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Fabric Guide – Using Eco Bamboo Fabrics

Fabric Guide – Using Eco Bamboo Fabrics

by | Apr 14, 2021 | Bamboo towelling, Fabric, Fabric Guides, Fabric Information Guide, Fleece, Product Guides, Sustainable Sewing

We’re kicking off Eco-Week sharing share some information about Bamboo Fabric., considered to be one of the most eco-friendly fibres available. Have a read of our guide to learn why, and about the different types of bamboo fabric that are available.

Bamboo fabric is a natural textile, made from plants called Bamboo, which are known as the ‘plant of a thousand uses’ as they have been used for centuries as building material, but Beijing University managed to develop the super sustainable plant as bamboo fibre.

Bamboo plants grow quickly like grass, so often need a trim and will carry on growing.

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

Bamboo fabric is very soft, smooth and lightweight, yet strong. Also, it does not go under much chemical processing to make the fabric, which makes it easy to wear if you have found your skin is sometimes irritated by fabrics.

The fibres have a criss-cross texture which makes it a fantastic moisture absorber but also good for breathability.

Not only is bamboo fabric more environmentally friendly, but it is also super absorbent. This means it’s great for re-usable items like cloth nappies, reusable wipes, yoga towels, women’s cloth pads, mattress covers, pet beds and so much more!

The textile industry have found in comparison to cotton, it is 3 times more absorbent and keeps you cool and dry in sweaty situations! It can also adapt to weather conditions, keeping you cooler than cotton would in the heat but warm and cosy in the winter.

Lab tests on the material have proved that it is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal thanks to the natural substance called ‘Bamboo kun’ which protects the plant from pests. Even after 50 washes, the bamboo fibres continue to have antibacterial properties!

Bamboo fabrics comes in a wide variety of types such as velour, towelling, jersey and stretch terry.

Check out these makes below where bamboo fabric has been used as an absorbent insert.

Photo Credit: Bumble Bees Modern Cloth Nappies

BAMBOO TOWELLING

Read our 13 Tips for Sewing with Bamboo Towelling Fabric here

One of our best selling bamboo options is the Bamboo towelling. Ideal for cloth wipes, bibs and towels, it is super soft and the premium version is lush with a gorgeous sheen for that luxury feel.

There is no stretch to struggle with while sewing but can be quite lofty as it has terry loop on both sides.

Bamboo towelling comes in a few different neutral colours too!

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BAMBOO VELOUR

Another bamboo option we have is a knit fabric with a super soft velour finish. It makes GORGEOUS snuggle blankets & has a great drape for loungewear. It is also a popular choice for nappy making as it’s very soft to touch and is thinner than bamboo towelling.

When sewing, be careful as it has a little stretch so make sure to use lots of pins, a walking foot and a ball point needle. In addition, it makes a fantastic blank canvas for your own colour palette, as it takes dye well.

BAMBOO FRENCH TERRY

Bamboo French Terry is a super high quality premium fabric that comes in a variety of colours. It has a smooth knit side and dimpled weave effect on the reverse. It’s great for lounge wear as well as sports wear as it’s super absorbent. It’s can be used for any item where absorbency is needed.

Bamboo jersey

How about some super soft leggings? Bamboo jersey is ideal for sportswear as it’s soft, breathable, strong and lightweight. Also perfect for t-shirts & dresses. Don’t forget those anti-bacterial properties too, ideal for those sweaty gym sessions!

You can use bamboo jersey any where you might use a regular jersey fabric.

CHECK THE WEIGHT

When browsing for absorbent fabrics, take a note of the fabric weight (normally written as gsm which stands for grams per square metre). The higher GSM the fabric is, the more it will absorb.

What can I make with bamboo fabrics?

 

Looking for project ideas for bamboo fabrics? Here’s some suggestions

For free tutorials and other ideas, check out our blog series.

 

We hope you loved learning all about Bamboo Fabrics! Don’t forget to sign up to the newsletter to make sure you never miss a fabric guide or tutorial again!

