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How do I choose the right fabric for my project?
Have you ever pondered on this question?…
… If you have, then you’re in the same maze as many of us! But don’t you worry about that, friend — there’s a way out — and we’ll guide you through it in this article!
In the upcoming paragraphs, we’ll walk you through the key factors to think about when selecting fabric for your custom apparel projects.
And to make it a ‘’complete guide’’, we’ll also suggest you different decoration methods and the most suitable gear for each of the methods.
So, if that piques your interest, read on!
While all of these factors matter, the number one factor you should carefully consider is the ‘’fabric type and its unique qualities’’. You already know that fabrics come in numerous varieties; you have different shapes, colors, patterns, cuts, and well, price tags.
But, how do you know which of the many options out there is right for your project?
Well, the simple answer is that nobody can know for sure. It all comes down to the individual who will ultimately wear or use the apparel.
So, really think about who the end user will be and their unique preferences. To give you a practical example, an athlete may require moisture-wicking, durable, and stretchy fabrics while formal office workers may require materials with a more refined and elegant appearance.
You can begin to see a common theme here. The name of the game is to know your customer, their style, and their unique preferences. That’s the secret sauce to nailing the fabric choice.
And the second factor on our list is ‘’fabric weight and thickness’’. The way we can describe this is how heavy the fabric is and how tightly packed (or dense) the threads are in it.
Think of it this way: in one hand, you’re holding a light and thin piece of cloth, and in the other, a heavier and thicker one. Apart from these characteristics, there’s more to it.
When a fabric is on the heavier side, it often means the clothes will have a sturdier feel and stand up to more wear and tear. For this reason, it’s natural for apparel decorators to select it when creating outfits for those living in colder areas, as it provides better insulation, warmth, and coziness.
Light and thin clothes, on the other hand, are great for when you want that breezy and easygoing feel. However, it might not hold up as well to rougher use or provide as much protection against the cold.
Whichever one you choose is up to you. Just like any piece of equipment from our store — when you pick one up you can have peace of mind knowing that not only will it get the job done, but it will also stand the test of time!
The next thing that should be brought to your attention is how your chosen fabric affects the way designs appear on your apparel.
Know that each fabric has its own unique properties that can influence the final outcome of your decorated pieces. For instance, cotton works well for everyday items like t-shirts, aprons, tote bags, and such… so… DTG (direct-to-garment) printing would be an ideal decoration method for this fabric type.
Then you have polyester — its properties are ideal for sportswear, activewear, and performance apparel. And when it comes to decorating this type of wear, sublimation printing or HTV (heat transfer vinyl) would arguably be the most suited method for it.
We could go on and on here… but you get the gist.
We’ve covered a lot of ground already, but there’s a crucial factor we haven’t addressed yet — comfort and wearability.
Ideally, a fabric must score 10/10 in terms of how it feels against the wearer’s skin and how it wears over time.
If you take yourself for example… when you’re out shopping, don’t you usually go for the stuff that feels super comfy and fits you just right?
There are many folks out there, just like you, who want their clothes to fit like a glove. And who can blame them? In the end, they’re the ones who have to wear those clothes day in and day out!
So, when you’re out there hunting for that perfect fabric, remember, that finding the right balance between style and comfort is of paramount importance.
Everyone loves to keep their clothes fresh and clean, but nobody wants to spend hours doing laundry. Will you agree to that?
Well, we’re all the same. All we want is to enjoy the comfort of clean, crisp clothes without spending too much time slaving away in the laundry room.
So, knowing this universal truth, it’s no surprise that we’re always on the lookout for fabrics that are easier to maintain.
So as simple as it may sound, use low-maintenance fabrics for your custom apparel projects.
But you know what else we’re always keeping an eye out for? New and reliable equipment that we can add to our lineup.
Sustainability is both an increasing concern and passion for many of us these days. We want to do our part to save the world!
And it starts with the little things in our lives, like making conscious choices about the products we use, and the impact they have on our environment.
So, play your part and make your products from eco-friendly fabrics! Each stitch, each design, can be a step towards a more sustainable future.
Get creative and use fabrics that make your creations truly stand out! Mix and match fabrics, colors, textures, and opacities to achieve totally unique results.
Remember, sometimes, the safest bet is to take a risk. So, dare to be different!
Sure, you might lose a bit of material and time during the experimenting process, but that’s the price of innovation.
Also… don’t forget about the importance of practicality. Your unique designs should not only turn heads but also be wearable. So, strike the perfect balance between style and purpose.
Last but not least, can your machine handle the material you’ve chosen? You know, not everything you want can be decorated with the machine you’re using.
There could be some limitations your device can perform, like, the maximum size and volume that it can print.
After reading through this article, check out your machine’s manual or documentation that often contains this information.
Better be safe than sorry.
For one-on-one help simply call 800-891-1094 or live chat with one of our pros!
