Buying material for a sewing project can be confusing to those who have little experience navigating a fabric store. The vast selection of textiles and supplies may seem overwhelming, but the staff should be of assistance in this respect. Keeping these points in mind at the fabric store NJ shoppers in the Fairfield area can locate just the right materials.
Stores receive fabrics on long cardboard tubes or flat strips known as "bolts". The type of bolt used depends on the kind of material and the manufacturer. Most fabrics used for crafts and quilting are sold on flat bolts, while textiles used to make apparel and home decor items may come either a folded or rolled bolt.
Most larger fabric shops are set up in sections, with signs clearly marking the location of each category of fabrics according to their main use. Some smaller stores may not be organized in this manner, but staff can help customers find what they are looking for. Specialty shops may exclusively sell one type of material alone.
Before getting any fabric measured and cut, one must first check out its care and washing instructions and make sure its weight is appropriate for its intended use, salespeople are familiar with a wide range of textiles and can advise. There should also be some helpful information about the material printed on either the flat end of the bolt or if it comes on a roll, it may be on a hang-tag or printed sheet inside.
The wide selection of textiles with varying styles and textures makes it easy to find just the right design for sewing projects such as clothing, bed comforters or slipcovers, window treatments, and so many more. Fabrics used to make apparel are termed "fashion fabrics" and they include polyester, silk, wool, velvet, flannel, and denim amongst others. Other textiles may be classified as fleece, quilting, or home decor fabrics and can be used to make useful and decorative items.
Fabrics come in different widths, typically between 36 and 108 inches. It's necessary to know how much material will be needed for the project. Most sewing patterns indicate this amount, and for other types of projects estimating is required. Buying a bit more than needed is the safest way to go. A bolt can hold anywhere from 8 to 30 yards of material, and most stores will only sell 1/8 or 1/4 yard minimum. When a full bolt is needed, it may be ordered for an additional fee.
A salesperson takes the bolts which the customer has selected and rolls them out on a cutting table where they will be measured then cut. Sometimes they also sell "remnants" which are left over pieces from bolts, they are usually sold as is but are cheaper and can be a great find if the size is right. Some stores will also provide shoppers with sample swatches of material to take home for matching purposes.
Another thing to be aware of is the fact that two bolts of the same fabric may not be exactly the same in color tone and intensity if they are from different dye lots. This means that they were dyed separately which can result in color variations. Fabrics on different bolts should be purchased from the same dye lot to avoid mismatches.
Stores receive fabrics on long cardboard tubes or flat strips known as "bolts". The type of bolt used depends on the kind of material and the manufacturer. Most fabrics used for crafts and quilting are sold on flat bolts, while textiles used to make apparel and home decor items may come either a folded or rolled bolt.
Most larger fabric shops are set up in sections, with signs clearly marking the location of each category of fabrics according to their main use. Some smaller stores may not be organized in this manner, but staff can help customers find what they are looking for. Specialty shops may exclusively sell one type of material alone.
Before getting any fabric measured and cut, one must first check out its care and washing instructions and make sure its weight is appropriate for its intended use, salespeople are familiar with a wide range of textiles and can advise. There should also be some helpful information about the material printed on either the flat end of the bolt or if it comes on a roll, it may be on a hang-tag or printed sheet inside.
The wide selection of textiles with varying styles and textures makes it easy to find just the right design for sewing projects such as clothing, bed comforters or slipcovers, window treatments, and so many more. Fabrics used to make apparel are termed "fashion fabrics" and they include polyester, silk, wool, velvet, flannel, and denim amongst others. Other textiles may be classified as fleece, quilting, or home decor fabrics and can be used to make useful and decorative items.
Fabrics come in different widths, typically between 36 and 108 inches. It's necessary to know how much material will be needed for the project. Most sewing patterns indicate this amount, and for other types of projects estimating is required. Buying a bit more than needed is the safest way to go. A bolt can hold anywhere from 8 to 30 yards of material, and most stores will only sell 1/8 or 1/4 yard minimum. When a full bolt is needed, it may be ordered for an additional fee.
A salesperson takes the bolts which the customer has selected and rolls them out on a cutting table where they will be measured then cut. Sometimes they also sell "remnants" which are left over pieces from bolts, they are usually sold as is but are cheaper and can be a great find if the size is right. Some stores will also provide shoppers with sample swatches of material to take home for matching purposes.
Another thing to be aware of is the fact that two bolts of the same fabric may not be exactly the same in color tone and intensity if they are from different dye lots. This means that they were dyed separately which can result in color variations. Fabrics on different bolts should be purchased from the same dye lot to avoid mismatches.
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