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bluadept 12-13-2010 03:20 AM

Some of the satins are dry clean only and tend to melt with ironing since they are made with acetate. So check the care label if you are planning on quilting since we tend to press at every step of the way. Also on knits and slippery fabrics like satin use a smaller needle like a size 11 and use a ball point tip. That way the needle pushes between the threads. Satin tends to runs at times. Beware.

Moon Holiday 12-13-2010 04:08 AM

You can use fusible lightweight interfacing and cut with pinking shears. That is how I have handled it. I made a special occasion quilted purse with it and I did the same thing when I used some Kimono silk for a dress. This technique does make it much easier to use silky/fraying material. I learned this from my MIL who was a seamstress who made specialty garments for women... She made and altered quite a lot of wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses.

ktmo815 12-13-2010 04:36 AM

Welcome from (snowy!) Ohio. I don't like using satin either for the reasons already mentioned

illinois 12-13-2010 04:45 AM

I'd guess you need to check the grade of the satin you have selected. I made a first communion dress from the crepe variety and it did slide around a lot but then I've been used to working with cottons and, once I got into the routine of handling the fabric, it wasn't quite so bad. Then a bridesmaid dress. Glad I went back to the shelves and got a better grade of bridal satin. No problem with that one. And, yes, there is a direction to satin so factor in yardage and layout, if you are making a garment from it.

bearisgray 12-13-2010 04:56 AM

If you already have the fabrics -

Make some samples and see how it goes.

Also check for the "melt" temperature of the fabric.

Some polyester satins can tolerate washing better and warmer ironing temperatures than the acetate ones.

applique 12-13-2010 04:59 AM

Yup, some of it melts and does nasty things to the bottom of the iron!!

dixiechunk 12-13-2010 07:00 AM


Originally Posted by shequilts
RUN, don't pass go, just run! It's the pits to sew.

Amen sister!

ShirlinAZ 12-13-2010 07:47 AM

I have made several things, tho not a quilt, from satin. Satin is a type of weave, and can be made from cotton, wool, silk, synthetics, etc. Most important is to make sure your satin is compatible for washing with your other fabric. Don't use it with anything like cotton without preshrinking your cotton first. Most satin in the stores is synthetic and will not shrink like your cotton, etc. Use pinking shears, and a TON of patience. Yes, it will slide while sewing. You will need something to "unslick" the shiny side; starch might work. Go slow.

bearisgray 12-13-2010 08:37 AM

I made satin pillowcases for one of my kids. I made french seams and it wasn't all that hard to handle.

It must have been a "good" shiny satin, because it tolerated heat well.

BellaBoo 12-13-2010 08:39 AM

I say try it and then you'll know how to reply to the next person asking about using satin.


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