While writing yesterday’s blog post, I realized I had already given away both of the shirts I’d made for my little Disney Animators doll, without ever trying them on other dolls. So I didn’t have a clue which dolls could fit into yesterday’s pattern.
And of course, I needed this information, in order to create the bulleted list of dolls that can fit the pattern. So what did I do? I went to work making another outfit, using yesterday’s pattern! And it got me thinking about fabrics.
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When you’re getting ready to pin and cut out my patterns, what fabrics do you reach for time and time again? Please leave a comment in response to this question.
I know I have my favorites. Typically, I love a good quilting cotton.
Cotton/polyester blends tend to be a tad bit slippery. They’re easy enough to sew by hand, but when sewing on the sewing machine, slippery fabrics aren’t my favorites. I prefer 100% cotton.
But when I went to sew an outfit using yesterday’s patterns, I decided I wanted a change of pace. I decided to choose a small print flannel fabric and turn the raglan-sleeved shirt and trousers patterns into a pair of dolly pajamas.
I hadn’t made anything out of flannel in a long time, so I’d forgotten how easy it is to sew with. There’s a sturdiness to it that even surpasses quality quilting cotton.
I used an old T-shirt for the lining of my raglan-sleeved pajama top, and this proved to be a poor choice. In places, the jersey fabric of my old T-shirt got stretched way out of whack. But at least it was on the underside, where the wrinkles in the T-shirt fabric wouldn’t be visible.
I kind of wish I’d chosen a plain white cotton for the lining of the pajama top.
When I got to the pajama pants, though, I didn’t need a lining fabric at all, and the flannel moved so smoothly over my sewing machine. It was as easy as pie!
So I’m curious now… What are your favorite and least-favorite fabrics to work with and why? Please leave a comment. I’m always learning new things from you guys!
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Chelly Wood and the ChellyWood.com website are not affiliated with any of the doll or toy companies mentioned in this blog post, but Chelly enjoys designing her doll clothes to fit a variety of dolls. To learn more about the doll companies mentioned in today’s post, please visit the doll or toy company’s website.
Dear Chelly, I love to use woven fabrics such as cotton and satin to make doll clothes. I’ve also purchased broadcloth and jersey as well. Thanks for writing today’s blog.
Trisha
You like to use satin? Ugh! I’m not a fan. I mean, it looks absolutely stunning on a doll! STUNNING! But it’s so wiggly on the sewing machine!
What type of sewing machine foot do you use when you sew with satin? I’d love some advice on sewing with satin.
I don’t use a sewing machine on satin. I sew by hand. Made several dresses with satin using a pattern from the now defunct Barbie Bazaar magazine and they turned out great.
Like you, Trish, when I experiment with satin, I usually choose to just sew by hand. It still frays a lot, and I don’t like the way my hems look no matter how careful I am with satin. But you’re 100% right… sewing by hand makes the final product turn out so much better!
What’s funny is that when my youngest daughter tried to sew herself a skirt made of satin, she called me up and said, “Mom, I’m having an awful time with this. Is there some kind of special trick to sew satin?”
And my response was “Sew it by hand!”
She said, “Ugh.” 😂
I agree with you on 100% cotton. My least favorite is velvet. Thank you so much for the free patterns. Very kind of you.
Arlene M. Coleman
Oh yes, velvet can be challenging. It’s not too hard to sew it on a sewing machine, but cutting out the pieces so the pile is all going the right direction — that’s where the challenge lies!
I mostly use quilting cotton because it’s widely available and fat quarters are my demise lol! Even though our beloved Joann is no longer in business, I’m fortunate enough to have several mom-n-pop fabric and yarn shops within 30 minutes of me.
I dislike knit fabrics, mostly because I’m not very good with them. No matter what I do the hems always stretch and warp. I need to force myself to sew with them more so I can get better! For knits, I like to scope out old clothes at garage sales, thrift shops, and clearance racks. Cheaper than buying by the yard!
I’ve gotten better at using knits over the years. One of the things I do is switch my machine’s presser foot to what’s called a “walking foot.” Somehow this tool keeps the knits from stretching as you sew.
And like you, I prefer to buy my knits second-hand. Why pay over $10 a yard for something you can buy for a dollar at a second-hand store. It’s better for the environment if we re-use old clothes this way anyhow.
Thank you for taking the time to add your thoughts to this blog post! I appreciate it! 🙏