When it comes to creating a perfect piece, one of the most important parts is making sure that you have the right fabric. All fabrics have different properties from the way the look in different lights, to the way they feel and the way the sit to name but a few. Taking all these into consideration makes sure that you will also get the perfect fabric for your dream garment.
When choosing fabric with my clients I always go through a 5 step process to ensure that we have the correct fabric. Remember that no matter the importance of the garmet- whether its a everyday top to a wedding dress- having the wrong fabric can be a disaster.
Here is my 5 step process to choosing the perfect fabric.
- Choose what you would like it to be used for e.g. cushions, curtains, a dress, etc.
Consider what it is the garment is going to be used for. Is it an everyday garment which may need slightly more robust material that’s durable and comfortable. Or an evening gown which you want to wow with sequins and sparkles. Or that all important wedding dress that will command the attention of all on your special day. Also take into consideration if you are combining more than one fabric in a garment, as they will need to compliment each other.
- Decide what texture you’d like the fabric to be.
Considering how you want the garment to feel I believe is crucial. You are the one who is going to be wearing the garment so you must be comfortable in it. Having a fabric which is irritating or itchy can spoil the whole experience so take time to consider this. Feeling comfortable in the garment can also be the catalyst to making you feel confident, so don’t under estimate how fabric can make you feel.
- How do you want the fabric to fall/sit.
How the fabric sits on you is very important as it has to follow the contours of the design and the pattern. If you have designed a figure hugging dress but have chosen a stiff fabric then you will never get the correct fit, but if you choose a fabric that it plyable and with a little bit of stretch then you can manipulate it to exactly where it need to be. The fall of fabric can be the finishing touch to any design so do think about what effect you want to make with your finished garment.
- Choose the thickness of the fabric.
The thickness of the fabric can be another indicator of how suitable it is. This comes down to the simplicity of what time of year you’d like to wear the garment or what climate. But also the ability to manuover the fabric and work with it to create the look that is wanted for the finished garment.
- What colour do you want the fabric to be.
Not only is the colour important because of the impact you want but also how the colour matches you as a person. Colour can be used to express yourself in a number of ways but you must also make sure that when making a statement, its the right one. Having a bold colour that doesn’t suit your skin can have the complete opposite effect than you want it to. And it’s true that many neutral colours can completely wash out people who have pale skin. Taking into consideration not only your desired colour, but its tone, can make all the difference.
Then its on to design the garment of your dreams!!
Till next time,
Dolly x
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