So you’re thinking about sewing your 1st doll project and are exciting to go fabric shopping.
When you enter the fabric shop you may encounter an array of gorgeous fabrics that are calling your name like chiffon, shiny polyester, cotton jersey, just to name a few.
I don’t want to prevent you from dreaming big dreams but before you attempt an ambition project that uses tricky fabrics, I want to share 5 fabrics that are great if you’re starting out on your sewing journey.
When you sew with an easy fabric you can explore your machine on an even playing field, and you’ll start to feel more comfortable behind the sewing machine.
Continue reading to discover 5 fabrics that I find will make sewing less frustrating.
1. Quilting Fabric: It has a nice sturdy weight and minimal stretch, making it easy to control.
It’s also forgiving, so if you make any mistakes you can easily “erase” them with a seam ripper.
2. Cotton Lawn: It’s very similar to quilting cotton but is a lighter weight material, that can be used for both the outer and lining fabric, making it a great material for sewing doll clothes.
3. Voile: Is similar to Cotton Lawn but is sheer, delicate, and frays easily.
Apply fray check to prevent those edges from unraveling.
Voile is an ideal material for lining your pieces due to its thinness.
4. Linen: It has a similar property to Quilting Fabric but has a heavy and crisp texture.
The fabric is easy to command for beginners.
One unique trait of Linen is that it has a wrinkly appearance that adds a well-worn look to the final project.
5. Interlock Knit: I know you’re probably wondering why a knit made it on to this list.
But before anxiety sets in (you’re not along, I dreaded knits for the longest time too)
You’ll be happy to hear that Interlock Knit is much more stable so it won’t cause many issues while sewing.
Yay, New Dolly Insight
I hope this list was helpful.
At the end of the day it’s about choosing fabric that you believe you can handle.
Once you feel confident sewing 1 or all of the fabrics above, try introducing a trickier fabric to your sewing projects.
Remember, you’re the designer so have fun with it! 😉
This is very useful information. Have you ever used printable silk? I like to use it for lining or for 1/12 scale or smaller, but I hand-stitch everything. I wonder if it is too fragile for use on a machine.
Hi Mia,
No, I never heard of printable silk.
I will have to check it out.
Thanks for introducing me to a new fabric. 🙂
I appreciate you for taking the time to leave a comment.
I hope you have a happy holiday 🙂
~Kat
Thank you! Those are interesting tips, so far I’ve only used quilting cotton and cotton lawn (and some knits, but I don’t like to think about that lol), I’ll try out voile and linen.
Knits… I’ll try again when I get over the past trauma XD (cue dramatic Rocky-style sewing-training montage to the sound of Eye of the Tiger).
LOL I totally relate to you about past sewing traumas. 😉
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment
~Kat