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How to Prepare and Prewash Fabric Before Sewing
Learn how to prepare fabric for sewing: when to prewash, how to wash and dry it, how to stop fraying, press the cloth and check the grain before cutting.
Care & Use
Sewing & Fabric Crafts
Using fabric in sewing and craft projects.
Best Fabric for Embroidery
Find out what fabric is best for embroidery: cotton, linen, muslin and Aida for different stitch styles, plus tips on stabilizer, needles and finishing the back.
Best Fabric for Sewing a Swimsuit
Choose the right swimsuit fabric: nylon or polyester spandex, lining, elastic, needles and stitches, plus tips for cutting and sewing your own swimwear.
Can You Embroider on Knitted Fabric
Yes, you can embroider on knits. Learn techniques for hand-knit sweaters and stretchy jersey, including duplicate stitch, stabilizer, needles and common mistakes.
Can You Use Quilting Fabric for Clothing
Quilting cotton can work for clothes if you choose structured designs. Learn how it differs from apparel fabric, what to sew with it and what to avoid.
Dyeing Cotton with Onion Skins
Step-by-step guide to dyeing cotton with onion skins: scouring, mordanting, making the dye bath, color modifiers, and what to expect from colorfastness.
How to Dye Fabric in a Dye Bath
Learn how a fabric dye bath works: match dye to fiber, prepare the cloth, dye evenly, rinse and care for the result, plus notes on natural dyes and safety.
Is Woven Fabric Stretchy
Woven fabric is generally not stretchy, but it can give on the bias or when blended with elastane. Learn how wovens differ from knits and how to sew stretch wovens.
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