Working with Velvet

Here are some construction shots of my latest project, made with a lovely pink textured velvet that has been stashed away for quite a few years (I believe it is a rayon/poly blend).

I hate to tell people that working with a certain fabric or a specific technique is difficult, because I would never want to influence someone who has had a fantastic experience with a complicated process.  For instance, I am basically self taught, and because no one ever told me setting in sleeves was supposed to be challenging, I have never had an issue with them.  And zippers . . . they are an integral part of certain designs, and so learning how to work with them was necessary and not a big deal.  Certainly my first attempts did not look beautiful or “professional,” but they got the job done just the same.

A costume designer who I thought knew everything there was to know about sewing, once grumbled that she would never use velvet again after completing a stunning gown in the fabric.  It suddenly struck me that velvet was "supposed to be" a bear to work with, not because I had a bad experience with the fabric, but because someone who could do just about anything with a needle and thread was frustrated.  Silly, right? 

That being said, velvet, along with many napped fabrics, definitely has a finicky personality.  

Directionality is extremely important.  Cutting layouts should have all pieces facing in the same direction.  For the richest color, the nap should face upwards.  Many patterned velvets are cut with the nap facing the hemline so that the pattern is easier to see.  I was quite interested to feel that this particular fabric has the nap moving from selvedge to selvedge (perhaps the texture process is responsible).  

Of course, there are some items that will help make things easier.  A walking foot and a needle board are fabulous when working with napped fabrics, but both are an expensive proposition.  I have neither, and it does not stop me from working with velvets – they are just too yummy to avoid!

This is not going to be a super quick project, even though the dress design is rather basic - velvet is not a fabric to choose for that last minute frock for tomorrow evening’s party.  Patience is required.  I will avoid a project made from velvet if I am feeling the least bit cranky – I will only get frustrated.

The pleats were the thing I was most worried about.  There are a lot of lines to mark and match up. 

I basted the muslin to the cut piece along the pleat lines, turned the piece over, marked in chalk, and then snipped the basted stitches apart.  I figured, between the thread and the chalk, something had to remain visible!

Hand basting is your friend!  To avoid irritation, I am hand basting all of my seams, darts, and well, basically everything.  Velvet has a habit of shifting around, especially under a standard machine foot.  Also, un-picking machined seams will most likely mar the fabric and remove some of the pile - hand basting eliminates that problem.

Make sure to never set an iron down on napped fabric, instead, gently steam from the wrong side while hovering the iron over the fabric.  Crushed or patterned velvets are a lot more forgiving in this regard.

Expect raveling and shredding – those cut edges are going to be a mess.  I have been using my pinking shears on every seam that is completed.

So progress is slow, but the dress is coming along!

What are your favorite tips for working with velvet?