Learning to sew can be a rewarding and fulfilling hobby, but it can also be challenging for beginners. Choosing the right fabric can make a big difference in the success of a sewing project. Some fabrics are harder to sew than others, and it’s important for beginners to be aware of these fabrics to avoid frustration and disappointment.
To help beginners navigate the world of sewing, we’ve compiled a list of some of the hardest fabrics to sew.
By avoiding these fabrics (early on) or taking extra care when working with them, beginners can increase their chances of success and build their confidence as they learn to sew.
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There are several factors that can make a fabric difficult to sew, including its weight, texture, and stretchiness. Fabrics that are too heavy or too light can be hard to handle, while fabrics with a lot of texture or stretch can be tricky to sew straight.
Additionally, some fabrics require special tools or techniques to sew properly, such as leather or fur.
List of Hardest Fabrics to Sew
#1 Leather
Leather is one of the hardest fabrics to sew due to its thickness and toughness. It requires a heavy-duty sewing machine and specialized needles.
We have a guide here to overcome problems with sewing leather.
Sewing leather also requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. One mistake can ruin the entire project. It is recommended to use clips instead of pins to hold the leather in place, as pins can leave permanent holes in the fabric.
#2 Vinyl
Vinyl is another difficult material to sew. It is slippery and tends to stick to the sewing machine’s presser foot. It is best to use a Teflon foot or a walking foot to sew vinyl.
Sewing vinyl also requires a longer stitch length to prevent tearing. It is important to handle vinyl with care to avoid stretching or distorting the fabric.
#3 Canvas
Canvas is a heavy-duty fabric that can be difficult to sew due to its thickness and stiffness.
We have a guide here to sewing canvas with less difficulty.
It requires a heavy-duty sewing machine and specialized needles. Sewing canvas also requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. It is important to use the correct thread and stitch length to prevent the fabric from tearing.
#4 Taffeta
Taffeta is a delicate fabric that can be difficult to sew due to its slippery texture. It is recommended to use a walking foot or a Teflon foot to prevent the fabric from shifting.
It is also important to use sharp needles to avoid snags and runs in the fabric.
#5 Tulle
Tulle is a sheer and delicate fabric that can be difficult to sew due to its tendency to fray. It is recommended to use a zigzag stitch or a French seam to prevent the fabric from unraveling.
Here’s our guide to sewing tulle more easily.
It is also important to handle tulle with care to avoid stretching or distorting the fabric.
#6 Satin
Satin is a slippery and delicate fabric that can be difficult to sew due to its tendency to shift and pucker.
That said, satin doesn’t HAVE to be that hard to sew.
It is recommended to use a walking foot or a Teflon foot to prevent the fabric from shifting.
It is also important to use sharp needles to avoid snags and runs in the fabric.
#7 Rayon
Rayon is a soft and delicate fabric that can be difficult to sew due to its tendency to stretch and distort.
Here are tips for sewing rayon and viscose with less problems.
It is recommended to use a walking foot or a Teflon foot to prevent the fabric from shifting.
It is also important to use sharp needles to avoid snags and runs in the fabric.
#8 Chiffon
Chiffon is a lightweight and delicate fabric that can be difficult to sew due to its tendency to fray and shift.
We also have tips for sewing chiffon with less trouble.
It is recommended to use a zigzag stitch or a French seam to prevent the fabric from unraveling. It is also important to handle chiffon with care to avoid stretching or distorting the fabric.
#9 laminated and coated fabrics
Laminated and coated fabrics, such as oilcloth and vinyl, are popular choices for waterproof projects but can be challenging to sew.
Here are some tips to help you work with these materials:
- Use a Teflon or non-stick presser foot: This prevents the fabric from sticking to the presser foot during sewing, ensuring smoother fabric feed.
- Adjust your stitch length: Increase the stitch length to prevent perforating the fabric and weakening the seams.
- Use clips instead of pins: Pins can leave permanent holes in laminated and coated fabrics. Opt for clips or fabric weights to secure the fabric during sewing.
- Avoid ironing: These fabrics can be damaged by heat. Finger-press seams or use a seam roller to flatten them.
- Use a sharp needle: A sharp or leather needle can help puncture the fabric more easily, resulting in cleaner seams.
#10 Fur
Working with fur or faux fur requires some extra care due to the bulk and texture of the fabric.
Follow these tips to achieve professional results:
- Cut fur with the right technique: Use a razor blade or sharp scissors to cut fur from the fabric backing, avoiding cutting the fur itself.
- Sew with a longer stitch length: This helps prevent seam puckering and allows the fur to move more freely.
- Comb the fur: Before sewing, comb the fur away from the seam line to prevent it from getting caught in the seam.
- Use a walking foot: A walking foot helps feed thick fur fabric evenly through the sewing machine.
