How to sew with slippery fabrics

Slippery fabrics like satin, silk, rayon, and other drapey light weight fabrics can transform a simple sewing project into something truly special. We have several patterns that look great in slippery fabrics but we understand they can sometimes be intimidating to work with. In this post we are sharing some helpful tips to work with slippery fabrics so you can get the best results. 

These fabrics tend to have a mind of their own. They can slide around, stretch, and fray, making them often tricky to cut and sew. With a few helpful tips in this blog post you can go on to work with these fabrics and enjoy sewing with them.

Top Tips:

1. Make sure you have the right needle size for your fabric:

   Use a new, fine needle (like a size 70/10, Sharps, or Microtex) to avoid snaging the fabric. If you're unsure then test samples of stitches on the fabric you plan to use to make sure the quality of the stitch is smooth and is doesn't snag or pull on the fabric. It's always good practise to test your stitches on a test piece of fabric before starting on the project.|
   
   

2. Use a rotary cutter and cutting mat:

   Scissors can lift slippery fabrics leading to slipping and therefore inaccurate cutting. A rotary cutter and mat keep everything flat and help you get clean, precise edges meaning your pattern pieces are more accurate.
   Make sure to use a sharp rotary blade and change them often to prevent snagging on the fabric. Use plenty of weights on the fabric and make sure the fabric is laid as flat as possible without pulling which will warp the pattern pieces. 
   
   

3. Cut on a single layer:

   Often pattern instructions will state to cut on the fold, but when working with slippery fabrics it might be a good idea to cut each piece one at a time. If the pattern piece is cut on the fold to mirror it then cut one at a time, then make sure to flip the pattern to cut the next piece so you know you have the correct mirrored pieces.
   
   
   
   
   

4. Use clips or silk pins:

   When sewing the pattern together make sure not to use blunt pins as that can ruin and snag lightweight slippery fabrics. Use silk pins if you have them as they are finer, or clips work well too. Take extra time to gently lift up and pin pattern pieces.
   
   
   

5. Pin or clip pieces together within the seam allowance:

   Often slippery fabrics can be a little delicate when pinning and the holes created with the pins can create a mark on the fabric because of this pin or clip within the seam allowance so that once sewn you don't have any visible pin marks. 

6. Use a walking foot:

   A walking (quilting foot) is a great tool that is often associated with thicker fabrics but it can also be great for slippery fabrics because it works by guiding both the top and bottom layer through the machine. If your fabrics are very slippery using this foot can help keep both pieces together without any slipping. 
   
   

7. Don't let fabric hang:

   When working with the pieces don't hold them up so they hang down because it can warp or stretch the pieces out of shape.
   
   

8. Take your time and enjoy the process:

   Last but not least, breathe through the process and take your time. Delicate slippery fabrics need a little extra attention and love so that the finished result is something you can show off in style.