RJR Fabrics

Very, Very Velveteen

IRONING
  • Iron on reverse side.
  • Steam iron on a cotton setting.
  • Use a spray starch or sizing to stabilize the fabric. This helps with fraying.

GENERAL SEWING
  • Be aware that the velveteen has a nap and is a directional fabric.
  • Use a sharp, new, unused needle, size 70. or 80 is recommended.
  • Use a fine, high quality 100% cotton thread or a high quality poly thread.

COMBINING SILKS AND VELVETEENS
  • When sewing velveteen to silk, to avoid stretching, orientate the velveteen towards the bottom, against the feed dogs.

DECORATIVE MACHINE EMBROIDERY
  • For decorative embroidery, we recommend a 30 weight rayon thread to give the embroidery more definition.
  • An additional stabilizer is suggested.
  • Use an open toe foot when embroidering. This will help you to better visualize the stitches and to better follow the design.
 MACHINE QUILTING
  • Treat the velveteen like you do regular cotton.
  • Use the batting of your choice.
  • Use a new, unused, sharp or topstitch needle (metallic needles can be used for quilting), size 70 or 80 is recommended. You may need to change your needle, depending on the size of the project.
  • Use a high quality 100% cotton or high quality poly thread. If using invisible thread, use a light tension.
  • We recommend that you practice quilting scraps before quilting your finished project.
  • Quilt marking chalk is recommended when marking your quilting, and will easily brush off.
 PIECING AND APPLIQUÉ
  • The velveteens can be used for all piecing and appliqué projects.
  • For raw-edge appliqué, use a fray preventative liquid, or cover the seams with additional stitching or yarns or other embellishments.
  • A lightweight fusible interface or a fray preventative liquid are suggested when appliquéing fabric motifs, especially for smaller appliqué shapes.
  • Needle turn appliqué is not advisable due to the nap of the velveteen.
  • Pre-washing the fabric may help with fraying.

DYEING AND PAINTING
  • We have tested numerous methods of painting and dyeing including, direct dyeing with line resist, batik, salts, ombré, painting wet-on-wet, blending, fold and dye, silk screening, stamping and stenciling. The fabric responds wonderfully to all of these methods and accepts dyestuffs beautifully, promising surprising and exquisite results.