Can You Sew Denim With A Sewing Machine
Denim is a rugged, classic fabric that is widely used for clothes, upholstery, bags and more. The durable material known for its deep blue or indigo hues, can be soft or stiff depending on how it is woven or treated, and can be subject to colour fading and fraying with regular wear and tear. With the right technique and a good sewing machine, it is possible to effectively work with denim. This article is written to provide an introduction to the art of sewing denim, along with useful tips and tricks to help get you started.
Getting started with sewing denim requires a basic knowledge of the terminology associated with denim. Fabric weight is measured by ounces per square yard, ranging from light-weight at 6 ounces to heavy-weight at 16 ounces or more. It is important to match the weight of the thread to the weight of the denim. Needles for sewing denim should have a large eye and a sharp point, in order to avoid puckering of the material.
When working with denim, the needle should penetrate the fabric so that the needle point passes all the way through the denim. The stitching should maintain a consistent backstitch to secure the seem and prevent unraveling, otherwise it will be necessary to perform a very wide zigzag stitch as a backup. The denim fabric may need to be ironed prior to cutting it, to make sure the fibers are correctly aligned before you start sewing.
When sewing denim upholstery and bags, it is important to remember to use right-hand to clear the needle. You can easily remove the needle with the right hand without the risk of breaking it. Additionally, it is necessary to slow down the machine, in order to better control the fabric. Otherwise, the needle can pull the fabric and generate excessive friction, resulting in skipping stitches.
To keep the denim from fraying, it is important to apply a proper seam allowance. When working with denim, the seam allowance should be at least 4/8 inch for flat fell seams, or 5/8 inch for french seams. Proper seam allowance is necessary to keep the seams neat and tidy and prevent the fabric from fraying. Additionally, top stitching should be done with the same amount of seam allowance, to ensure a neat finish.
When sewing bulky or large items with denim, another useful trick is to insert pieces of lightweight fabric or interfacing between the denim layers. This will allow the fabric layers to move better as you sew and will reduce the friction between the fabrics. Additionally, the extra layer of fabric or interfacing can also add extra structure and support to the seams and can help to reduce the amount of bulk.
Finally, if you are sewing denim jeans, you should use the backstitch and a wide zigzag stitch to secure the seams. For extra reinforcement, you can top stitch over the zigzag stitch, which will help to keep the seem in place and prevent it from fraying. Additionally, it is important to use a thicker thread for sewing jeans, as this will help to increase the durability of the seams and prevent them from unraveling.
What Sewing Machines Are Best For Sewing Denim?
When choosing a sewing machine for denim, it is important to consider several factors, such as the type of stitch, the proper needle and thread size, and the machine’s tension. A walking-foot machine is ideal for denim, as it helps to evenly push the fabric layers together, allowing for a neat and professional finish. Additionally, a heavy-duty machine will be better able to handle thicker fabric and can withstand heavy use without wear or tear.
It is also important to choose a machine that has adjustable tension, as this will allow you to adjust the tension of the thread depending on the weight of the fabric. Additionally, the foot pressure should be adjustable, so that the fabric can move smoothly and easily. Finally, a machine with a drop feed system is ideal for denim fabric, as it will help to reduce the amount of friction between the fabric and needle, enabling a smoother and more consistent stitch.
When selecting needles for sewing denim, it is important to choose needles that have a large eye and sharp point. This will ensure that the needle glides through the fabric easily, without puckering or gathering the fabric. Additionally, the needle should be sized according to the weight of the fabric, as lightweight denim may require a size 9 turning or medium weight denim may require a size 12. Finally, it is also important to choose needles specifically designed for denim to prevent the needle from breaking.
Tips For Working With Denim
Working with denim can be a challenging but rewarding experience. The following tips will help to ensure a successful project.
- Read the pattern carefully before starting, to ensure that the seams are properly aligned.
- Use pins to hold the pattern pieces in place.
- Use a large-eye needle when sewing denim.
- Match the thread weight to the fabric weight.
- Set the stitch length to at least 4.0mm.
- Allow extra seam allowance when working with bulky items.
- Use a walking-foot machine for extra support.
- Install a denim needle to prevent needle breakage.
- Use a top stitch to secure seams and add extra support.
How To Care For Denim
Denim can be a very durable fabric, but it must be properly cared for in order to ensure its longevity. Proper washing and drying is key to preserving the fabric, as machine washing and drying can cause it to shrink or fade. Although it is tempting to wash denim frequently, it should be done sparingly, as over-washing can cause the fabric to become worn more quickly.
When washing denim, it is best to hand-wash the garment in cold water. Denim can be machine washed, but it should be placed in a mesh laundry bag and washed on a delicate cycle. Additionally, it is important to use a gentle laundry detergent, as harsh chemicals can cause the fabric to fade. When it comes to drying, it is best to lay the garment flat to air dry, as this will help to avoid shrinkage.
It is also important to iron your denim properly in order to preserve the shape and colour of the fabric. Denim should be ironed on a low heat setting, as a high heat setting can damage the fabric. Additionally, it is best to pre-treat denim fabric before ironing, in order to able to prevent creases from forming.
Sewing Denim: Final Thoughts
Sewing denim can be a rewarding but challenging experience. It is important to select the right needles, thread, fabric and machine, in order to achieve the best possible results. Additionally, proper care should be taken when washing, drying and ironing denim in order to preserve its shape, colour and texture. With the right technique and a good sewing machine, it is possible to work with denim effectively and achieve a clean and professional finish.
