Tips For Working With Sequin Fabrics

Before we start with this guide we think it is important to point out that working with sequins is not for the faint of heart. People who have plenty of experience working with fabrics will often find that they struggle with sequins, so we recommend that beginners get a little more used to the intricacies of the fabrics that they work with before trying their hand at adding sequins.

Still, when you get it right, sequins can add a touch of glamour to practically any garment that you design. By following these tips, you should have a much better chance of getting the end result that you’re looking for.

Continue reading “Tips For Working With Sequin Fabrics”


For help and advice please call us on Tel: 0121 359 2349

Testing Different Types of Water Resistant Fabrics

In the video below I will be testing a range of water resistant fabrics that we stock here at Fabric UK. I will be doing this by placing a fabric sample over a clear glass jar, securing it with an elastic band and pouring the same amount of water on the surface of each fabric sample. If no water collects in the jar, then it is clear that the fabric has a level of water resistance. Note that this test only demonstrates a low level of water resistance. With an increase of pressure, some of the fabrics would prove to be more water resistant than others, meaning that they can withstand a higher water pressure before the water penetrates the fabric.  Continue reading “Testing Different Types of Water Resistant Fabrics”


For help and advice please call us on Tel: 0121 359 2349

Tips For Painting on Fabrics

While we tend to focus on the things that you can do to manipulate fabrics, there are a number of people who may prefer to paint patterns onto their pieces instead of sewing them in.

VAN VOUGH ON A DENIM JACKET

 

Luckily, this is possible with a number of different fabrics, though you will usually need to be fairly careful when doing it. Here we look at a few helpful tips that should ensure you get it right. Continue reading “Tips For Painting on Fabrics”


For help and advice please call us on Tel: 0121 359 2349

Different Fabric Weave Information

Mentioned in the previous posts was how the fibre and yarn can make all the difference when it comes to choosing the right fabric. Now we discuss the fabric weave. Weaving can be a fairly simple to a more complex process depending on the thickness of the yarns, the thread count, the tightness of the weave and the way the warp and weft are interlocked.To alter the weight of a fabric or to make a fabric more opaque or sheer can be achieved by changing the weight of the yarn, the fibre type in the yarns or by varying the number of yarns used (thread count).

Note:

Thread count refers to the number of threads in each square inch of a fabric, it is usually considered that the higher the thread count in a fabric weave, the higher the quality the fabric is, but this depends on what the fabric is to be used for.

The weft which is also called the fill yarn, runs horizontally from selvedge to selvedge. Warp threads run vertically length ways. Continue reading “Different Fabric Weave Information”


For help and advice please call us on Tel: 0121 359 2349

Tips For Cutting Fabrics Properly

Cutting fabrics

Cutting fabrics -Whether your an experienced sewer with many successful projects under your belt or you’re just getting started with a needle and thread, there are always ways to improve your technique to ensure that the fabric you’re working on produces an end product that you will fall in love with.

fabric cutting tools

Cutting fabrics into a pattern is something that many people struggle with, so the following tips are intended to offer you a little bit of help, ensuring you get the perfect pattern every time. Continue reading “Tips For Cutting Fabrics Properly”


For help and advice please call us on Tel: 0121 359 2349

Natural or Man-made Fibres

This is the first post in a three part blog series in which we give you an overview of what fabric is actually made up of: fibre, yarn, weave. We hope this will help you to make an better informed decision when choosing a fabric or simply top up your fabric knowledge!

In this particular post we define each of the main fibres used in fabrics, both natural and synthetic, including where they come from, their properties, advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to know how a particular fibre or fibre blend will impact the material’s overall performance qualities such as drape, insulation and wash care. The reason being that this will determine factors such as whether the fabric should be washed on a low temperature, and what weather conditions, garments and activities the fabric is ideal for. At Fabric UK we stock fabrics made from each fibre type described below. Continue reading “Natural or Man-made Fibres”


For help and advice please call us on Tel: 0121 359 2349

Understanding Fabric Weight in Order to Choose the Right Fabric

dark colours neoprene fabric

Fabric weight is the outcome of how a fabric has been woven, its finish and sometimes the fibre type. Looking at the weight can help you to decide if it will be the most suitable fabric for its end use.

GSM and OZ

GSM is a metric measurement meaning grams per square metre- it is how much 1 square metre of fabric weighs and the higher the GSM number the denser the fabric will be. Ounce per square yard (oz/sq2) is the imperial measurement which is also commonly used. A lightweight fabric is typically between 30- 150 GSM, medium weight 150-350 GSM and heavyweight 350+ GSM, such as our clear window PVC (640 GSM), although this can vary depending on the type of fabric. Continue reading “Understanding Fabric Weight in Order to Choose the Right Fabric”


For help and advice please call us on Tel: 0121 359 2349

Tips For Working With Slippery Fabrics

As you may have noticed, we have a new stock of polyester fabrics in this month, so we figured what better time than now to take a look at some tips for working with it and other slippery fabrics?

Such materials can often be a challenge simply due to the fact that it is often difficult to keep it completely still, whether its on the cutting table or sewing machine. By following these tips you should encounter fewer problems. Continue reading “Tips For Working With Slippery Fabrics”


For help and advice please call us on Tel: 0121 359 2349

Tips For Working With Fleece

While fleece is generally quite easy to care for, it can be fairly difficult to work with. This is particularly the case if you are used to working with softer fabrics that are easier to manage, such as silk or cotton.

However, with the right knowledge you should find that you can create garments using fleece without too much trouble. Here are a couple of tips to get you started. Continue reading “Tips For Working With Fleece”


For help and advice please call us on Tel: 0121 359 2349

Caring For Cotton Clothing

Whenever you work with any fabric it is important to understand that every type of fabric is different and thus requires different methods when it comes to preparation and maintenance. In most cases, this should not be a problem as long as you understand what you need to do to ensure your fabrics remain in good condition.

In this guide we will be delving into the world of cotton, with the aim of providing you with information that will allow you to take care of your fabric for longer. Continue reading “Caring For Cotton Clothing”


For help and advice please call us on Tel: 0121 359 2349