How to Stitch Satin
Satin is the fabric of choice for many seamstresses crafting special occasion garments such as wedding dresses, prom apparel and even pageant wear. Due to the lightweight nature of the fabric, it can be challenging to sew and common sewing techniques may result in visible runs or pulls in the fibers of the satin. It is also very slippery because of its shiny appearance and the method in which the fibers are weaved together, thus posing another sewing challenge.
Instructions
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1
Weigh down the fabric when cutting out patterns to avoid the satin slipping underneath the pattern pieces while you cut, thus resulting in uneven pattern pieces. Mark your satin fabric with dressmaker's chalk opposed to fabric pens, which can bleed on the fabric.
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2
Use very sharp straight pins, like silk pins, or others made for delicate fabrics. These types of pins, positioned within the seam allowances, prevent small holes from appearing close to the sewn seams. Use double the amount of pins you normally would to secure fabrics together, preventing fabric slippage.
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Set your sewing machine to sew a slightly smaller length of stitch. Simplicity suggests a stitch length of approximately 10 to 15 stitches per inch. Change the sewing machine needle to a lightweight size such as a size 10 or a 70/10 H, to avoid snags in the fabric while sewing.
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4
Sew plain, straight seams opposed to decorative stitches, which reduce the possibility of ruining the satin while sewing. Open your seams with a warm, dry iron and use an ironing cloth. Avoid steaming the satin as the fabric tends to show water marks.
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Sew slowly and use more pressure on the presser foot to keep the satin from slipping underneath the machine. Remove pins just before you sew to avoid the satin pieces from coming apart.
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References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Lifesize/Getty Images
