1. What is the Definition of Satin? Satin weave is a more complex weave as the arrangement of warp and weft threads are staggered due to the step number. Unlike a Twill weave, where the weft intersections move to the next parallel warp on the following row, Satin weave structures move the weft intersection across […]
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Are you just starting to learn to sew? Have you just taken up sewing and are looking for some tips to get started, and, most importantly, how to avoid those common sewing mistakes? We’re sewing mad at Contrado. After all, we make everything by hand (and sewing machine), right here at our studio, and, over the years, […]
Taking accurate body measurements is the only way to ensure that your clothes fit properly and comfortably – and size charts can be your best friend when it comes to ensuring your new clothes look and feel great. Whether you are looking at making your own clothing or you want to ensure that the clothes you […]
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What is muslin? Muslin is a cotton fabric which is made with a plain weave. Made from a wide range of weights, the fabric is woven layer by layer, producing a very distinctive pattern. It is believed that the name muslin comes from the fact that Europeans believed the fabric originated in Iraq. It comes […]
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Cotton is one of the most common fabrics known to mankind. It is safe to assume that we all have cotton in some form or the other, be it garments, accessories or home furnishings. I am sure that you would have come across the term ‘Egyptian cotton’ while browsing for cotton-based products on the net […]
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What is Calico Fabric? Although you may not notice it, Calico is everywhere, often serving as a neutral base for creativity. Artists canvases, fashion designers’ mock-up dresses, curtains, pillow cases, furnishings and bags are just a few uses. How can one fabric be so versatile? Exactly what is Calico fabric, and why has it been […]
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What is circular fashion? Put very simply, circular fashion a concept. It is a model for sustainable change within the fashion industry. For more information on sustainable fashion, check out our post on that here. A circular fashion approach would see your clothing have a circular fashion life cycle, rather than a linear one. So […]
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Whether you sew for a profession or just sew for fun, knowing all the right sewing terms is the first step to showing you know your stuff. All professions, crafts and industries have their own phrases and acronyms, and sewing is no exception. There are so many words, terms and sayings that may make you […]
Due to recent news and current trends, lots of people are left asking “What is fast fashion?” Well, fast fashion is like the fast food of the fashion industry. When you boil it down to its simplest terms, it’s where you pay much less for something and end up not quite fully satisfied. Just like […]
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Chiffon is synonymous with elegance in the fashion world. This floaty, sheer fabric is often used in luxury garments such as evening wear or lingerie to add a touch of class as it drapes well. Chiffon has a lightweight texture and a semi-mesh weave which is what gives the fabric a chic transparent appearance, as […]
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