For more content on our Eco Week, you can check out Plush Addict on all the socials below.

A Guide To Haberdashery – A History and Definition

A Guide To Haberdashery – A History and Definition

by | Mar 31, 2021 | Haberdashery, Haberdashery Guides

3.5 minute read

Haberdashery – it’s a great word, isn’t it? Ever wondered what it is? Or where such a wonderful word comes from?

You’re not the only one!

Read on to find out all things haberdashery. We’ll be going into detail and explaining all you need to know to become a seasoned haberdasher. You’ll feel confident going out and exploring the world of sewing accessories!

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

History of the word Haberdashery

Haberdashery is pronounced “ha-buh-da-shu-ree” and has a rich history. It’s such a great word! But where did it come into our language?

One of the first sightings of the word is seen in English poet Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Chaucer describes peddlers who sold buttons, needles & other sewing items. This dates the word back to at least the 14th century!

Haberdashery derives from “hapertas” that’s thought to have meant “small ware”, although others say it was used to describe a type of fabric.

The word has been around for centuries, nonetheless the true origins of it are still unknown today.

Often the word “haberdashery” is shortened to “habby” so if you hear that being banded around, you know what this abbreviation means!

UK & US Haberdashery Differences

Interestingly the word haberdashery has a different meaning with our friends across the pond in the US, instead, the word “notions” is used to describe haberdashery supplies!

Over in the US the word Haberdashery is instead a term used to describe a speciality accessory store for men selling hats, gloves & scarves.

But they also sell what we now know as haberdashery supplies in the UK – buttons, needles, threads and more!

As time passed US haberdasheries evolved to also tailor to women, but still focused on hats and accessories.

However here in the UK they became the go-to place for all sorts of sewing bits and bobs, more of a craft and sewing shop.

The world of sewing and sewing accessories has experienced a massive boost in interest recently partly due to the pandemic, lots of people turned to their hobbies to pass time and even more people discovered new hobbies!

The Great British Sewing Bee has also massively contributed to the expansion of sewing and haberdashery in Britain, we all love a good competition!

What supplies do you find in a haberdashery?

ALL the sewing things! In short it’s an all encompassing word describing is the small bits & bobs used in sewing projects. You could call them a seam-star’s sewing accessories.

Some common items are:

This list isn’t exhaustive – there’s literally hundreds of variations for each of these items –  it’s pretty broad.

More often than not you can’t complete a sewing project without using some type of haberdashery! And over time your stash will increase (along with your need for habby storage & organisation 🤣)

Where can you buy haberdashery supplies?

Habby items are usually sold by fabric & sewing shops. A Google search for “haberdashery near me” will bring up all your local merchants, it’s a great way to support local small businesses!

And if there’s not one near to you then we’re here to help! Our online sewing superstore has a HUGE range of haberdashery items & we ship sewing supplies not only throughout the UK, but worldwide too.

We know that sometimes buying sewing supplies online can be daunting. What if the colours don’t match?! Colours CAN be off when buying from a screen – we totally get this… There’s nothing more annoying than ordering a thread to match your fabric from screen, only to have it arrive and it’s totally off.
We have a service available as standard to eliminate any matchy matchy stress! We offer a free colour match service. Just order what you *think* matches then leave us a comment in the notes field at checkout asking us to check that your colours match. If they don’t – we’ll swap them for you – simples!

And if when your new haberdashery items arrive they’re not right, we also offer Free UK Returns! 

About Us

Plush Addict is a local, family run business started by myself and Mr.Plush (Hubbydasherer) over 9 years ago. We’ve grown from a bedroom business selling cloth nappy supplies to having one of the best stocked haberdasheries in the country!

We stock a huge range of both fabric & haberdashery and we strive to be a one stop shop for your sewing projects.

We hope you found this insightful and learnt a little more about the history of haberdashery.

If you stumbled here looking for some sewing bits, head on over to our website to shop all things haberdashery and fabric!

Follow Plush Addict on social media and keep an eye out for more tutorials!

