stretch.
Keep fabric flat:
Avoid pulling the fabric through the machine by keeping it lying flat as you sew. A longer table can be helpful here, or you can hold the excess fabric or the rest of the garment to stop it slipping down off the edge of your work surface, which will pull and stretch it more.
Troubleshooting
You’ve sourced the right knit fabric, set up your sewing machine and cut out your pattern pieces. Now you’re ready to get sewing, aiming to create clean, straight seams and maximise the flow of knit fabric.
If you’re using stretch needles, zigzag stitches and have selected the correct type of knit fabric, you shouldn’t have too many issues. But sometimes problems can still arise. Here’s what to do if you find you’re getting uneven or wavy seams, or your fabric keeps pulling.
Change the presser foot pressure:
If a fabric stretches as you sew, try lifting your presser foot every few inches. Intermittently raising the feed foot reduces the pressure on your stitches and can stop knit fabric distorting. Some sewing machines allow you to reduce the presser foot pressure using a dial.
Try tissue paper:
This clever hack helps stop wobbly seams on stretch fabric. Cut a length of tissue paper about 1″ wide and lay it over the top layer of knit fabric you’re sewing (you can also put some underneath on lightweight knits). Sew as usual and then carefully remove the tissue paper once you’re done. Make sure you don’t tug at the stitches.
Press with an iron:
If you’ve finished a whole seam and notice it’s wonky, try pressing it with a hot iron, making sure not to move the iron when on the fabric. Once cooled your stitches should be straight!
Enjoy sewing with knit fabrics
Once you’ve mastered the basics you can have lots of fun sewing with knits. Whether you’re making a t-shirt or cute summer dress, knit fabrics are nothing to be afraid of. They give a lovely drape and are effortlessly wearable – comfortable, easy-care and practical.
Sewing with knits on a regular sewing machine, without a serger or overlocker, is well worth trying and can be very rewarding. Make sure you stick to the guidelines and your project should go brilliantly. If the stretch causes problems, persevere and try our troubleshooting tips.
Remember, when sewing with knit fabrics:
-Check your pattern and make sure it’s suitable for knits
-Find out if your fabric is woven or knit fabric by stretching and checking its surface
-Fix a ball point, jersey or stretch needle to your sewing machine
-Thread your needle with polyester thread
-Set the presser foot pressure dial to low if available
-Keep your fabric flat when sewing with knits
-Sew with a stretch stitch like zig zag on a test piece of fabric
-Try out different stitch lengths until you find the right one
-Sew with a straight stitch but without pulling the fabric through the machine
-Try altering the pressure or lifting the presser foot if the fabric stretches
-Press a wonky stitched seam with a hot iron to correct any stretchy stitching or misshaping
Tempted to sew with knits? Stretch yourself! Give it a go!
For tips on how to change your sewing machine needle go here, and discover how to cut fabric straight here.
How To Cut Fabric Straight
How to cut fabric straight
When you’re sewing at home one of the most important things to get right is to cut fabric straight in the first place. Many a project has been ruined by hastily cut fabric, where seams don’t match and what should be straight edges are actually wobbly. When you get the basics right, the rest will be so much simpler and you’ll get a polished-looking finished result.
How do you do this? In this post we’ll give you some easy-to-follow tips to make sure you know how to cut fabric straight, and get the most out of your sewing projects.
A step-by-step guide to cutting fabric straight
You’ve chosen your pattern and picked out your favourite fabric. Now it’s time to get your project started. The key thing to remember is to take your time. Corners cut here (literally!) can make problems later on in the project. Slowly and carefully is your sewing mantra.
Most patterns will ask you to match up straight edges. This is especially important in patterned fabric or in clothing, where any misalignment will show up.
Tools
If you’re quilting you may need a rotary cutter, but for sewing projects aside from quilts, here’s what you need to cut a perfectly straight line.
Fabric:
If using linen make sure it’s been prewashed to avoid any further shrinkage. Other woven fabrics may not need prewashing. These heavier fabrics are easy to cut in straight lines because they hold their shape and don’t tend to wrinkle on cutting. Ironing will make the fabric even easier to cut, especially with woven fabrics.
If you’re a beginner sewer, we recommend starting with a woven fabric for the best results. Once you’re more experienced you can move onto other fabrics that require more skill.
Cutting mat:
This is not essential but is a great way of protecting your work surface.
Scissors or retractable blade knife:
A sharp pair of crafting or dressmaker scissors is essential for cutting clean, straight lines. Make sure you don’t use your fabric scissors to cut other materials, like paper, as this can blunt the blade. A retractable knife is also useful as long as the blade is sharp. You could also use a rotary cutter if you’re quilting.
Ruler:
Any flat, see-through ruler will do, but if you’re measuring a long piece of fabric then a longer ruler might be better.
Hard, flat surface:
Always lay out your fabric and pattern on a flat, hard surface. This ensures your measurements will be accurate, and that your cuts will stay crisp and along the line.
