Sueded Fabrics

Sueded fabrics are a pleasure to touch, to wear, and to sew. These fabrics are generally high-quality synthetics, manufactured to mimic natural suede. They are easy-care, travel beautifully, and will add an elegant textural quality to the garment silhouette. Some of the high-quality versions of these fabrics include lycra for comfort and a beautiful drape.

 

Pretreatment:

Cold water wash, no bleach or fabric softener. Cool dryer, remove when slightly damp.

 

Needles and Thread:

Microtex needles will greatly improve your sewing success with these fabrics. Choose size 70/10 for most weights of synthetic suede. Cotton/polyester or all polyester thread are good choices for synthetic suede.

 

Seams, Seam Finishes, and Hems:

Use a standard seam, 2.0-2.5 length Hems can be fused with fusible web, topstitched, or bound with contrast binding Seam finishes are not necessary, as the fabric does not ravel. However, if you prefer the look of a finished seam, choose a thin seam binding or a 2-thread overlock stitch on the serger. You might also try a fell seam or a topstitched seam for a sporty finish to your garment.

 

Interfacing:

Use a fusible which does not require high heat (such as Touch-of-Gold or So Sheer). Use a press cloth, and place a scrap of the sued fabric right side up on the ironing board when fusing to prevent crushing the fabric.

 

Pattern Suggestions:

Jackets, shirts, skirts, pants, vests, belts, hats.

 

Creative Possibilities:

Save your scraps to use as trim for other garments. Sueded fabrics make beautiful bindings or piping, as well as no-fray appliques.

 

Additional Tips:

Cut your garment with the "nap" layout for consistency in color and shading throughout your garment.