A Fabric Guide: Canvas

A Fabric Guide: Canvas

by | Feb 26, 2021 | Canvas, Fabric Guides, Product Guides, Tutorials

Do you have questions about canvas fabric? Is it Canvas, Canevas or Cannapaceus?

We can just about pronounce cannapaceus without getting confuddled!

For ease (and mental overload) let’s stick with canvas.

So What Is Canvas Fabric?

 

Canvas is a durable cotton fabric with a tight, plain weave and a 2 ply yarn.

It sometimes feels a little rough to touch because of the fibrous parts of the cotton, linen, flax or hemp plants that are used to form the yarn and the resulting thread isn’t usually combed.

We recommend giving your hands a good moisture after you’re done sewing if your project is heavy on canvas fabric!

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

Grab 10% OFF on Canvas fabric with our discount code!

CANVAS-SAVING-10

Use the code above at checkout for 10% off.

A Little History Of Canvas Fabric

 

While the earliest known evidence of canvas comes from ancient India around 1500 B.C. The name came later when production spread to Europe in the eighth century.

The word ‘canvas’ is from the old French canevas, which may have roots in the Latin ‘cannapaceus’, meaning “made of hemp”. (did you skip over cannapaceus reading this in your head?!)

Originally popular with sailmakers due to its natural resistance to water; popularity grew in the 16th century when painters found it to be a more versatile surface than wood and plaster (frescoes). Canvas was a cheaper and readily available alternative!

Denim has a similar feel to canvas, though the 2 can be identified by the weave; denim has a twill weave, resulting in quite different properties. Sometimes referred to as ‘duck’, though duck has a tighter weave and slightly heavier feel.

What Is Canvas Used For?

 

Canvas has many uses in the modern world thanks to how versatile it is! Canvas is a sturdy fabric with little drape so its best suited for projects that need structure.

Canvas makes a great gardening apron

When planning sewing projects canvas is ideal for:

  • Upholstery
  • Seat covers
  • Window dressing
  • Bag making
  • Tote bags
  • Fabric baskets
  • Laptop Cases
  • Aprons
  • Jackets/ coats
  • Interlining and lining
  • Footstools & Pouffes

How To Sew Canvas:

 

Wondering what needle you need for sewing canvas? Or stitch length? Check out our top tips on sewing canvas :

  • Thread: Sew all or upholstery
  • Needle size: 100/16 HJ or 110/18 HJ
  • Stitch length: 3mm
  • Presser foot: Standard
  • Seam finish: Press open and overlock where needed. Flat fell is also a good seam for canvas makes to make your project even more robust
  • No need to pre wash if project will be dry cleaned
  • Pre wash canvas to soften it
  • No need for interfacing – canvas is sturdy enough on it’s own

Canvas Bag

The manufacturing process uses a lot of chemicals which is a shame as it gives canvas a higher environmental impact, although there are some organic & PVC free options available. It’s still a tricky one for environmentally friendly seam-stars.

That said – taking its environmental impact into account, canvas projects with longevity are a more conscientious choice for the fabric than fast fashion items.

Fun Canvas Facts:

 

  • Canvas can be blended with other fibres, it’s not always 100% cotton.
  • Wet canvas fibres swell, making it naturally resistant to water.
  • In the 13th century canvas was added to shields, it is believed this was for strength as well as making the surface paintable.
  • Artists’ canvas are stretched cotton/linen canvas coated in primer (gesso).
  • A popular footwear brand are iconic for their use of canvas in shoes.
  • It’s even used for martial arts outfits!

We Hope you found this fabric guide helpful and it gives you some guidance on how to use canvas fabric!

Hop over to the website if you’re in need of some versatile canvas fabric or pin this guide for later

Are there any other fabrics you’d like to see guides for? Let us know in the comments 🙂

Follow Plush Addict on social media and keep an eye out for more tutorials. Please tag us @PlushAddict on your fave social media channel… we’d love to see your makes!

A Guide To Cotton Lawn Fabric

A Guide To Cotton Lawn Fabric

by | Mar 3, 2020 | Fabric Guides, Fabric Information Guide, Product Guides

I just love cotton lawn… Have you sewn with it? It’s divine!

