Yes, you can absolutely use wool on a sewing machine. Sewing wool fabric on a sewing machine is a common practice for creating garments, accessories, and home decor items.
While different types of wool have varying characteristics, generally, sewing wool by machine is straightforward, especially with the right preparation and tools.
Sewing Wool Fabric by Machine
According to the provided reference regarding Heavyweight Wools, this type of wool is "easier to feed through your sewing machine" because "Generally the fabric won't have too much movement." This suggests that even thicker wools are manageable on a sewing machine.
To ensure successful sewing, especially with heavier wools, it's crucial to use the appropriate supplies:
- Needles: Use a heavier and sharper needle suitable for the fabric weight. Options include universal needles (size 90/14 or 100/16), denim needles, or even leather needles for very dense or felted wools.
- Pins: Heavier and sharper pins, like silk pins or glass-head pins, work well without snagging or bending.
- Scissors: A good pair of dressmaking scissors designed for cutting fabric is essential for clean, accurate cuts.
Tips for Sewing Wool on a Machine
Here are a few practical tips to enhance your experience when sewing wool:
- Preshrink: Always preshrink your wool fabric before cutting and sewing. Wool can shrink significantly when washed or exposed to steam.
- Stitch Length: Use a slightly longer stitch length than you might for quilting cottons. A stitch length of 2.5mm to 3mm is often appropriate.
- Thread: Use a good quality all-purpose polyester or cotton thread.
- Pressing: Wool responds well to steam pressing. Use a press cloth to protect the fabric and lift the iron rather than sliding it to avoid distorting the fabric.
- Seam Finishes: Consider finishing raw edges to prevent fraying, though some wools, especially boiled wool or felt, do not fray much. Options include serging, zigzag stitches, or binding.
By using the correct tools and techniques, sewing wool on a sewing machine is an efficient and effective way to construct beautiful projects.
