Show Stretch rech Fabrics Are Quote lEasy To Sew Stretch garments h have a v e made active clothing more comfortable notes Sarah S. S Tuttle county home agent with the Utah State University University University sity Extension Services The first stretch articles came in ready-made ready garments but more and more stretch fabrics are available for your own sewing Stretch is not difficult difficult difficult dif dif- to sew if you follow a afew afew afew few guides in planning cutting cutting cutting cut cut- ting and sewing the garment Remember to buy stretch fabrics for garments that need stretch to function A straight hanging garment with nl no sleeves no waistline no areas that bind the body need not be made of a stretch fabric as there are no areas where give give is necessary Mrs Tuttle Tuttle Tuttle Tut Tut- tle points out As different fabrics stretch different directions be certain to select the type of stretch that will fit your plan Shirts and blouses need wise cross stretch through the shoulders Skirts need wise cross stretch through the hipline Pants need warp or lengthwise stretch and some need a combination combination com com- of stretch in both di di- A good stretch fabric fabric fabric fab fab- ric will stretch about 30 per cent When you select a pattern for your stretch garment choose the same size you do for regular materials Dont Don't make a smaller size thinking the garment is supposed to stretch to fit you It should stretch only to give you added comfort when under stress To cut cut- cutout out the article laythe laythe lay laythe the fabric flat do not have tension or strain while cut cut- ting Lay each pattern piece so that the fabric will stretch in the same direction on all pieces Use sharp pins to hold the pattern on fabric and sharp shears are the best for cut cut- ting A shout short zig-zag zig stitch provides provides provides pro pro- vides maximum stretch at the seams If you must use straight stitches nes set the machine machine machine ma ma- chine for a short stitch and then hold the fabric taut or orin orin orin in stretch position so that the seam will give when the garment garment garment gar gar- ment Is stretched Use Tasman Tas man lan thread if available as it adds elasticity an and l will give with the fabric If you must line a stretch fabric choose a tricot lining that will stretch with the fabric fab fab- ric Normally stretch garments are not lined To care for your material and finished garment be certain certain certaro tain taro you find out the Uie manufacturers manufacturers manufacturers manu manu- instructions when you buy The fiber content finish and other factors will determine the care needed Stretch fabrics will regain their shape if hung properly overnight and if they are allowed allowed allowed al al- lowed to rest between wear- wear ings If worn several days in succession they may need tobe tobe to tobe be pressed lightly to restore shape Sometimes a stretch garment garment gar gar- ment which has lost its shape can be restored by boy laundering provided the stretch fabric is washable |