How to work out the Stretch percentage of knit or woven fabrics
Subscribers to our monthly fabric subscription, the Swatch List, have been learning how to choose, sew and care for Summery knitted jersey fabrics in this month's issue.
We thought we'd share a snippet from the info-packed mini magazine with you - a handy guide to help you measure the stretch percentage of your fabrics . This works for woven stretch fabrics too!
How to measure stretch percentage amount:
Some patterns will call for a specific amount of stretch in the fabric – for instance, leggings which require a tight fit but also need a fabric that will withstand a lot of stretching. Many websites now provide stretch percentages for their fabrics and it is something we are working on adding to all our listings.
To measure the stretch percentage of any fabric, take a cut edge of a piece measuring at least 30cm wide ideally and mark a 10cm piece of the fabric edge.
I hope you find this tip helpful next time your pattern calls for a specific stretch amount in the fabric.
If you're interested learning so much more about fabrics you'll love the Swatch List!
Each month, as well as a host of other benefits, you’ll receive a hand-picked selection of fabrics accompanied by a fact-packed mini magazine to help you learn more about all the fabrics so you can make informed decisions when fabric shopping online and choose the right fabric for your project.
You will receive five swatches of a new fabrics per month complete with a fact-packed fabric information booklet containing details about the fabrics how to use them, pattern and project suggestions, tips for how to buy fabric online and lots more! Subscriptions close on 20th of each month so sign up now for next month's issue!