Spent 6 hours trying to get the drape right on a polyester chiffon skirt

Thought it would take 20 minutes but the fabric kept sliding off my mannequin and I ended up watching three YouTube tutorials before I figured out you need to pin it to a muslin underlayer first, has anyone else dealt with fabric that just refuses to cooperate?

3 comments

3 Comments

ray_sullivan1d ago

Have you seen that trick where you put a layer of tulle or netting under slippery fabrics to stop them from sliding around? I read about it in a sewing blog last week and it saved me on a rayon project that kept sliding all over the place. It really works like magic. The polyester chiffon is one of the worst offenders for sure, I remember trying to hem one and the fabric just kept bouncing my pins right out. The muslin underlayer idea you found is genius though, I gotta try that next time. Did you use a walking foot on your machine or just hand pin everything?

the_sean1d ago

Tulle is a lifesaver, I swear by that trick. I was working with a really slick poly charmeuse a few months ago and it was like trying to sew a greased up jellyfish. Just put a layer of tulle underneath and it held everything in place perfectly, no sliding at all. I used a walking foot on that one but honestly the tulle does most of the work. The muslin trick sounds even better for heavier stuff though, definitely adding that to my toolbox.

karen_carter1d ago

Oh man, that charmeuse comment got me haha. I had a similar nightmare with a cheap satin from Joann's last year and it literally slihered off my cutting table while I was pinning. Ended up having to chase it across the floor like a cat. But the tulle trick works wonders. I actually used that on a bridesmaid dress alteration once and it saved my sanity. Also, speaking of greasy fabrics, I once tried to sew a swimsuit lining and the machine just ate it. Had to use tissue paper underneath. Ever tried that? It tears away easy afterward.