As you shop for a lining fabric for designing wedding outfits, often do we get confused. And end up buying a fabric that’s probably not in line with the fabric used for sewing gowns. Keep in mind the function of a lining is quite crucial and more important is to take note of the fiber content and the qualities associated with each lining fabric. We all know that some fabrics are durable, some provide warmth, some “breathe” in warm weather, and some resist wrinkles. At this point, you must consider the weight of the lining fabric, as well as the color, and the care requirements especially, if you are taking it for sewing wedding gowns.
Lining is all about Smooth Finish & Supreme Comfort
The lining of a garment provides a smooth finish inside the dress. Without a lining, your dress won’t have a perfect fall and it might get tangled in your legs. Also, a proper lining gives thickness to the transparent fabric, thus making you feel comfortable in it. Since, most linings are slippery, they help you easily slide the garment off and on. The lining also hides and protects the inner construction, helping to preserve the shape and prolong the life of the garment.
Fibers of Lining
Lining fabrics are designed from many different fibers, such as polyester, acetate, viscose rayon, and nylon. Polyester is strong and does not tend to wrinkle, on the other hand viscose rayon and acetate are shiny and silky but do not wear well and tend to wrinkle. However, for the gowns woven with silk fabrics, viscose rayon is the best lining fabric.
Natural fibers such as silk and cotton also make excellent lining; they tend to “breathe” so they are more comfortable to wear than lining made from synthetic home sewing fabrics.
Most linings are woven, usually in a plain, twill, or satin weave. Some common lining fabrics include China silk, crepe, taffeta, and voile. Tricot knits are sometimes used as well.
Choose the Quality Always
You should always choose a high-quality fabric that will last till the life of the garment. Closely woven fabrics will wear better than open-weave fabrics and will not ravel as easily or snag as readily on jewelry or textured fabrics that may come in contact with the lining. Keep in mind that frequently worn pants and skirts need a strong lining that will stand up to strain and prevent stretching and bagging in the knees and rear.
Take Note of the Lining Construction
A lining should be opaque and dark enough to hide the inner construction, but light enough not to show through to the outside of the garment. Printed linings look pretty in jackets, especially if the sleeves may be rolled up. For a coordinated look, a coat or jacket may be lined with fabric that matches a dress or blouse worn underneath it.
Wrap Up
Always remember that high-quality lining fabrics are made from strong, durable fibers (which are necessary for garments that undergo strain or receive wear and tear). When you purchase one for sewing wedding gowns, try to buy lining fabrics that are lighter in weight than the garment fabric, but heavy enough to prevent seam impressions on the right side of the lining. One positive note is that wrinkle-resistant fabrics are ideal for lining jackets and coats.
Always try select a lining with care requirements compatible with those of the garment fabric; however, if the care requirements for the garment and lining fabrics differ, dry clean the garment. Keep in mind that when selecting a lining that will be seen, such as one for a jacket, remember that silk and polyester linings will wrinkle less than acetate or viscose rayon linings.
