I bought a very lightweight synthetic fabric to make a skirt and top with and I think now that it won’t work out … I’m sorry I don’t know the correct name for the type of fabric, maybe a challis? It’s got a sort of nubbly texture, it’s very “floppy” and somewhat sheer. I originally thought it would be OK with a slip but the skirt has buttons up the front, so I don’t know if that will work after all.
It’s all cut out so I guess I’ll have to forge ahead … any tips on the best possible outcome? I guess I could line it but I don’t know what with. I suppose a lining would just be cut out using the same pattern pieces and sewn inside out then attached? The pattern doesn’t have directions for making a lining, but I’ve struck out on my own and skipped the directions before.
Replies
From what you've said, I would consider underlining, not lining. It's easy and would be nice if the fabric is sheer. There have been extensive discussions/explanations at this site in the past. See if you can find them. If you can't, let us know and someone will be glad to explain.
I agree...underlining is the way to go. It will give the fabric more stability and a better 'hand' to the fabric. Don't give up...it will turn out better than you thought! Do as Ralphetta suggested and do a search on the discussions to find out how...its not that hard...pretty easy actually.
Deb
Hmm, looks like a perfect solution, but the article I found said to hand-baste it all together! oof! I HATE hand sewing and avoid it whenever possible.
It's true that you have to baste it to the fashion fabric BUT from there on you just sew it up like the pattern says. It's easier than lining. It's basting..not pretty hand stitching, so it's fast. One asset is that you can fasten your facings and hem to the underlining and have no stitches showing on the outside...you can't usually do that with a lining. The garment won't wrinkle as badly, they just seem to fall out. If you like snug fitting garments, it gives the seams strength. I'm a big fan of doing it.
use china silk as the underlining. It's very light but enough to give the stability you need without really changing the hand of the fabric.
I would forgo the button front opening, seam it up (maybe do a centre back seam as well - if there isn't one to balance it) and line it. then make a simple camisole of the lining to wear under the top or just underline the bodice part of the top, depending on the difficulty of the pattern.
I agree with the others about underlining, but you usually don't have to baste all the seams or even do them by hand. You can pin baste or machine baste just enough to hold the two layers as one while you stitch the seams.The underlining and facing along the front should provide enough stability for the buttons and button holes, but if you still have gaping, you can make it a button front, and then topstitch the front edge closed from the lowest button up to the point you need to actually open to put on the skirt. In this way, the buttons and buttonholes look normal but don't have to take the stress of actually holding the halves together across the stress points.
Thanks for the info! I went ahead and machine basted it, and while there was "some" wrinkling, it was all on the lining not the outer fabric. The skirt turned out great and even though it's heavier with the lining, it still moves well when I move in it. Now too bad I made the waist a bit too small ... I can get it buttoned but it's not pretty ... LOL!
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