When it comes to summer sewing projects, the fabrics you choose to use are crucial. Even if you've picked the perfect pattern, selecting a material that doesn't suit the season will doom a project right from the start! There are many different aspects to consider, from durability, and appearance to how it performs in hot weather. But don't worry, we've taken it upon ourselves to create a little fabric guide for new sewists. Here are the four best fabrics for summer and the many benefits (for your health and happiness) they provide. Happy summer sewing!
Cotton
There are so many reasons to love cotton that it's difficult to know where to begin! From its versatility to its breathability, it's not surprising that cotton is the most worn fabric in the world. It can be used to make all kinds of different textiles for clothing, home furnishings, and more. This natural fiber is also super breathable, allowing air, heat, and moisture to pass in and out without getting trapped, keeping you cool and comfortable on a hot summer's day!
Linen
An all-natural fiber derived from the flax plant, linen has really high air permeability, doesn't cling to the skin, and is incredibly absorbent. So why do these attributes make linen such an excellent fabric for summer? Linen allows cool air to pass through it with ease, ensuring that hot air is never trapped. It also dries very quickly, keeping perspiration away from the skin while creating a cooling sensation when temperatures rise. This fabric also naturally reflects heat, which keeps the wearer from getting hot in the first place. Think of linen as a portable, wearable air conditioner!
Silk
Woven from uber-soft but incredibly strong silk strands, this luxurious fabric comes with a host of perks that go beyond just its lustrous hand and beautiful appearance. Silk is hypoallergenic and breathable, with excellent moisture wicking properties. This keeps wearers cool and dry even when the temperatures soar! Silk also contains sericin residue which naturally prevents mold and odour-causing bacteria from growing and multiplying. When wearing silk, one can rest assured knowing that they will be neither sweaty nor smelly!
Bamboo
This plant-based fiber is known for being naturally soft and very durable. But did you know that it's also hypoallergenic with antimicrobial properties? Bamboo can be woven and knit into a wide variety of fabrics and it is a very hygienic and beautiful choice for both clothing and home furnishings. It conducts heat and air flow easily, keeping the wearer cool and dry in hot and humid conditions. Bamboo sheets have also been shown to promote better sleep because of its breathability. Say hello to bamboo and goodbye to muggy, sleepless nights!
TOP 5 SUMMER PRODUCT PICKS
058786 - Modern Prairie Sewing: 20 Handmade Projects For You & Your Friends
Gone are the days of confusing instructions and difficult patterns. With this book you'll discover that sewing doesn't have to be complicated at all. The 20 cleverly thought-out projects help to develop one's technical skills and include the author's secret sewing tricks to guarantee success. Many of the designs include beautiful design details that are specifically included to raise your skill level. A box pleat or gusset may seem fancy and complicated, but with this guide, they are totally doable.
- Be inspired by the bright, modern designs of popular pattern maker and blogger Abigail Long of Marie-Madeline Studio.
- All 20 projects are easy enough for beginners!
- It's as easy as 1-2-3: simply follow a pattern, learn to sew, and have a lot of fun making bags, skirts, scarves, quilts, and so much more!
KD509 - Machine Embroidery CD: A Kimberbell Summer, Volume 1: At the Beach
KD510 - Machine Embroidery CD: A Kimberbell Summer, Volume 2: In the Garden
Recreate stunning summer embroidery designs with these pattern-packed CDs! From beachy motifs to garden-inspired images, these bright and sunny themes will delight crafters of all skill-levels!
Summer Buttons From Buttons Galore
Summer is all about fun, sun, surf, and sweets! No one knows this better than Buttons Galore, and all of their summer buttons pack a playful punch, whether you stitch them onto a blouse or glue them into a scrapbook. Celebrate the season with these beachy buttons!
Being green is in fashion! Functionality meets fashion in this eco-chic messenger bag, made from 100% recycled plastic water bottles. Roomy, sturdy, and water-resistant, Eco Totes hold everything you need for quilt class, grocery shopping, heading to the beach, or going to the gym. This newest addition to our best-selling line of stylish and environmentally conscious tote bags features detail from the stunning quilt, Orbit, by Jennifer Sampou.
- New and improved color, printed on a white underlay
- Even more durable than before, with a stronger zipper and sturdier stitching
- Features reinforced bottom panel for standing upright
SSP1 - Summer Solistice Pattern (REVISED) by Phillips Fiber Art using the MINI 10 Degree Wedge Ruler
This is a fun and festive pattern that is perfect for celebrating the summer solstice! It requires the 10 Degree Mini Wedge Tool (item: TDMW). While the smaller 10 Degree Wedge Tool is best suited for this pattern, you can also use the full size wedge (item: 81521) as well, with a little more effort.
Note: When using the Wedge ruler, you will only be using the narrow portion of the ruler. Place it on the strip sets in the same fashion.
Do you have any questions or comments? We would love to hear from you! Chat with us in the comment section or send us a message at sales@njeffersonltd.com.