I thought I’d pen some tips and facts about cotton lawn as we’ve had lots of new designs arrive and it’s the perfect fabric to start thinking about using as the warmer months approach…

 

What is cotton lawn?

 

So what exactly is cotton lawn, you may ask? Well, it’s a plain weave fabric that’s made from 100% cotton fibers. It’s similar to cotton voile, but it has a slightly crisper hand and a bit more body to it.

Think of it like the fancy cousin of regular cotton – it’s still casual and comfortable, but with a little extra oomph.

And as the name suggests, cotton lawn is made from 100% cotton!

It’s a very fine and lightweight fabric with a crisp finish. Cotton lawn has a lustrous sheen and a high thread count.

One of the best things about cotton lawn is how breathable it is. Because it’s so lightweight, air can easily flow through it, keeping you cool and comfortable even on the hottest days. Plus, it’s soft and smooth to the touch, so it feels great against your skin.

Cotton lawn originates from a place called Laon in France and has a smooth, polished feel.

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

What can I make with cotton lawn?

 

Cotton lawn, oh my! The possibilities are endless, my dear friend. Let’s dive into the world of cotton lawn and see what fun and playful creations we can whip up!

First up, we have the classic summer dress. Picture yourself twirling around in a flowy cotton lawn dress with the sun beaming down on you – perfection! You can choose a bold print or a soft pastel color to really make a statement.

But why stop at dresses? Cotton lawn is also perfect for a cute summer skirt. The lightweight fabric will keep you cool during those hot summer days, while still allowing you to look fabulous. Pair it with a tank top and sandals for an effortless and playful look.

Feeling crafty? Use cotton lawn to make a fun and colorful quilt. The soft and breathable fabric will make for a cozy blanket that you can snuggle up with on chilly nights. Plus, you can mix and match different prints and colors to create a truly unique masterpiece.

And let’s not forget about accessories! Cotton lawn is perfect for making playful hair accessories like scrunchies or headbands. Or, try your hand at making a cute tote bag to take to the beach or farmers market.

The possibilities truly are endless with cotton lawn. So go ahead, let your creativity run wild and have fun making something playful and unique!

Don’t forget that cotton lawn makes delicious children’s garments too!

And let’s not forget about facings – they are the perfect canvas for adding a pop of color and some extra pizzazz to your outfit.

Oh, and did I mention that Lawn makes for excellent handkerchiefs? Trust me, your nose will thank you.

Cotton lawn is the bomb for warm weather gear and linings because its fine threads create a subtle drape. Plus, it’s lightweight and breezy, perfect for staying cool.

Just be careful with lighter colors, they can be a bit see-through. And hey, if you’re new to sewing, cotton lawn is your homie. It won’t wrinkle too much and holds its shape like a boss!

Working With Cotton Lawn

 

Cotton lawn may sound like a fancy garden material, but it’s actually a lightweight and breathable fabric that’s perfect for warm weather. If you’re new to working with this material, fear not! I’m here to give you some playful tips on how to handle this fabric like a pro.

First things first, cotton lawn is known for being slightly sheer, so be mindful of your undergarments when wearing it. No one wants to accidentally show off their polka dot undies to the world, right?

When it comes to cutting your cotton lawn, a rotary cutter is your best friend. It’ll give you clean edges and prevent fraying, which is always a plus. Plus, it’s just so satisfying to slice through fabric like a ninja.

Now, let’s talk about sewing with cotton lawn. It can be a bit slippery, so make sure to use sharp needles and pins to keep everything in place. And don’t forget to adjust your tension settings on your machine – you want to avoid any puckering or pulling.

But the best part of working with cotton lawn? The endless possibilities for fun prints and patterns! From cute florals to quirky animals, there’s a cotton lawn print out there for everyone. So go ahead and let your playful side show through your fabric choices.

