Sewing Polyester by Hand or Sewing Machine (Helpful Guide)
If you’re using polymer for the very first time you’re likely to be faced with some concerns about how to work with it. What tension should you set to use on your sewing machine? which needle size do you need to employ, and (and that’s the most important one) is it possible to sew with any ease?
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Can You Sew Polyester?
We’ll discuss the other questions in a moment however, in response to the previous question there is a “yes…
Polyester is among the most widely utilized synthetics. Because it’s a chemical compound, it’s able to melt and fuse at high temperatures, which makes it the ideal material to make non-woven fabrics such as felt, as well as knit and woven polyester fabrics.
With the many different types of polyester and the different weights, it can be found in, determining the most effective sewing method for it can be a challenge The best technique for one kind of polyester fabric might not be effective on another.
There are certain methods and strategies that can be applied across all types of fabrics. No matter what kind of fabric is made of polyester follow these helpful tips to ensure success.
Stitching Polyester Tips
- Wash your hands before using.
Before you even think about threading a needle, clean the fabric in cold water and then dry at a low temperature. This will make sure that no extra coatings or colorants hinder threading.
- Make use of a new needle.
Polyester is comprised of fibers with small diameters which can easily be snagged and tear Avoid causing harm by switching out worn needles and replacing them with new ones. Polyester fabrics are also known to be more responsive to needles with smaller diameters. Opt for a larger needle and you run the risk of weakening the seam and creating large visible gaps in the material.
- Make use of Polyester thread.
When selecting a thread it is best to choose one that’s elasticity matches that of the fabric you’re working on as closely as is possible. What’s a better thread for polyester than polyester?
Although using polyester thread to hand sew is easy but there are a couple of small details to take into consideration when making use of it for machine sewing. The bobbin should be wound slowly, and continue sewing at an even and slow speed. When you feed the thread too fast, you could cause enough heat and friction to cause the thread to stretch. When it cools, the thread will shrink, causing it to bunch the seams.
- Fold lines of iron before sewing.
Before you begin cutting out the pattern pieces, you must iron the fabric with an artificial setting. If any wrinkles aren’t removed using ironing, you must remove the offending piece before proceeding further.
- Use satin nylon with the utmost care.
Satin polyester is a bit slippery. You can make life easier by gluing the cut-out pieces to tissue paper or computer paper prior to when you begin sewing. The sturdy backing it creates will prevent the fabric from moving around underneath the needle.
Sewing Machine Settings for Polyester
If you’re just beginning to sew using polyester (or new to sewing generally) be aware that you’ll have to alter your sewing technique to accommodate the particular requirements. For the setting of your machine that is recommended adhere to the length of your stitch from 0.5 millimeters (0.020 in) to 1.5 millimeters (0.059 in) to get the most effective results.
It is also necessary to alter the pressure on your feet. Insufficient pressure can make the machine pull on the fabric as you sew it, which results in puckering. Make sure your seams are sewn by using moderate pressure.
What Tension for Sewing Polyester
The decision of what tension is appropriate for sewing polyester is an extremely difficult one to answer because there are a lot of factors to consider. It’s not necessary to think about it. Just set your machine to sew polyester and it can be able to handle all kinds of poly fabric without any additional adjustments.
As a guideline, the tension in the upper range typically is around 4. If you’re unsure whether you’ve set your machine properly, try testing a few stitches on a couple of scraps before beginning.
What Size Needle to Sew Polyester?
When sewing with polyester is sure to choose the right needle. For sewing machines needles, we recommend sharps, ballpoints, 70/10, and stretch based on the fabric’s structure and weight. If you’re sewing with your hands it is recommended to use needles of sizes 5-10.
Sewing 100 Polyester Fabric
Fabrics made of 100% polyester come with many distinct advantages. As they are stain-resistant, they are able to be enhanced using permanently pleated pleats, patterns, and designs. However, they can be among the least breathable fabrics on the market (which is why they’re usually blended with cotton to form a blend of poly and cotton).
If you’re using 100 100% polyester, the most crucial thing to keep in mind is to select a high-quality polyester thread. A cotton thread is not going to meet the stretch and strength of the fabric, and you’ll likely face difficulties later on.
Sewing Polyester and Spandex
The elastic properties of polyester and spandex make it difficult to sew. To make the process simpler this guide will offer some guidance.
Step 1
It is essential to prepare. Spandex is likely to expand the moment you first wash it. beware of ending with two-size too-small clothing by washing it on an icy wash before you begin cutting the pieces.
Step 2
After the fabric has been cleaned and dried, you can employ the sharpest scissors or even a rotary cutting machine to cut the pieces. When using a rotary cutting then place it on the cutting mat prior to commencing.
Step 3
Make use of ballpoint pins (their pointed tips are rounded to prevent the fabric from breaking) to secure the fabric to an allowance for seams.
Step 4
Utilizing your fingers, pull the spandex in order to determine the direction it is stretched (a two-way stretch will extend horizontally while a fabric with a 4-way stretch can stretch horizontally as well as vertically). Make sure that you place the fabric in a way that extends around your body instead of through its length.
Step 5
Make sure you use ballpoint needles, which are less likely to harm the fibers than an ordinary needle.
Step 6
Because too high pressure on the pressure foot could cause puckering, you should make any adjustments you need to make prior to you beginning to sew.
Step 7
Thread your machine using a polyester thread that is all-purpose in the color of the fabric you’re using.
