Sewing velvet: our tips for a flawless finish

Soft, luminous and timeless, velvet adds character to all couture creations. Whether corduroy or wide-wale velvet, Maison Fauve velvets are equally suited to sewing a jacket or a skirt, trousers or a structured dress. But how to sew velvet without damaging the fabric? Maison Fauve shares its tips with you!
Also discover our new video Tips and tricks for sewing fabrics "special velvet edition"".

How to cut velvet?

Velvet has a nap that affects its reflections. Before cutting your fabric, run your hand over its surface to determine its direction, then arrange all the pattern pieces in the same direction, while also respecting the "Right Side" indication. This will prevent differences in shade on your garment. Take the time to check your cutting plan before you start.

Which needle and settings to use for sewing velvet?

A domestic sewing machine is suitable for sewing velvet. Use a universal needle suited to the thickness of the fabric (we recommend size 80 needles). We also recommend increasing the stitch length to 3.0 if you want to topstitch the pieces or for any visible stitching on the right side, such as for a collar or cuff. Make a test on a scrap before you start.

Our advice: in the case of buttonholes, choose the setting for thick/structured fabrics to make feeding easier.

How to iron velvet?

Velvet requires a few precautions when ironing to preserve its texture. Always respect the direction of the "nap" so as not to shine the fabric or create marks.
For multiple layers, we recommend using a clapper. It will allow you to "flatten" the fabric for more defined finishes, especially on a collar or cuff. The principle of the clapper is to store steam in the wood and then release the increased heat to the fabric by applying it firmly.

Choose a temperature suited to the fabric composition and always make a test on a scrap. Maison Fauve velvet fabrics can be ironed without problems with a hot iron; it is not necessary to use a pressing cloth if the direction of the velvet is respected. When possible, iron on the reverse side.

Our advice: for interfacing our velvet fabrics, we recommend Vlieseline G710 interfacing.

What clothes to sew with Maison Fauve velvet?

Corduroy is perfect for a casual jacket, trousers or a retro-style skirt. Among the Maison Fauve pattern library, we recommend:

• A beautiful Ex Libris overshirt, a Pilar jacket
• A Ronsard jeans, Worn or the Récif nautical-style trousers
• You can also use it as a trim on the collar and cuffs of the Roman overcoat

At Maison Fauve, discover our velvets in a palette of colors designed for your sewing desires: beige, black, camel, navy blue, grey, moss green or ink.

Want to imagine your next creation? Discover Maison Fauve velvets as well as our video; you will find our tips there, but also ideas for color and pattern combinations. Let yourself be inspired for your next project!

Happy sewing!