How to Use High Performance Sports Fabric
- 1). Design your athletic attire and cut your paper pattern. If you are working with a pre-made pattern, read any special seam allowance instructions or pattern placement. Some of these fabrics have significant stretch properties, such as Lycra/spandex, to ensure fabric recovery. The term fabric recovery refers to any fabric that naturally returns to its original shape after being stretched, such as by the body.
- 2). Fold your fabric from selvage to selvage. Lay it on a flat work surface. Do not pin your pattern until your fabric is secure on the table. These fabrics have the tendency to roll. The term roll refers to fabric that does not lay flat once folded and retains some type of body to it at the fold line. A slight touch can set your fabric off its original placement and this will effect your pattern placement.
If you are working with outdoor high performance fabrics, you will have a slight film-like coated finish. Although the fabric has limited stretch, it has a different weight and body, and it is best to fold and allow the fabric to settle on your work surface. Smooth your fabric as much as possible before pinning your pattern. - 3). Pin your pattern to your fabric. It is important to be aware when pattern-making that if you are working with significant stretch, you will need to reduce your pattern size in order for proper fit. For example, if you are making a knee length biker short, do not cut the fabric in your actual size. You will have a loose fit. Cut the fabric 1 to 1-1/2 sizes smaller, to ensure a contoured fit. Cut your pattern from Lycra/spandex fabric scraps beforew cutting your project fabric.
This fabric is meant to absorb your natural perspiration and filter it through the textile fibers away from your body, making you feel more flexible and comfortable. To receive the fabric's benefit, your garment is meant for a shaped fit. - 4). Serge your fabric pattern pieces together. If you are working with outerwear high performance fabric, you can opt to reinforce your serged seams with a straight stitch with your sewing machine.