How to Sew With Chiffon

Summer is my favorite time of year to sew for! It’s the one time of year when you can fully embrace every bright shade of color and have fun with light and airy silhouettes.

I always enjoy working with solid-colored fabrics because it gives you the opportunity to put a spotlight on a fun detail. In this case, I chose an adorable vintage pom-pom trim and this fun swingy pattern.

“This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Stylish Fabric. The opinions and text are all mine.”

This fabric is a Hi Multi Chiffon in Rosebud from Stylish Fabric and it’s available in nearly every shade imaginable. I was able to find the perfect shade to complement this fun pom-pom trim. It’s lightweight which means it’s perfect for a hot summer day and it has a lovely drape to it. It’s also machine washable which makes it perfect for casual wear while still appearing dressy.

I’ve made this pattern a few times before (I still need to blog about the other tops!) and I love it just as much now as I did the first time I sewed it. It comes together easily and provides the perfect amount of coverage while still being playful.

Aren’t McCall’s M7573 and Stylish Fabric’s Rosebud Hi Multi Chiffon the perfect combination?

I know sewing with chiffon can be intimidating, so I’m sharing some of my favorite tips below to get you through the process!

TIPS FOR SEWING WITH CHIFFON

PIN

Use plenty of pins! It doesn’t hurt to over pin when using chiffon. Make sure your pins are new and sharp so you don’t end up with any pulls in the fabric.

NEW NEEDLE

It’s really important to use a brand new sewing machine needle (60/8 or 70/10) when sewing with a fabric like chiffon. Remember the lower the number on the needle, the better it is for a finer fabric.

STAYSTITCH

Staystitch the neckline immediately after cutting it out to minimize any stretching. Staystitch all curved pieces to help them maintain their original shape.

FABRIC WEIGHTS

Utilize fabric weights to keep the fabric from shifting when cutting it out.

STRETCHING

Chiffon is prone to stretching out. If a piece of fabric has been stretched out, iron it with plenty of steam to help it shrink back to its original shape.

IRONING

Make sure to use the correct heat settings on the iron!

STARCH

Spray the fabric with a starch spray to keep it from shifting and give it extra body. This will make it easier to sew and easier to cut.

FEED DOGS

Place the fabric under the presser foot. With your left hand grab both the bobbin thread and the top thread. Gently pull on both threads as you begin to press down on the pedal. This will keep the fabric from getting sucked down into the feed dog. If that doesn’t work consider using a stitch starter.

PERFECTION IS OVERRATED

As a recovering perfectionist myself, I had to remind myself a few times not to get too caught up in perfecting every single seam. Chiffon is a tricky fabric to sew with, cut yourself some slack and enjoy the process, imperfections and all!

This top is perfect for dressing up with a pair of high heels for a night out on the town and it even works with a pair of sandals and jeans for a backyard barbeque.