Understanding Fabric Construction
Fabric construction is the foundation of all textiles, determining the look, feel, and behaviour of the fabric. There are two primary methods of fabric construction: weaving and knitting. Both offer a wide range of fabric types, each with unique qualities suited for different purposes. Let’s take a closer look at these methods and some common structures within each.
When people think of sewing, they often picture older women quietly stitching away, filling their days with a leisurely hobby. But this stereotype couldn’t be more outdated! Sewing is a complex, skill-rich activity that has surprising parallels to high-pressure professional environments like finance, management, accountancy, and academia. In fact, the skills honed in sewing are not just artistic—they’re deeply practical and transferable to various professional roles. It may just be the skillset to need to gain an edge over your professional rivals.
If you’ve ever sewn a garment from scratch, you’ll know that it’s about much more than just putting fabric together. Sewing requires strong project planning, organization, problem-solving, mathematical competence, and the ability to focus for long periods—just like many of the skills demanded in professional careers. In this blog post, I’ll show you exactly how sewing sharpens the same skills needed for success in the workplace.
In recent years, sustainability has become a hot topic in the fashion and crafting worlds. Whether you’re a seasoned sewist or a beginner with a needle and thread, learning to sew sustainably can have a lasting, positive impact on the environment. By making mindful choices, you can reduce waste, upcycle materials, and craft unique, long-lasting garments that are both beautiful and eco-friendly. Here are some top tips to make sure you’re sewing sustainably:
In a fast-paced world dominated by screens and constant connectivity, finding a hobby that nurtures both mind and body can be a game-changer. Sewing, a timeless craft that has been passed down through generations, offers a myriad of physical and mental health benefits. From honing new skills to fostering creativity, from promoting mindfulness to building social connections, sewing is much more than just a way to make clothes or home decor. It’s a holistic activity that can significantly enhance your well-being.
Man-made fibres, distinct from synthetic fibres, are derived from natural sources, typically plants, and undergo extensive processing to be transformed into usable textiles. This guide delves into their origins, processing methods, properties, benefits, drawbacks, and environmental impact.
Natural fibres have been integral to human civilization for millennia, providing materials for clothing, textiles, and other essential goods. With increasing awareness of sustainability and environmental impact, the use of natural fibres has garnered renewed interest. This article delves into the various natural fibres, their sources, harvesting and processing methods, environmental impact, properties, and end uses, as well as their biodegradability and recyclability.
Synthetic fibres have revolutionized the textile industry with their versatility and cost-effectiveness. Derived primarily from petrochemicals, these fibres offer a range of properties suited for various applications. However, their production and disposal raise significant environmental concerns. This article explores the different types of synthetic fibres, their properties, pros and cons, production processes, environmental impacts, and challenges in recycling.
Overlockers used to be a little known tool limited to factories, professional dressmakers or very keen amateurs. But probably because of exposure on TV programmes and social media, they’ve experienced an explosion in popularity in the last few years. They are now very much an essential tool for many home sewers. However, they’re not so easy to use ‘out the box’ than sewing machines and require the user to develop a whole new set of skills. Not surprisingly, there’s a lot of confusion about their use. I’ve written this Beginners’ guide to overlockers to answer many of the most common questions and dispel the myths. Note: In the USA, overlockers are known as sergers.