Step 8
Make sure the machine is set to a zigzag stitch that is narrow and then adjusts the length of the stitch by .5 millimeters.
TIP: Refrain from the urge to pull the material back as you stitch. Although this method works for all kinds of fabrics it’s most likely to cause puckering if you do it with spandex. The same is true for spandex. make sure that the fabric doesn’t hang over the edge of your work area.
Can you Sew Cotton and Polyester Together?
It is generally not recommended to sew natural materials using synthetic threads (and in reverse) because they require the use of a different kind of thread. When a feasible cotton thread is best sewn using cotton thread. Likewise, man-made fibers like polyester ought to be stitched with polyester thread. The reason why you should match like for like is straightforward that polyester thread is more durable than cotton and, in time, it can reduce the strength of cotton’s fiber. The same goes for the cotton thread. It won’t be strong enough to stand up to the challenges of the polyester fabric.
When you’re working with a polyester-cotton blend sewing will be fairly simple, but it’s suggested that you use polyester thread instead of cotton.
Can You Hand Sew Polyester?
Although sewing polyester using an automated machine is the most convenient way to work with polyester, if you haven’t had one, don’t worry – all is not lost. Although hand sewing can be more difficult it’s still doable.
How to Sew Polyester by Hand
When sewing polyester with a hand can be difficult to master, there are some techniques that can help you succeed.
- Wash the fabric before using it to get rid of any coating or coloring that’s present on your fabric.
- Polys (especially silky ones) can be slithery. They can be made easier to handle using sprays of starch prior to when you begin sewing (although make sure you clean the fabric before wearing to eliminate the build-up).
- Make use of a ballpoint needle sizes 5-10, and use a high cotton thread.
- Stitch with a tiny very narrow zigzag Try to make the zig-zag so small that it’s nearly a unidirectional line.
Sewing Polyester Without Puckering
If you’re sewing using satin polymer, you might have difficulty keeping the fabric from puckering. Even the most skilled sewers can encounter the same issue, but there are a few techniques you can employ to prevent the annoying wrinkle.
- Experiment. Find enough fabric that will provide you with lots of scraps of fabric to test different sizes of needles as well as tensions, stitches, and so on. When you are ready to stitch the fabric in real you’ll already have enough experience through your testing to be able to identify which method of sewing is the most effective.
- Do not be enticed to use any needle. Polyester is best used using a needle as small as you can get it. A Size 8 “Sharp” or “Microtex” needle is among the finest needles you can try.
- Utilize tiny stitching stitches that are narrow to stitch the seam.
- Place the pieces on cross-grain, not lengthwise.
- Reduce the pressure of the machine. A lot of pressure can pull the fabric while you sew it, and result in puckering. Lower the pressure prior to you begins sewing to give yourself the greatest chance of success.
Best Stitch for Hemming Polyester
The beauty of Polyester is the fact it offers some stretch. Although this could make it suitable after a meal, however, it means you must take an entirely different method of Hemming than you would be accustomed to. It is recommended to always make use of a zig-zag thread while you are hemming. Make use of it, in conjunction with this step-by-step method, for guaranteed success.
Step 1
Utilizing a zigzag or an overlock stitch, sew around the edges of the fabric in order to prevent the fabric from fraying or stretching.
Step 2
You can hang it vertically for up to up to 24 hours, allowing your fabric time to spread to the proper length prior to beginning to hem it.
Step 3
The hemline should be marked with the help of a fabric pen. If you can, have someone mark the hemline for you while you’re wearing your garment.
Step 4
The fabric should be ironed at a low setting, then secure the hem using ballpoint pens.
Step 5
Insert twin needles into the sewing machine. Thread the needles. Make sure to wind the bobbin using polyester thread, then insert the bobbin. Adjust the stitch setting to 3-3.5 stitch length.
Step 6
Begin sewing slowly and with care around .5 inches away from the edge of the hemmed edges. When sewing makes sure not to make the fabric stretch. Unpinch the pins before you complete the stitch.
Can You Sew Ripped Polyester?
While it’s renowned for its toughness, however, it can also tear when put under sufficient pressure. Although it’s not possible to bring the garment back to its original form but repairing the rips will give you the garment that’s still useful.
Step 1
Buy a small amount of fabric made of polyester that’s closest in color, and the weight of the torn fabric as you can.
Step 2
Cut the fabric you purchased to the size. It should be one inch more in dimensions and in width.
Step 3
If the damaged garment is lined, remove the lining around the tear with an awl ripper. Then remove the lining towards the tear.
Step 4
The new piece of fabric under the tear on the inner side fabric. Take the edge that is torn and secures the piece of cloth to the fabric.
Step 5
The machine should be set to the wide zigzag stitch. Then sew several lines across the tear to make sure it stays in place.
Step 6
Take the threads off, and then trim off the excess fabric that is underneath the tear. You should leave about .75 inches of fabric between the stitches. Take the pins off.
Step 7
The lining can be slipped back into position and fix it with a pin. Make use of a slip-stitch hand to secure the lining in its place.
Do You Need to Wash Polyester Before Sewing?
Although polyester isn’t the most straightforward of fabrics to sew, preparing the fabric properly prior to when you begin will eliminate many of the difficulties. One of the primary components of preparation is washing the fabric with cool water prior. This will ensure that any coatings or colorings are eliminated prior to beginning sewing.
I hope you’ve learned enough information and tips that will make the next project with poly an easy one. If you think that this advice might help other crafters, consider sharing the blog post.