How to Sew a Sheer Fabric Shawl
Shawls come in formal and casual styles, in lavishly plush fabrics and in roughly woven cloth. Shawls have been worn and used as a protective garment since ancient times. You can continue this tradition by sewing a sheer fabric oblong shawl -- a simple process that reaps beautiful rewards for its maker.
Things You'll Need
- Fabric - 29-inches wide by 79-inches long
- Thread to match
- Sewing machine with zig-zag function
- Straight pins
- Scissors
Instructions
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1
Place the sheer shawl fabric on a flat surface large enough to spread out flat.
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2
Roll each shawl fabric edge, tightly, ¼ - ½-inches wide, against the wrong side of the fabric, twice, so that all raw edges of the shawl fabric are turned under. Pin the edges to hold the fabric in place.
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3
Sew, on the sewing machine, using a zig-zag width that is just barely wider than the rolled hem of the shawl fabric.
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4
Sew four sides of the shawl fabric pinned edges, one at a time. Remove pins as the sewing progresses.
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5
Iron, if the fabric care instructions permit, the finished hems to set the stitches. If in doubt, do not iron the sheer fabric. Many sheer fabrics are made of rayon or other man-made materials and will melt when ironed.
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Tips & Warnings
Fringe, either plain or beaded, can be purchased and sewn onto two or all edges of the shawl for an elegant look. Sew using a zig-zag stitch and a half-inch seam allowance. Wash and dry the shawl according to the fabric manufacturer's care instructions, and if fringe is applied, according to the fringe care instructions as well. Most fringe cannot be dried in the dryer and must be hung to dry.
Always double check the fabric care information before washing, drying in the dryer or ironing sheer fabric and the sheer fabric shawl.
