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Spandex material is a complicated fabric to work with because its flexibility makes it unpredictable. Luckily, the sewing market has risen to the occasion to accommodate for the challenges spandex poses. Whether you’re having trouble cutting or sewing a clean line, or you need a rescue when you make a mistake, these tools will add significant value to your sewing kit.

Helpful Tools for Sewing Spandex Material

1. Rotary Cutter & Mat

spandex materialStretch fabric like spandex can be difficult to cut with standard sewing shears. The give of the material causes even the most well-intentioned cuts to transform into jagged edges. Enter: the rotary cutter. This tool uses a sharp circular blade to slice through the flat-laying fabric, which prevents the elastic material to stretch while you cut. To assure that you get the most precise shape—and don’t damage your table in the process—also invest in a mat, which will help the spandex refrain from sliding around and will absorb the rotary cutter’s blade marks.

2. Ballpoint or Stretch Needles

A standard sewing needle isn’t ideal for sewing stretch fabrics because the sharp point pierces the spandex fibers, eventually compromising the integrity of your material. To avoid this issue, you can use a ballpoint or stretch needle instead, which has a rounded end to force stitches between the fibers, instead of through them. While they perform the same task, a stretch needle is different from a ballpoint one because it has a narrower rounded point that can handle stitching more finicky spandex material.

3. Seam Ripper

Sometimes, even equipped with sewing know-how and preparation, the stitching you choose doesn’t work out with the spandex material you’re using. When the time comes to remove stitching, a sharp seam ripper can make a tedious job infinitely easier. The tool includes a bladed hook that lets you grab the seam in question and rip it open in a simple slice.

4. Quilting Pins

When sewing two different pieces of spandex material together, the challenge is keeping the fabric aligned long enough to create a straight stitch. Quilting pins can come in handy for holding these wayward pieces in place. Similar to the purpose of the ballpoint needles, make sure you secure the pins on the seam allowance to avoid piercing the visible fabric.

5. Serger

If you’re working with stretch fabrics regularly, a serger can have a significant impact on your workflow. This sewing machine uses three, four, or even five needles at a time to stitch fabric. Since it can create more complex, commercial-grade stretch stitches, it is the go-to investment for avid sewists of spandex material.

 

Spandex is not the easiest fabric to work with, but it’s impossible to resist when you see the vast array of styles and functions it has. At Spandex House, Inc., we have stretch fabrics available for all your sewing needs. When you find the right choice for your next project, order online or give us a call at (212) 354-6711 to place your order.

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