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Have you ever heard that digital printing on fabric is more eco friendly?!
Were you curious about Digital Print Fabric & wondered what it even is?
We’re here to help! Grab a coffee & learn all about digital print fabric and the print industry!
So what’s the explanation for this method being more environmentally friendly…
It’s all about energy consumption!
Digitally printed fabrics can be less wasteful than screen printed fabrics because the printing process involves:
All of this combined means that less energy is used, resulting in a smaller environmental impact.
It all contributes, every little bit helps!
Fabrics that have been printed using a digital fabric printed DO indeed look different from other printing methods in textile manufacturing, that are traditionally seen in the textile industry… the colours ARE brighter… the images ARE sharper and as a matter of fact the print can often look photographic!
This vibrancy is achieved because the printer and printing inks used are similar to an inkjet printer like you use at home (albeit a LOT bigger!).
As well as more colours being used to create some visually VIVID fabric!
Digital fabric is precise & consistent much like screen printing allowing for printing machines to create sharper edges.
Ink jet is also less likely to bleed – giving you the crisp AND the sharp!
Have you considered trying digital printed fabric before?
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this fabric!
We have prepared this ultimate Vilene / Vlieseline Guide because interfacings and interlinings are some of the most useful products to have in your sewing room.
Vlieseline offer a vast range of products which can add shape and structure to your fabric but there are so many choose from so how do you know which you need for your project?
First off, let’s talk about Vlieseline.
If you’re based in Europe and have been sewing for a while you’ll probably be familiar with the brand Vilene.
Vilene became Vlieseline in the summer of 2016, different name, but the products are all the same and of exceptional quality.
For more than 60 years Vilene (now Vlieseline) has been the essential interlining for all kinds of applications.
Vlieseline products are the most famous and prestigious interlinings for those with a passion for sewing, for studios and for professional tailors/dressmakers!
Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here
Did you know that Vlieseline do more than just interlinings?
Alongside the top quality fashion range which includes iron-on, sew-in and woven the range also includes a comprehensive range of tapes to take your dressmaking to the next level.
The Creative Range is the perfect range of stabilisers for all sorts of projects including patchwork, bags, home decoration, or accessories.
Did you know that Vlieseline also offer a great range of waddings/ battings?
Suitable for projects that need a little volume of padding, there are also some flame retardant choices, perfect to offer peace of mind for baby projects.
With the help of Vlieseline we’ve put together a handy at-a-glance guide which will easily help you select the right product for the right project.
As well as the basic weights we’ve included laundry instructions, fabric suitability and properties, a quick guide to how to apply the product.
Want the Ultimate Vilene/Vlieseline At-A-Glance Guide?
Click the button below to grab your copy!
Vlieseline/ Vilene & Pellon Equivalent products
Isn’t it annoying when you find the perfect project online, only to discover you don’t recognise the suggested stability option?
If you’re based in the USA you’re probably familiar with Pellon, and here in Europe and Australia the most popular brand is Vlieseline.
We’ve provided Pellon suggestions for Vlieseline products where possible, although we always recommend testing an interlining on scrap fabric first to make sure you’re happy with the result.
Vlieseline have an extensive YouTube channel which you must check out. It has oodles of video how-to tutorials on how to get the best from the range.
Grab 10% off Woven Interfacing with WOVEN10
We hope you find this guide helpful! Drop us a message and let us know how you get along, we love to see all your amazing makes.
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Let’s face it, working with beautiful fabric is one of the best bits about sewing your own, isn’t it? I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I’ve made a few mistakes along the way and messed up a project because I’ve not given enough care or attention when prepping my fabric. Today I am delighted to welcome Annabelle from Wunder Label who is sharing some invaluable tips about how to measure and cut your fabric perfectly to ensure you don’t end up getting yourself in to a pickle….
Even a seasoned seamstress will be faced with difficulty if they are working with fabric if they are using incorrectly measured or cut fabric. If you are struggling with your patterns and designs but are following the instructions step by step, the problem might be in your prep rather than your main body of work.
Don’t worry, though, because there are some tips that you can keep in mind to make sure you cut and measure your fabric perfectly.
On the topic of measuring fabric, make sure you know your measurements before you begin to work with fabric. If you are working with a sewing pattern, this is usually pretty cut and dry. This is because most patterns detail how much fabric you’ll need.
For those who work to create garments, this can be a little more complicated, though. When you are taking measurements from who you are making the garment for, make sure to check those measurements multiple times.
