November 12, 2017

Stretch Suede fabric

2. If working with ultra-suede, prewash your fabric to preshrink it.

With ultra-suede, you might need to do this more than once. Again, ultra-suede doesn’t drape easily and it might take a few washes for the fabric to really loosen up so that you can work with it. Be sure to use a liquid fabric softener if you use any fabric softener products, as dryer sheets can leave oil spots on the suede.

3. Suede has a nap, so be mindful when cutting pattern pieces.

You want all of your pattern pieces to have the nap running in the same direction. Double check your pattern envelope to see if a napped fabric requires extra yardage.

4. Use pattern weights when cutting suede.

Suede can be a little thick for straight pins. Instead, use pattern weights when cutting out pattern pieces and binder clips to hold seams together while sewing.

5. Select your sewing needles wisely.

Set up your machine with a new, sharp needle in size 9 or size 11. You’ll want to use a longer stitch length, around 10 to 12 stitches per inch (or even longer). Shorter stitches will weaken the fabric. You might need to adjust the tension, as well, so be sure to test your machine settings on scraps of suede first.

6. You’ll also find it helpful to baste seams prior to sewing, either by hand or with basting tape.

This will keep everything in place and prevent some shifting around when you get to the machine.

7. Switch out your standard presser foot for a Teflon or roller-ball foot.

These will stick to the suede less and help you sew smoother. Additionally, place a piece of tissue paper on top of your fabric, and rip off after seam is sewn. You might also find it helpful to place tissue paper in between the two layers of fabric and underneath the bottom layer as well.