How to Sew With Woven Stretch Fabric

How to Sew With Woven Stretch Fabric

Whether you’re looking to make a pair of yoga pants, form-fitting dresses, or tailored shirts that will keep their shape while you move, woven stretch fabric is the ideal choice.woven stretch fabric It blends cotton comfort with the flexibility of spandex or elastane, making your clothes more comfortable and functional.

Woven fabric is a type of textile that’s constructed by weaving threads into a cloth, either by hand or using a machine. The threads run perpendicular to each other, and when the fabric is cut, they leave behind raw edges. Woven fabrics can be made from almost any kind of natural or manmade fiber, from the floaty drape of chiffon to the sturdy structure of denim. Generally, woven fabrics are crisp and not stretchy*, but some have spandex or elastane woven in for added stretch. This can vary widely, from a bit of 'give' in your skinny jeans to 50% or more across the grain - and sometimes even lengthwise.

One of the most common questions we receive is, “Can I use a knit pattern on a woven fabric?” In general, the answer is no - but there are a few exceptions. Woven fabrics that have a significant amount of stretch may work well with a knit pattern, but any less-stretchy woven will be difficult to sew, due to the tension required to pull a woven fabric through a knit needle.

For this reason, it’s important to choose the right pattern when sewing with a stretch woven. Choose fitted patterns with three inches of ease or less, and look for those designed for woven fabrics (not knits). Then, choose a pattern size that corresponds to your measurements. This will help you get a good fit and avoid sewing a garment that’s too small or too big, which can be very frustrating.

Choosing the right tools and techniques is also important when working with stretch wovens. You’ll want to make sure your needle has a ballpoint point, as the sharp tip on regular sewing needles can damage or snag the fabric. And be sure to use polyester thread, which has a slight amount of stretch itself and will allow the seams to stretch along with the fabric. Finally, when pressing, be careful not to apply too much heat - the fabric will stretch under high temperatures.

Our woven stretch fabrics are often finished with DWR or wicking, which makes them resistant to moisture and other outdoor elements. They’re also designed to be durable and long-lasting, making them an excellent option for activewear, soft shells, or gear used in outdoor or military/tactical applications.

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