User:Jasminenejati

Sewing is an art that has is becoming more familiar and popular among the younger generations that are finding their inspiration through social media influencers on platforms like Tik Tok, Instagram, and YouTube. In a rush to hop on the new trends, people are scurrying to start a new project with anything they can find, but something they may not know is that fabric plays a huge role in assuring that the project is given its best chance at being perfect in its own way. From stretchy fabrics to flowy, see-through options, all the way to water proof materials, its important to know when to use each of them properly. A silky material, for example, can't be used to create an outdoor hammock because it would simply rip apart before even being hung up.

Here is a simple break down of some popular fabric types and what they can be used for:

Cotton - typically has little to no stretch. It is a very breathable, comfortable, and durable fabric. It is made from the cotton plant and can be 100% plant based. Silk - very flowy, shiny, and soft. This fabric is made from a silkworm, which is why it is so luxurious. It is best to be used for dresses, skirts, and bedding. Stretch - very stretchy and versatile. It is best used for things like t-shirts, tight skirts or dresses, and loungewear. It is typically made using cotton blends. Denim - typically very stiff and difficult to stretch. Denim can be mixed with stretchy materials to create softer denim. It is usually used to create bulky looks like jackets, jeans, and canvas-like bags. Leather - synthetic or real leather can be used. Real leather comes from animals that are have been skinned after being killed. Synthetic is a plastic-like material that has a similar feel. Usually has no stretch and can feel very thick and stiff.

This is just a few of the many types of fabrics that exist, and more are being created as the textile industry is becoming more advanced. We are very lucky to have the ability to experiment with so many fabrics. The important thing is to know how to use each fabric correctly to maximize the potential for a future project.