- Trim seam allowances: Trim the fur from the seam allowances to reduce bulk and create smoother seams.
#11 Slippery synthetics
Slippery synthetics like nylon and polyester can be difficult to handle and sew.
Here are some tips for working with these fabrics:
- Use a sharp needle: A sharp or microtex needle can help prevent skipped stitches and create cleaner seams.
- Use the right thread: Opt for all-purpose or polyester thread, which works well with synthetic fabrics.
- Stabilize the fabric: Use tissue paper or tear-away stabilizer to keep the fabric from slipping during sewing.
- Adjust the presser foot pressure: Reducing presser foot pressure can help prevent the fabric from shifting as you sew.
- Practice patience: Sew slowly and carefully, taking your time to ensure accurate seams and a professional finish.
#12 Pen-weave fabrics
Open-weave fabrics like lace and loosely woven linen can be tricky to sew.
Follow these tips for a successful project:
- Choose the right needle: Use a fine, sharp needle to prevent snagging or damaging the fabric.
- Adjust your stitch length and tension: Experiment with stitch length and tension settings to find the best combination for your fabric.
- Use stabilizer: A lightweight stabilizer can help prevent the fabric from stretching or distorting during sewing.
- Baste seams first: Hand-basting seams can help maintain the fabric’s shape and alignment before machine stitching.
- Finish edges properly: Use a serger or zigzag stitch to finish raw edges and prevent fraying.
#13 Crepe
Crepe fabric is known for its textured surface and drape, but it can be difficult to sew.
Here are some tips for working with crepe:
- Pre-wash the fabric: Crepe fabric can shrink, so pre-wash and dry it before cutting and sewing.
- Use a sharp needle: A sharp needle can help prevent snagging or skipped stitches.
- Adjust thread tension: Crepe fabric may require adjustments to thread tension to prevent puckering.
- Sew with a straight stitch: A straight stitch can help prevent stretching and distortion during
Here are more tips for avoiding problems with sewing crepe.
4 Main Factors that Affect Sewing Difficulty
When it comes to sewing, not all fabrics are created equal. Some fabrics are easier to sew than others. The difficulty level of a fabric depends on several factors.
In this section, we will discuss the factors that affect sewing difficulty.
#1 Fabric Weight
The weight of the fabric is an important factor that affects sewing difficulty.
Heavy fabrics such as denim, canvas, and leather can be difficult to sew because they are thick and require a heavy-duty needle.
That said, light-weight denim is one of the easiest types of fabric to sew.
On the other hand, lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, silk, and organza can be challenging to sew because they are delicate and require a lightweight needle.
#2 Fabric Texture
The texture of the fabric is another factor that affects sewing difficulty.
Fabrics with a smooth texture such as satin and silk can be slippery and difficult to handle. Fabrics with a rough texture such as burlap and tweed can be difficult to feed through the sewing machine smoothly.
#3 Fabric Stretch
Fabric stretch is another factor that affects sewing difficulty. Fabrics with stretch such as knits and spandex can be difficult to sew because they tend to stretch out of shape.
This is mainly why satin is hard to sew.
Sewing with a stretch stitch or using a walking foot can help prevent the fabric from stretching while sewing.
We have a GREAT guide here to the best stitches for stretchy fabric.
#4 Fabric Fray
The tendency of a fabric to fray is another factor that affects sewing difficulty. Fabrics that fray easily such as linen and chiffon can be challenging to sew because the edges need to be finished to prevent fraying. Using a serger or a zigzag stitch can help prevent fraying while sewing.
Tips for Sewing Difficult Fabrics
Choosing the Right Needle and Thread
One of the most important things to consider when sewing difficult fabrics is choosing the right needle and thread. For delicate fabrics like silk or lace, use a fine needle and lightweight thread.
For heavier fabrics like denim or canvas, use a heavier needle and thicker thread.
Always make sure your needle is sharp and in good condition to prevent snagging or damaging the fabric.
Using the Correct Stitch Type
Choosing the right stitch type is also crucial when sewing difficult fabrics.
For stretchy fabrics like spandex or knit, use a stretch stitch or zigzag stitch to prevent the seams from breaking. For fabrics that fray easily, use a serger or finish the edges with a zigzag stitch or overcast stitch.
Always test your stitch type on a scrap piece of fabric before sewing the actual project.
Cutting the Fabric Carefully
Cutting the fabric carefully is important to ensure that your project turns out well.
Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to prevent fraying or tearing. Cut the fabric with the grain to prevent stretching or distorting the fabric. Always make sure to leave enough seam allowance to prevent the seams from ripping.
Using a Walking Foot
A walking foot is a great tool to use when sewing difficult fabrics.
It helps to feed the fabric evenly through the machine, preventing puckering or stretching. It is especially helpful when sewing fabrics that are slippery or difficult to manage, like silk or satin.