dsch

I am attempting to make a memory pillow for my friend's 50th anniversary. It will be made from her bridesmaid's dress that was made of velvet(teen)-not sure which. As I work on it, it slides ALL over the place! I now have to attach some ribbon on it to make 2 squares. Is there anything I can do or use on the back to keep it from sliding? Right now, I have binder clips on one side that are holding it to my cutting board, but I need something to keep it straight and stationary when I unclip it. This is a great board for any type of problems. I know you'll give me the info I need. Thanks for any help and suggestions.

mamagrande

Are you using pins. I would probably use the fine dress making pins close together or i would try a light spray of 505 to keep the velvet together. Just a thought, I have never worked with velvet. I'll keep following to see what others suggest.

sewingitalltogether

I made a satin dress one time and had trouble with a slippery collar. My mother told me to hand baste it.

Tartan

When working with velvet you have to be carful not to crush the pile. Try a little glue stick in just the seam allowance and see if that holds it long enough to stitch the seam. Try it on scraps first to see if it helps. I would suggest little strips of fusible but ironing on velvet or velveteen will sometimes cause marks.

Quilter 53

Can you use a walking foot?

Marian Schermerhorn

Satin and velvet - use lots of fine pins. (silk) Go slow and reposition the fabric often. I make 10 formals a year, satin mostly. Pins become my friends. I also use tissue paper on the bottom and pin it to the seam. Then sew and remove. It helps the feed dogs move the fabric. I have never used glue stick. Pins work best for me.

PaperPrincess

You could also try a light weight iron on stabilizer, however, the fact that the back is slippery makes me think it's a synthetic velvet, not cotton velveteen so the iron heat may be an issue. You also have to be very careful ironing it so you don't crush the pile. Dressmakers use a velvet needle board. You can use a thick towel. As mentioned, you can also use a basting spray and baste it to a thin piece of muslin. You would add the stabilizer or muslin to a larger piece before cutting.

popover

Absolutely use a walking foot. It will give you nightmares otherwise.

bearisgray

Sometimes taking a few minutes to hand baste the seams will save one hours of frustration later.

Pat M.

Try a foot that is made for velvet, if not try a walking foot.