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Help with brocade

    Help with brocade
    on: July 20, 2011, 08:18:51 AM
    I've been trying to work with what I believe is called brocade, but it is synthetic, not silk. The edges fray terribly, but I do have a serger. The problem is that my seams don't hold up. Does anyone have any ideas for me- needle type, techniques, anything. Even though it is synthetic, the fabric is very pretty and I'd like to use it, but it seems impossible.
    Thanks!
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      Re: Help with brocade
      Reply #1 on: July 21, 2011, 07:08:56 PM
      Have you tried a zig-zag stitch along the edges? 
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        Re: Help with brocade
        Reply #2 on: July 23, 2011, 07:46:30 AM
        Sandra Betzina says in More Fabric Savvy (fantastic book, if you haven't seen it before) to use a 70/10 H Universal needle for brocade.  If you need to trim seams, use pinking shears to within 1/4" but not more of the seam.

        To FINISH the seams, she says to use a Hong Kong finish with bias tape.  There is a good tutorial of that here:
        http://behindtheseams.wordpress.com/2010/05/20/hong-kong-finish-tutorial/

        Not having a serger is not a big deal.  Hong Kong finishes are extra work, but they look really beautiful.  I have a serger, and I probably still would opt for a Hong Kong finish because brocade is so beautiful on the outside that it might as well be beautiful on the inside as well.

        Also, don't try to make bias binding from the brocade--it'll be too bulky for the seam finish, and it still ravels.  The premade stuff works fine, or you can make your own from something lightweight like silk organza or cotton batiste.

        Have fun!
        Last Edit: July 23, 2011, 07:58:34 AM by elizabethmadethis
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          Re: Help with brocade
          Reply #3 on: July 28, 2011, 06:59:05 AM
          Thanks so much everyone!
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