Replies

1. 
   Teaf5 | Nov 14, 2006 02:09am | #1

   Probably the best approach would be to cut a good size rectangle of it, fold it in half, and try different needles, threads, and tensions on it. Different rayons & crinkles can be very easy or very hard to sew on, but you really can't tell until you've experimented with it a bit.

1. 
   dreaming | Nov 15, 2006 12:35am | #2

    

   I adore crinkle, and have sewn it successfully, though, it can be challenging. A narrow, small zigzag is a help. Stabilizing seams is important, especially shoulder, and neckline. With some larger scraps you can experiment with seam variations, and with stabilizing techniques, As the fabric should still be drapey, a soft look is needed.

   Also, be careful when fitting that you don't stretch the garment. And, rayon especially, needs pre-shrinking. Have fun!!!!

1. 
   jcsews | Nov 15, 2006 06:25pm | #3

   Thanks for the tips. When you say stabilize do you mean sewing on  a piece of seam tape? I hadn't thought about pre-shrinking it. It would probably be a dressy item I'd just have dry cleaned. If I did wash it would I just hand wash and hang to dry. I know that pressing is a no-no but do you think steaming would also take out the crinkles? Also, do you think serging it as if it were a knit, would be the way to seam it. I also have a walking foot. What about interfacing if I want a collar and buttons.Thanks for any help you can give me.

1. 
   dreaming | Nov 16, 2006 01:04am | #4

   Glad I can be helpful! I am not sure re: dry cleaning, but they are often knowledgeable. I have hand washed my finished dresses, or machine washed in delicate. Re: stabilizing, I would experiment with some scraps. Twill tape, for example, is too stiff. You could try narrow ribbon, rayon seam binding, selvage from lining fabric. I have even seen the idea of chainstitching by hand between the edge of seam, and seamline, before sewing. Directional sewing a must. I don't have a serger. Experiment for sure, on large scraps. Sandra Betzina has her Fabric Savy books with lots of help, also Claire Shaeffer has similar. Re: interfacing, I have used bias facings made of binding, made from cotton (ie. another more stable fabric). I had thought of knit and bias iron on, but think sew in would be better. Experiment more. Some of the fabrics have 2 way stretch, some 4, plus diagonally, some are more puckery. Although challenges are here, I adore these fabrics. Dressy crinkle sounds beautiful. What is the fabric content? Also, gently pressing seams, maybe over fluffy towel, as we do with velvet. Depends on the fabric's "memory". Happy sewing!!!!!!!!

1. 
   jcsews | Nov 16, 2006 05:44pm | #5

   Again, thanks for all the advice. I got the fabric on Fabric.com and it's called Late Date Shimmer. It's 75%rayon,25% poly. It said  dry clean. They gave me a little extra so I may play with it. Heck, I can always make a gorgeous shawl out of it if I chicken out.