Questions & Answers

How do I minimize pilling on felt? I create toys for the children using felt. After they have they have played with the toys for a while, pilling is occurring.

Be sure that you use 100 percent wool felt to prevent pilling. Craft felt will pill because it usually made up of a mix of artificial fibers.

How do I know what size pattern to use? Is there a difference in sizing in patterns versus ready to wear?

Do not buy patterns in your ready to wear size. Take your measurements. Dresses and tops are bought according to your bust size, and skirts are bought according to your waist size. Kwik Sew and Burda are usually true to size. McCall's, Butterick and Vogue use the same sizing. And Simplicity is a little different. Experiment with the different companies and see what works best for you.

When should I use pinking shears?

Use pinking sheers only on stable frabrics. Do not use pinking shears on fabrics that are prone raveling. These fabrics need to a clean finish either by hand, machine or made into fully lined garments. I suggest the Hong Kong finish for very ravelly fabrics such as tweed.

Never use pinking sheers for cutting out. They do not provide accurate cutting. They promote raveling on certain fabrics, such as silk dupion, satins, and heavy tweeds.

How do I resize a pattern?

Go to this link for easy instructions on how to resize a pattern:
www.sensibility.com/pattern/resizepatter.htm

What does "with nap" and "without nap" mean?

With nap means with a one way pile as with velvet. Lay all of the pattern pieces out the same way up or the pile will go in different directions on the garment and look terrible.