Help! Microsuede...

Rose · Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Boston MA

I thought I'd cut out a jacket in microsuede only to find that regular pins don't really work so have resorted to scotch tape. Now I'm worried about trying to sew on the fabric. I realize that I need to use a Microtex needle. Any suggestions as far as feeding the fabric through the machine? Would the use of tissue paper or stabilizer help?

Thanks!

Lois · Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2007 7:04 pm Post subject:

Rose - I have not used the latest Micro Fiber fabrics yet.
So I checked my bookshelf and found this info for you. Hope it's helpful.

From Sandy Betzina's Fabric Savvy - she lists peach skin, micro twill or micro sandwashed as the variety of Micro Fibers.

Needle: 60/8H or 70/10HM and be ready to change frequently because the needles will become dull quickly

Stitch Length 1.5 mm

Pressing: Dry moderate heat, with press cloth on right side of fabric

Buttonholes: use 70/10 HJ needle with fine machine embroidery thread and Solvy between fabric and feed dogs

Hem: Fuse with Stitch Witchery Ultra Light or hand stitcing

Sewing Tips: In her Suede section she suggests using paper clips to hold seams together for sewing if pins don't work; For Micro Fibers place needle in far left position to reduce puckering and use the flattest bottom presser foot or use single hold throat plate.

Pressure Foot: Flattest bottom presser foot

She also recommends pre-washing and machine drying 5 times to relax the fabric.

Good luck with your project and please post your progress and final garment.

Rose · Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Boston MA

Lois,
Thanks so very much! Fabric Savvy is one of Sandra Betzina's books that I don't have. Obviously, it's on my list of things to get right away now!Too bad Sandra's web site is down.

All those suggestions certainly make sense, especially the paper clips and flat presser foot.

Now that I've started with this, I'm more than a bit intimidated. Since the jacket will be a Christmas gift for my daughter, I will have to get it done in relatively short order so will post my final results.

Thanks again.