Tips & Tricks for Sewing With Sheer Fabric

Sheer fabrics are still a hot trend for fall 2009, but they have a reputation for being tricky to work with.

You really don’t need to be intimidated by sheer fabrics, but there are few tips and tricks that will make your life so much easier!

First of all, some sheers are easier than others to work with, so if this is your first time sewing with them, I’d recommend sticking with a crisper sheer.  Sheers with a “crisper” hand like organza are easier to work with over something very fluid like chiffon because they aren’t as prone to slithering all over the place.

You’ll need very sharp scissors, a cutting table that’s big enough to support the fabric and sharp pins.  Dull pins and scissors can cause the individual fibers in the sheer to pucker and fray.

A large work surface means that the whole piece of fabric can be supported on the table.  Leaving fabric hanging off the end can cause the fabric to distort as you’re cutting it.  I also like to use pattern weights, rather than pinning the pattern pieces in place.  You can adjust the fabric more easily that way.

Use a brand new sharp or ballpoint needle in your sewing machine – again, it will prevent the fabric from puckering as you sew it.  Pin the fabric closely and if it’s really causing problems, trying pinning a piece of tissue paper in between the layers of the fabric as you sew.

CraftStylish has an excellent how-to on hemming sheer fabrics as well.

image: Stock.xchg