If you are making a garment for yourself, getting measurements can be a little tricky. Your best bet is to ask a friend for help so the measurements are right. Taking these few extra moments will be worth it when your garment is the perfect fit.
All of us make mistakes while we’re sewing. Sometimes we even make mistakes before we start sewing.
Because of this, make sure to do all of your prep work twice. Check the measurements you need twice and make sure you know what they are. Even further, measure your fabric twice before you even think about cutting!
While you’re measuring and cutting your fabric, don’t feel compelled to cut your measurements exactly. To expand on that, don’t cut your fabric short but don’t be afraid to leave a little extra on your measurements.
Look at it this way: you can take away from your fabric but you can’t really seamlessly replace fabric you’ve already cut off. So, your better bet is to leave an inch or so more than you need on your fabric. Once you’re finished with your project, you can clean it up by trimming the excess at the end of your project.
If you want to cut a straight line, you need a straight line to cut. To ensure that you have this, don’t be afraid to mark your fabric. Tailor’s chalk is a popular choice for a non-permanent solution.
When you measure and cut, it’s absolutely crucial that you are working with a straight edge. To make sure they have a straight edge, many choose to use a long straight edge such as a yardstick when they are measuring their fabric.
It’s also important to make sure the pattern of the fabric matches up with your straight edge. For this, start by locating the selvage – the pre-finished edge of the fabric. Then, make sure to run your straight edge parallel to this line.
On the topic of selvage, sometimes you’ll run into a fabric whose pattern doesn’t perfectly line up with the selvage. This is usually caused by distortion created when the fabric during rolling, handling, and transportation. In other words, mismatched patterns and selvage can appear off grain but they actually aren’t.
To solve this problem, stretch the fabric on the bias in each direction. This helps to reset the weave and solve the mismatched appearance without any fuss!
When you are measuring your fabric, you might not always remember to leave allowances for fabrics that shrink. Without doing this, your finished product might not live up to your expectations after its first wash. To avoid this, take the time to wash, dry, and iron your fabric before measuring and cutting.
Have you ever tried to cut wrapping paper on a bed? If you have, you probably know its infuriating to try and get a straight cut.
This same principle stands when working with fabric. When trying to get a straight cut and proper measurements, take the time to spread your work out on a desk or table. Even a hardwood floor is better than trying to work on top of a carpeted one.
Another wise idea is to make sure the cutting utensils you use are sharp. With a dull cutting instrument, you’ll find that the usual snap of your scissors quickly becomes a struggle of trying to chop through your fabric. Of course, this sawing or chopping motion can throw off your straight line.
Thanks Annabelle! Do be sure to check out more of Annabelle’s top tips over on her blog and why not check out her online shop where she sells the most amazing custom labels, ribbons and more which will give your sewing projects an oh-so professional look and feel.
Why in the world would you need a guide on felt fabric? Well, chances are, you’ve had your hands on felt before—remember the magic of Fuzzy Felt? Those were the days, right? Creating scenes with Fuzzy Felt was practically a childhood rite of passage.
Felt isn’t just any fabric; it’s the cool kid on the block, coming in a mishmash of shapes, sizes, and qualities. So, let’s break it down: how to pick the right felt for your project and dish out 11 game-changing sewing tips for felt fabrics.
Felt is that laid-back friend who doesn’t need to be woven or knitted to hang together. It’s made from fibers chilling out together, getting tangled when needled, or just lounging in some heat.
True felt is like a cosmopolitan at a party, made from anything—wool, fur, mohair, cotton, rayon/viscose, or other synthetic fibers. Making felt is like crafting a fine cocktail: pound those fibers, compress them, shrink them, then add a splash of moisture, a dash of temperature change, pressure, and finally, rough them up a bit. Talk about a process!
Depending on the felt, it can either be your go-to for crafty shenanigans or the MVP for sturdier projects.
Retail stores usually flaunt two types: acrylic (the life of the party for crafts, Christmas ornaments, appliqués) and wool felt (the durable one, perfect for soft toys that’ll see a lot of action, not to mention chic bags, hats, and sneaky garment details).
Felted fabrics like boiled wool and melton? They’re the posers of the felt world. True felt is all about those raw fibers, while felted fabrics are just playing dress-up after a shrink and full session.
Can’t find 100% wool felt? Make your own. Raid your closet for old wool blankets or jumpers, then give them a spa day in hot water and a tumble dryer. Check out this tutorial for the nitty-gritty and then brag about it on social media.
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