Are you new to the art to sewing using with nylon fabric? But not able to due to cause of its nature. As it known to be very slippery and elastic or just don’t have the skills.
Regardless, Worry not! I got you covered.
In this blog, I’ll be sharing some of my time tested techniques and tips that will help sew on nylon effectively.
Sounds interesting right? Let’s begin!
1. What So Great About – Nylon Fabric
Let’s start by cover the basic so, all the readers can start from the same page. As it’s important to understand what nylon fabric is and its characteristics
Very famous for its smooth texture, Nylon fabric is a popular synthetic fabric that many sewing enthusiast use in third art and craft.
The reason that gives it unique property is that it is made from melted petroleum polymers. It is also waterproof and is UV resistant thus making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
2. Preparing Nylon Fabric for Sewing:
Alright, here is the thing, unlike what the net let you believe for sewing with nylon you need to prepare it properly before hand.
This is very important to add durability to your asthenic (trust me i learned the hard way)
Don’t worry though, I’ll be telling you how you can get your nylon fabric ready from my experience. Just follow the steps I’ve listed below:
2.1. Wash
First thing in the preparation process is just giving it a proper washing.
The reason behind this is that nylon as a sewing fabric can be very unusually stretching sometimes. That’s why it is best for you to wash it off before sewing on it.
And if you are wondering how to do it, It is just washing it in cold water with regular detergent, nothing special.
Also, both types of washing (machine and hand wash) are suitable for nylon.
2.2. Dry and iron
Alright, it time to begin for real. First of all, once you’re done , just dry the fabric but you only wanna do it at a lower temperature otherwise it could shrink your fabric back to its original size.
Following that, the next part is all about ironing. This is done in particular If your nylon fabric develops wrinkles after washing as it will remove it with much effort.
2.4. Check for Imperfections
last but not the least, sometimes there are bobbin and extra grains attached to textured nylon. thus, It makes sense to inspect and carefully trim them to avoid disruptions during sewing.
Source: Depositphotos
3. How to Sew Nylon Fabric – Sewing with Machine
For some sewing nylon fabric can be challenging due to its slippery and elastic nature this is where the sewing machine, if you have it comes in really handy.
You have two methods to sew on nylon effectively:
3.1. Prepare Your Machine
First, let start with ensure you ready with machine prepared. And luckily for this you just need to ensure that your machine is clean and also well-oiled.
Then get your nylon fabric ready! As is different from other fabrics, you may choose a sharp needle for it. If you are wondering about the standard size that It is A 90/14 to 100/16 needle is most suitable for nylon fabric.
Protip here, If your nylon fabric is thicker then choose size 22 needle for straight stitches.
Next comes the main thread you should use. If you are working with heavy-duty nylon then the most recommended one is the 69 thread is best for sewing furniture, leather, and garments.
Next up is the Speed control. It is important for sewing nylon effectively. That’s why make sure before sewing your machine’s foot pedal is functioning correctly.
Regardless of your results one thing you wanna remember is never waste your nylon fabric.
If you are unsure in your ability, maybe begin by practicing on a scrap piece or on old scraps to familiarize yourself with your machine’s settings. I usually do that, it had helps me save money and effort.
4. Tips for Sewing on Nylon
Nylon fabric is quite slippery and elastic in nature that’s why you need sharp scissors or a rotary fabric cutter to prevent fraying when cutting it.
You need to keep your nylon fabric taut by properly pulling it on both sides of the needle. Make sure to do it properly instead of trying to pull it.
5.1 Don’t use pins to secure your fabric, it won’t work on nylon. Instead use double-sided tape to keep your fabric in place, it works well on nylon.
5.2 For nylon, zigzag stitches are best, it helps prevent breaking stitches when the nylon fabric stretches.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Avoid making these mistakes that I’m listing out, this will lead to better results:
6.1 Don’t use the wrong size needle also avoid using dull needle, it can damage your nylon fabric.
6.2 Nylon fabric is slippery, that’s why you need to avoid using the appropriate thread for sewing it.
6.3 Always use sharp scissors because cutting nylon with regular scissors can cause fraying.
6.4 Make sure to double check the seam lengths to avoid any unforeseen trouble during your sewing project.
6.5 You already know nylon fabric is quite slippery. That’s why make sure to use clips to keep it in place.
Closing Thoughts
To sum up, many people believe that sewing on nylon fabric is a very hard task and requires professional help. However, it is not true at all. You can easily sew on ripstop nylon fabric by following the steps I’ve mentioned above.
if you’re careful and avoid stretching the fabric while working on the seams you can easily void fabric damage , same goes for a machine wash.
Remember to be patient and use walking foot for added precision. thus include adjusting your stitch length or straight stitch.
6 Comments
I admit I have always preferred a tailor to sew my nylon fabric for me when ever it was my choice for the next dress. However, I can think of giving it a try with you tips and techniques. Let’s see how much it will work for me. Thanks for giving me some new techniques that I didn’t know to cope with my sewing issues.
Sewing with nylon fabric has always intrigued me, and this article provided valuable insights and confidence for the endeavor. I appreciate the emphasis on the challenges posed by nylon’s slippery and elastic nature and how utilizing sewing machines can be a game-changer in handling such fabrics. The inclusion of practical tips, like opting for double-sided tape instead of pins to secure the fabric, showcases a nuanced understanding of working with nylon. This is an excellent guide for sewing enthusiasts, sharing the knowledge and techniques needed to master the art of sewing with nylon fabric. Happy sewing!
Sewing nylon fabrics needs much patience and expertise. This easy-to-follow guide by Anna Smith is helpful to those who are not very familiar with sewing nylon fabrics. The precautions to be taken are well explained. really useful content.
Sewing with nylon may seem daunting, but your comprehensive guide makes it accessible for both beginners and enthusiasts. The breakdown of nylon fabric’s characteristics, coupled with your preparation tips, addresses common challenges like slipperiness and elasticity. The emphasis on washing, drying, and ironing ensures durability and a smooth sewing process. Your insights, especially about checking for imperfections, reflect a practical approach. This guide not only demystifies sewing with nylon but also enhances the overall sewing experience, making it a valuable resource for anyone venturing into this fabric.
Being a beginner in the sewing journey, we have to know and learn each and every fabrics detailly. Nylon is a hard fabric to sew but after learning the methods and procedures this made it so easy. i really loved the details explained.
My attention has always been sparked by sewing with nylon fabric, and this article provided helpful knowledge and confidence for the endeavor. I like how the emphasis is on the challenges posed by the elastic and slippery nature of nylon and how sewing machines may be a game changer when it comes to working with these kinds of materials. Your observations show a practical mentality, especially when it comes to searching for defects. This book dispels the myths associated with sewing with nylon and enhances the sewing process overall, making it an indispensable tool for anybody thinking about utilizing this fabric.