Combining Fabric Weaves and Weights

Match Ease Treatments to Fabrics

Fabrics of varying weaves may require special treatment to achieve smooth curved seams, as in set-in sleeves or princess seams. Here's a case in point for a princess seam. The side front is cut from a stable vinyl-coated canvas. It won't fit a front piece without easing, and the treatment depends on the fabrics.

If you select a fabric that is not so tightly woven, the front edge can be stretched slightly before stitching to match the longer edge on the side front piece.

To ease a tightly woven microfiber front to the side front, I trimmed the side front at the curve and between the notches before stitching. This reduces the ease, to fit the pieces together smoothly. As long as the trimmed amount is no more than 1⁄4 inch, it should not influence fit much.

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Mary Ray, contributor
Posted on Nov 12th, 2012 in online extras, how-to, fabric

Comments (8)

lastminutelady writes: I especially appreciate the tip about stretching a loose weave fabric to fit a curved seam rather than clipping it. I am preparing to sew my daughter's princess seamed wedding dress out of hand woven silk and I need all the information about loosely woven fabrics I can find!

Posted: 6:34 pm on April 5th

ArleneSews writes: This is such timely info for me as I've been planning to reuse denim to combine with all sorts of other fabrics into new garments. Very useful information about combining wovens / knits. Thank You!
Posted: 12:14 pm on December 25th

JerseyQueen writes: Great article, is it best to dryclean garments that have been combined, such as silk and jersey, or as by Sewista wool crepe and leather?

Thanks for the information, its great that in sewing you never stop learning...
Posted: 6:03 pm on November 24th

Sewista writes: I love that this technique utilizes smaller bits of fabric therefore keeping them out of the landfill. Great techniques.

I am still in a quandary about how to clean these items, particularly a natural fiber, such as a wool crepe, with leather, ie, a leather yoke for example. That is what is preventing me from trying this mix of those two.
Posted: 6:16 am on November 15th

Evamarie writes: Dear J.A. Williamson,

You will need to contact customer service at 800-477-8727 to update your Threads Insider membership status. To modify your email preferences please visit http://customerservice.taunton.com/taunton/_cs/FindAnswers.aspx.

Thanks,
Evamarie Gomez
Web Producer
Posted: 9:08 am on November 14th

sewingagain writes: Awesome information since I'm having a great time remaking and upcycling my clothes! I just made a heavy knit sweater (Abercrombie & Fitch $6 at Goodwill)into a short shrug to match a vintage dress. Another Goodwill jersey knit t-shirt($3)became my bias banding. I stay stitched everything before cutting the sweater apart and stay stitched the bias jersey banding before attaching it. I then hand stitched the inside banding edges down. Thanks for tips which I will utilize very soon.
Posted: 7:59 am on November 14th

user-2242830 writes: I do not wish to continue with the 14 day free trial of threads information.

I do not want anymore emails from threads which arrive daily.

Please stop them.
J. A. Williamson.
Posted: 1:18 am on November 14th

Julianne_Bramson writes: What a wonderful article! I love the way all the different colors and textures go together! So inspiring and fun!
Posted: 4:16 pm on November 12th

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