Replies

1. 
   becksnyc | Oct 15, 2005 06:41pm | #1

   Not too difficult.  From my own experience, use a new, sharp needle, as fibers are so tightly woven that it will snag or leave holes with a less than perfect needle.

   Micro fibers also don't shrink at all, so pieces that have to be eased may pucker.  You can reduce ease on sleeve caps or use pattern without ease at sleeve caps.  Test before pressing, as some may shine easily.

   They also don't breath that well, but do repel water wonderfully if using for outerwear.

   Becks

2. 
   mem | Oct 17, 2005 02:52am | #2

   Use a micro fibre needle Schmetz make them.I have found that it does breath certainly alot better than polyester. It doesnt shrink so you need to adjust the pattern you are using to accomadate the lack of moulding

1. 
   sabu | Oct 17, 2005 04:16pm | #3

   thanks so much--so there is no ironing the fabric to get rid of puckering around sleeves etc.?
   -Sarah

1. 
   mimi | Oct 17, 2005 11:56pm | #4

   Microfiber can be ironed easily.  You might want to lengthen the stitch when sewing it to avoid the pucker effect.  It hangs beautifully once sewn!

   mimi

2. 
   mem | Oct 19, 2005 02:45am | #5

   No you can iron but you have to be careful or you will end up with seam allowance underneath showing through.I think that you either need a pattrn where gathers are a feature as in a full sleeve with gathers on the sleeve head and cuff or sewn in tucks or you go for a garment where all the pieces pretty much match each other in length.

3. 
   woodruff | Oct 19, 2005 04:22am | #6

   Nah, not difficult. The fabric often seems to want to fray like crazy, though, so I usually serge the edges of the pieces as soon as I cut them out.

   As others have said, a fine, microtex needle is a big help. If a seam really wants to pucker, try sewing with a slight zigzag.

   I have found the drapier microfibers make extraordinarily comfortable trousers, of the classic, pleated type. I have traveled all over France during those beastly hot summers, feeling quite cool and unwrinkled. The pants wash out in the sink, and dry wrinkle-free overnight.

1. 
   Shannon1 | Oct 23, 2005 11:17pm | #7

   I've just become interested in microfiber, and purchased some for pants and vests.  I'm curious about the fraying.  Do I have to make the seams wider to be sure fraying doesn't extend into (and beyond) the seams?  Some fabrics ravel and continue raveling right through the seam lines, ruining the finished product after several washings.  Can that happen with microfabrics?

1. 
   woodruff | Oct 24, 2005 12:52am | #8

   I use the seam allowances provided by the pattern company, and just serge the edges right after cutting out. No problems.

2. 
   mimi | Oct 24, 2005 03:30am | #9

   Shannon:  Have you considered using a french seam?  By enclosing the seam in this manner, fraying will be minimal.

   mimi