  • Cotton lawn is a stable fabric so is a good choice for beginners
  • Use a finer needle such as a 60/8  and consider using a Sharps or Microtex machine needle
  • Depending on how fine your lawn is you might also want to consider using finer pins such as these, which are dreamy to work with.
  • The best choice for a seam finish is a French Seam. You can use an overlocker but your seam could pucker. A rolled hem would also be a great construction choice with cotton lawn.
  • Watch your tension to avoid seam puckering
  • It’s a good idea to use a pressing cloth when ironing cotton lawn because it’s so fine.
  • If you need to interface your garment the best choice is to use a sheer one like Vilene H180   
  • When marking your fabrics it’s best to use a water soluble marker to ensure the marks can be easily removed.

Do you have any more tips for handling cotton lawn? Do let us know if you have any to share.

In conclusion, working with cotton lawn may sound a faff from that list, but it’s actually a breeze – promise! Just remember to be mindful of sheerness, use a rotary cutter, and adjust your tension settings. And most importantly, have fun with your fabric choices!

Happy sewing, friends.

Don’t forget to share your finished makes with us – tag us @PlushAddict as we LOVE seeing your projects!

 

Follow Plush Addict on social media and keep an eye out for more helpful sewing stuff!

The Ultimate Vilene / Vlieseline At-A-Glance Guide

The Ultimate Vilene / Vlieseline At-A-Glance Guide

by | Apr 9, 2019 | Fabric, Fabric Guides, Fabric Information Guide, Fabric Warehouse, Interfacing and Interlining, Product Guides

We have prepared this ultimate Vilene / Vlieseline Guide because interfacings and interlinings are some of the most useful products to have in your sewing room.

Vlieseline offer a vast range of products which can add shape and structure to your fabric but there are so many choose from so how do you know which you need for your project?

Who’s Vlieseline?

First off, let’s talk about Vlieseline.

If you’re based in Europe and have been sewing for a while you’ll probably be familiar with the brand Vilene.

Vilene became Vlieseline in the summer of 2016, different name, but the products are all the same and of exceptional quality.

For more than 60 years Vilene (now Vlieseline) has been the essential interlining for all kinds of applications.

Vlieseline products are the most famous and prestigious interlinings for those with a passion for sewing, for studios and for professional tailors/dressmakers!

 

Ultimate Vilene / Vlieseline Guide

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

Did you know that Vlieseline do more than just interlinings?

Alongside the top quality fashion range which includes iron-on, sew-in and woven the range also includes a comprehensive range of tapes to take your dressmaking to the next level. 

The Creative Range  is the perfect range of stabilisers for all sorts of projects including patchwork, bags, home decoration, or accessories.

Did you know that Vlieseline also offer a great range of waddings/ battings? 

Suitable for projects that need a little volume of padding, there are also some flame retardant  choices, perfect to offer peace of mind for baby projects.

Vlieseline baby project

 

With the help of Vlieseline we’ve put together a handy at-a-glance guide which will easily help you select the right product for the right project.

As well as the basic weights we’ve included laundry instructions, fabric suitability and properties, a quick guide to how to apply the product.

Want the Ultimate Vilene/Vlieseline At-A-Glance Guide?

Click the button below to grab your copy!

EMAIL ME THE GUIDE!

Vlieseline/ Vilene & Pellon Equivalent products

Isn’t it annoying when you find the perfect project online, only to discover you don’t recognise the suggested stability option?

If you’re based in the USA you’re probably familiar with Pellon, and here in Europe and Australia the most popular brand is Vlieseline.

We’ve provided Pellon suggestions for Vlieseline products where possible, although we always recommend testing an interlining on scrap fabric first to make sure you’re happy with the result.

Vlieseline have an extensive YouTube channel which you must check out. It has oodles of video how-to tutorials on how to get the best from the range.

Grab 10% off Woven Interfacing with WOVEN10

We hope you find this guide helpful! Drop us a message and let us know how you get along, we love to see all your amazing makes.

Follow Plush Addict on social media and keep an eye out for more guides!

 

 Brassey Cl, Peterborough PE1 2AZ, UK