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”


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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”


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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”


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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”


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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”


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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”


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Using Fabrics For Backdrops, Banners and Exhibitions

Choosing the right fabrics for your exhibition or any other staged event is vitally important. Select the wrong ones and you run the risk of your event coming off as cheap, which in turn can lead to potential visitors deciding to give your exhibition stands a miss. A lot goes into the design of a great stand and it is means the merging of everything from the company’s marketing message through to the branding and the materials used to create the stand in the first place.

All of this combines to form the first impression on the visitor, so we thought we would provide a little bit of help with at least one of these factors. Backdrops, photography screens and much more can be incorporated into an exhibition stand. Continue reading “Using Fabrics For Backdrops, Banners and Exhibitions”


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

Keeping you cool: Top Ten Fabrics for Summer Clothing

Summer is on its way and we are already feeling the heat thanks to what appears to be one of the warmest Aprils in recent memory if early indications are anything to go by. With the warmer weather comes a complete change in wardrobe, which the ardent fabric lover will relish as an opportunity to try out a few new designs to add to their summer clothes collection. With the heat most definitely on, it is crucial that you choose the right fabrics for your project, so here we aim to look at the top ten materials that are perfect for summer clothing. Continue reading “Keeping you cool: Top Ten Fabrics for Summer Clothing”


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