sewing with charmeuse?

[Shenjall]

has anyone used this? do you have any tips for me? tips for cutting, sewing, washing, anything.

I'm starting my dd's junior grad dress (gulp) today and need all the info I can get before I start.

[Bekka]

I just made myself a caftan with silk charmeuse, and I tried to do a curved rolled hem with my serger. Hmm, the best I can say, is that you need to take it slow, be VERY patient, and support your fabric in front of and behind the presser foot on the regular sewing machine. Don't try a curved rolled hem on your serger unless you have 1/2 yard to practice on first. Mine's just for lounge wear, so I didn't care if the hem was wavy. Pins leave holes, so pin in the seam allowance, or some people have success with tape.

I can wash it on gentle, maybe you can stick it in a mesh bag or something ... Did you check the wash instructions when you bought it? It may make a difference if it's poly charmeuse or silk charmeuse or another kind (rayon?).

Hope it goes OK. Feels great. Just a bear to sew.

[Shenjall]

A bear to sew? Oh no, I did not want to hear that!

I dont have a serger, I hope thats not going to be a problem.....I'm pretty sure its poly, not rayon and definitely not silk. (it only cost 3.99/m)
I forgot to look at the washing instructions I'll probably try hand wash, to be safe.

How do I support the fabric? Just make sure it doesnt pull as I'm going along?

Thank you for the pin tip! Sadly, I didnt think of that for the lining, theres a few small holes in that now, but thankfully, you wont see them.

Thanks for your help!

[ladywolf]

Lots of basting! If it is a straight edge, pins are fine. If it is a curved edge, hand baste. This will safe you time and frustration when you are on your machine.

What you do to support the fabric is a hand in front and a hand in back of the pressure foot.

Also, press while you are putting the dress together. It will help to make a world of difference and cause some ease to happen where you thought it might be hopeless.

Silk charmeuse is actually the easiest to work with.

[Shenjall]

Thanks for the tips!