How to cut a piece of fabric straight
Before you cut out your pattern pieces you need to make sure the piece of fabric is cut straight. Here’s how.
- Lay out your fabric flat. Fold the selvages together and see if the fabric is flat in the middle. If it has a lump it may mean the fabric wasn’t cut straight by the retailer.
- Find a straight edge to square off from. Selvages are the best way to do this – find this for an existing straight line. These are usually blank and have the designer’s name or product numbers on. Cut away the plain selvage edge so you are left with a straight edge and no excess fabric.
- Create a 90 degree angle by lining up this straight edge either with a right angle ruler, or with the corner of your table.
- Cut along the length of your table, or draw a straight line with your ruler and cut down this.
Cutting your pattern
Once you’ve squared off your fabric and have a straight edge to work from, you can start pinning and marking your pattern pieces. Check that your straight edge runs with the grain of the fabric, particularly if using a patterned fabric.
Then you’re good to sew!
How Long Does Covid Live on Fabric?
How long does Covid live on fabric?
As we all know, the Covid-19 pandemic is the result of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While this infectious disease is mainly transmitted via airborne droplets there is some evidence that can be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces. These could be fittings within a room, or fabrics like bedlinen or clothing. However, the virus can’t survive long outside the human body.
So, what are the risks of transmission of the virus through surfaces? And how long does SARS-CoV-2 live on surfaces?
Can Covid 19 be spread on surfaces?
Since the pandemic first started we have learned a huge amount about how the virus transmits. As we said, there are far fewer cases of Covid 19 that can be traced to surface spread. Yet there are some examples where the virus has spread via surfaces.
Findings show the amount of surface transmission depends on several things:
- The ventilation and air flow in a space
- The amount of virus in the area
- The amount of virus expelled and whether people are wearing masks or other protective equipment
- The length of time between expulsion and someone coming into contact with the virus
Can fabrics and clothes spread Covid 19?
Given the possibility of people being exposed to the virus via contact with contaminated surfaces, it’s useful to look at how this might affect our clothing and home textiles. Hard surfaces, like countertops and bathroom fittings, are easy to clean with an antimicrobial solution. It’s not as simple to disinfect fabrics.
This is especially important in health and social care settings, where the highest risk workers take their uniforms home. There is a chance they could be leaving traces of the virus in their homes and other places of work. Used textiles in healthcare pose a risk for transmission, although we should note that the highest risk is from airborne particles and aerosols.
How long can SARS-CoV-2 survive on textiles?
We do know how long the virus can remain infectious outside the human body, thanks to detailed research by scientists. Researchers now have a good understanding of how long coronavirus could survive on surfaces.
On porous surfaces the virus can become unviable, and so not dangerous, after just a few minutes. But on commonly used non-porous surfaces the virus can survive for up to three days or 72 hours. This study shows Covid 19 can survive for two days on clothes. In some cases and under certain conditions findings show it could remain viable for longer – up to several weeks. But for the general household or everyday surface three days/ 72 hours is a good guide to how long to quarantine any items that may contain traces of the virus.
Washing clothing and uniforms to remove traces of the virus
So, given the fact that some of us will come into contact with the virus, particularly health care or public health workers, here’s how to effectively clean your fabrics and textile surfaces.
Professor Katie Laird of De Montfort University has undertaken substantial research on how long Covid 19 survives on different textiles. She recently published a paper on the ways health care workers wash their uniforms, and how effective this method of laundry disinfection is.
Her research highlighted previous studies that show when workers take their uniforms home a small but significant percentage wash them on too low temperatures to kill the virus. This work is useful for all of us who want to prevent contamination through fabrics if we’re sharing our home with someone infected.
How to clean fabrics to stop transmission
It’s important to remove items of clothing before moving away from the site of possible transmission. This means taking off uniforms or clothes and laundering them in the original place where possible. If you’re living with someone who has coronavirus then follow these tips to reduce the risk for transmission via textiles.
If you’re laundering fabrics at home, wash all items that may have been exposed together. Wash towels and sports kit in your washing machine at 60°C. Commonly used textiles that haven’t been used by an infected person can be washed as normal. Clean your washing machine as usual, using an antibacterial washing machine cleaner.
It you’re travelling to a launderette to wash your clothes or textiles, wait for 72 hours after the item was used. For people isolating with the virus, you need to wait an additional three days after your isolation period ends before taking clothing to a launderette.
To recap
- Coronavirus is mainly spread through airborne particles and aerosols
- Transmission of the virus is possible via surfaces
- The risk for transmission on surfaces depends on several factors
- Clothing and bedlinens, especially in healthcare, could be leaving traces of virus on other surfaces or your body
- Wash contaminated textiles at the highest possible heat but follow the care instructions
- Wait 72 hours for garments used by an infectious person before visiting a launderette
