Whether you sew for a profession or just sew for fun, knowing this sewing guide is the first step to showing you know your stuff. All professions, crafts and industries have their own terms and acronyms, and sewing is no exception. There are so many words, phrases and sayings that might make you scratch your […]
The history of the sewing machine is one littered with accusations, failed attempts and some serious scandal. From narrowly escaping death to patent law suits, it’s an interesting story that demonstrates the seam-ingly humble sewing machine ruffled more than a few feathers in its lifetime. A 20,000 year old art form The history of the sewing […]
Satin Definition So, what is Satin and how is it made? First and foremost, it is not a raw material. It is a type of weave with a complex structure. Made by floating several warp yarns across the weft before going under 1 weft thread, and beginning the cycle again. Having fewer interlaces leads to […]
What is Velour? Velour is an incredibly soft, plush textile that is very similar to velvet (albeit much less expensive). It’s characterized by a wonderfully soft-to-the-touch finish with cut fibers that follow the stroke of your hand and drapes seamlessly. But what is velour, and what’s the difference to velvet? Read our guide below to discover more […]
As a fashion lover, a textile designer or an avid shopper, you’ve probably come across the term ‘suede’ in various shops or fashion magazines. But what is suede exactly, what does it mean, and why do we use it? In a nutshell, it is a particular finish of leather (often referred to as suede leather) […]
What is Fleece? Ever wondered what fleece is and what its definition is? Read on, dear fellow fabric-goop, and find your answers here. Fleece fabric is defined as a man-made wonder product, if there is such a thing. Despite being named after the coat on a sheep, it’s 100% synthetic and derived from plastic rather […]
Types of Applique What is Applique? Whether you’re a seasoned fashionista or an experimental designer, the art of applique is sure to come up in your textile practice. Applique essentially means applying one piece of fabric to another. It is usually shapes or designs on top of a fabric background – and it can be […]
What is Felt? Felt is a man-made fabric, created from natural fibers. Man-made fabrics are generally woven; however, felt differs in this sense. So, what is felt exactly? A Felted fabrics is created from fibers being compressed and matted. Together heat, moisture and a lot of pressure is what presses and creates the fabric. It […]
What is microfiber? You’ve seen it everywhere; from mops to furniture, active wear to towels – but what is microfiber, exactly? And what makes it so versatile? ‘Microfiber’ refers to a synthetic fiber which is extremely thin, even slimmer than a strand of silk (which is about a fifth of the diameter of a human […]
What is Calico? Although you may not notice it, Calico is everywhere, often serving as a neutral base for creativity. Artists canvases, fashion designers’ mock-ups, curtains, furnishings and bags are just a few of an endless amount of uses. How can one fabric be so versatile? Exactly what is Calico, and why has it been […]