Get a Head Start on your Summer Sewing with 852 Fabric
By now we are all starting to feel the heat and humidity of Hong Kong Summers once again. Whether you plan to travel or stay local this Summer, we have some cooler fabric choices to highlight this month.
Have you tried our Rayon?
Rayon is a very popular Summer textile. Think summer dresses, Hawaiian shirts, South East Asian Sarongs, and pool side coverups. This textile is light, breathable, drapey and flowy. Our rayon fabric is made of 100% rayon poplin which makes it very stable to sew with.
If you have thought about trying our rayon (and maybe some shirring) we recommend trying the Isla Top & Dress pattern from Violet Field Threads. This pattern includes lots of options and very clear step-by-step instructions and photographs to complete your project.
Because poplin is a tightly woven textile, we do recommend using a brand new size 11 or 12 needle for your project for best results. You may also want to prewash your rayon if you plan to use a dryer for your garments regularly as rayon does have a tendency to shrink at higher temperatures.
Whether you plan on long Sunday lunches, margaritas poolside or shopping excursions we love this fabric for its comfort and its breathability.
Ceramic Blue Rayon top by Sew Laurel Lee
Can we even talk about Summer textiles without mentioning our Swim fabric?
Our next preorder round will feature SWIM!
This comfortable 4-way-stretch knit fabric is 88% polyester and 12% spandex. That extra spandex composition gives it excellent recovery and a snug fit. Let’s face it, there’s nothing more uncomfortable than a loosely fitting or saggy bottom swimsuit. Besides our Swim fabric's higher quality, is also SFP 50. You still have to wear sunscreen, but this textile does provide more protection than most.
Our Swim fabric is perfect for swimsuits, bikinis, speedos, and swim rashies -- basically anything you would wear in the water. Due to its high spandex content, we don’t recommend putting it in the dryer, but it does dry quickly on a rack or a hanger.
You don’t need a special machine to sew this fabric but you will definitely want to use a size 11 stretch or ballpoint needle. You’ll work quicker if you have a walking foot with your machine, though it is not necessary. If you plan to sew with an overlocker, we recommend using woolly nylon in your loopers, but it is also not necessary.
Doodle Pastel in Swim
Finish off your Summer outfit with great 852 Fabric Cotton Canvas accessories.
We don’t often think of canvas as a Summer material, but the 852 Fabric canvas is the perfect textile for sunhats, bucket hats and purses and tote/beach bags. Our canvas is 100% cotton and is the perfect weight for creating structured garments and accessories.
We do recommend using a thicker needle for multiple layers canvas, such as a brand new universal size 14 needle, especially if you will use a stiff interfacing for added stability on brims and handles.
Our team loves the Flosstyle Ultimate Bucket Hat Pattern. The pattern can be purchased and downloaded on their website and includes step by step instructions and all measurements.
District Sky Bucket Hat by Sew Laurel Lee
Over at Shannie Makes on YouTube, 852 Fabric Facebook group member Shannon Lee has an amazing tutorial for a beautiful shopping tote. The medium tote bag has a lovely construction and unique handle style! She used our Dimsum Cream Cotton Canvas for her tutorial.
Cotton Canvas Tote Bag in Dimsum Cream by Shannie Makes.
Don’t forget to share your 852 Fabric creations on our Facebook Group. We love to see your beautiful work!
You can see more of the very talented Shannie Makes on Facebook and on her website.
