Thread: Need Help -- Sewing through stiffened base fabric

Hiya!

So I have two questions really:

1) I want to add to an existing hard cup bra...How do you sew through it?? What type of needle/thread?

2) I want to make a new belt base...what is the best base material to build on and what do use to sew with??

Is there a tutorial out there somewhere??? ..c::

Thanks!!

B

If you need to do beadwork, a nice supply of beading needles would be good if you can manage to rebead sideways through the top layer of fabric, not through the base material. If you are going to sew through the fabric (by hand, no beading), upholstery needles and heavy thread work great. If you are using a sewing machine use denim needles and good quality topstitching thread. I use something called 'buchram' (sp?) as part of my belt bases with whatever kind of heavy fabric I have on hand (usually denim) in conjunction with my fashion fabrics. Use a longer stitch length, whether it be by machine or hand. If you have any other questions please pm me: I'd be happy to help you out if you have more questions!

Oh yeah....use a thimble!!!

Thimble is a must. I have beaded through original Egyptian hard cups, using both beading needles and embroidery needles . Both work depending on the thickness of the base. But chances are you will have to toss the needle out when youa re done because it will be bent!

For belts I have used buckram and I have used denim. Two layers. I like the denim better.

Good luck!

{{{HUGS}}}

Keep a needle-nose pliers handy for pulling the needle through the hard cups.

Ditto on all the above, I've also used pellon, and felt, but if the belt your making is going to have a lot of weight from beads and coins, I'd use buckram layered WITH the denim, or felt.

Personally, I don't like to line my belt with satin, or anything slippery (the belt WILL spin around you if it's not tight enough).
I line it with cotton sheeting, or denim, or felt.

I havent' started on my next belt yet, but I'm going to use this tool, to help me with my hand beading/sewing (it's like having a third hand).
I've used it in the past for hemming by hand.
Threads and Things :: Clover Clamp and Bird Set

If you're sewing fabric to the hard cups on the sewing machine, I'd use a needle recommend for denim.
And regular hand needle for hand stitching fabric to the cups, one with the smaller eye.

I strongly second Kiyaana on the pliers for hand-sewing. They're a must and extremely helpful. I use jewelry pliers. You can use them both for pushing and pulling your needle through.

For my belt bases I use a kind of upholstery material which I unfortunately don't know the name of, but it's like a velveteen on the right side and on the back there is a layer of plasticy-rubbery stuff that's fused to the fabric. All of this I've bought has been found in places where they're selling upholstery fabric remnants. This stuff is flexible but substantial and my sewing machine can handle it easily. The bonded-on backing keeps it stable so it holds it's shape, does not stretch, and the cut edges don't fray.
Rosette

Thanks! I've got an old pair of jeans that I'm going to try! This will be hand sewn for the most part...Do you have a favorite place to buy the beading needles??? Most I see are not strong...

..g.:

Originally Posted by BernieV

Thanks! I've got an old pair of jeans that I'm going to try! This will be hand sewn for the most part...Do you have a favorite place to buy the beading needles??? Most I see are not strong...

..g.:

oooh, Bernie! What are ya making?!?!

I use an upholstery needle, extra-strong thread (either jeans or upholstery thread), a thimble, and locking pliers for the extra tough stitches. If you are sewing straps, snaps, or hooks, or anything else that structurally will be holding the force of your body, make sure you go through all the layers and make multiple stitches at several points, knotting before and after each point (so if one breaks the others are unaffected).

I really like gold jeans thread because it contrasts well against other colors, which means when it is time to move straps or snaps, or repair the connections, it is easy to see which threads to cut.

If you are repairing beadwork or other decorative features, don't go through all the layers, just try to catch the outer layer of fabric.

Thanks gals!

I'm **trying** to make a tribaret set...I know, not the best term..but something that is sparkly...

It's my training wheels to making a real bra and belt set!!