Tuesday 26 May 2015

Information About Shopping In A Fabric Store NJ Customers Need To Know

By Tammie Caldwell


Fabric stores can be overwhelming places to those who are not familiar with them and are just venturing into the world of sewing. With so many textiles and supplies to choose from, it is normal to feel somewhat lost at first, but a helpful salesperson should be able to make it easier. By keeping these tips in mind at the fabric store NJ buyers in the city of Fairfield should have no problem finding exactly what they need.

Stores receive fabrics on long cardboard tubes or flat strips known as "bolts". The type of bolt used depends on the kind of material and the manufacturer. Most fabrics used for crafts and quilting are sold on flat bolts, while textiles used to make apparel and home decor items may come either a folded or rolled bolt.

In most cases, the shop will be organized in such a way that its fabrics are grouped together by their primary use which is clearly marked by signs. However, some smaller stores may not be laid out like this, and it may be necessary to ask for help. There are also other shops which exclusively carry one particular type of material.

Before getting any fabric measured and cut, one must first check out its care and washing instructions and make sure its weight is appropriate for its intended use, salespeople are familiar with a wide range of textiles and can advise. There should also be some helpful information about the material printed on either the flat end of the bolt or if it comes on a roll, it may be on a hang-tag or printed sheet inside.

Fabrics come in a vast assortment of textures and styles for any project, be it a comforter, drapes, slipcovers, or a new outfit. Most apparel is made from "fashion fabrics" which can be either knit or woven and include denim, velvet, silk, wool, flannel, and polyester. Other materials can be classified as either quilting, home decor, craft, or fleece fabrics and they are used or a variety of personal and decorative items.

Bolts come in various width sizes between 36 and 108 inches. The amount of material required will be indicated on the back of the sewing pattern package, and for other projects, estimation will be necessary. A bolt may contain anywhere from 8 to 30 yards of material, and most stores will a minimum amount of 1/8 or 1/4 yard. Full bolts may sometimes be ordered.

The fabric bolt the customer selects will be rolled out on a cutting table by a salesperson, then measured and cut in the desired size. It may also be possible to find a "remnant" left over from a bolt that happens to be just the right size and a good price too. If a small, take-home sample is needed, the store may provide a swatch upon request.

Another thing to be aware of is the fact that two bolts of the same fabric may not be exactly the same in color tone and intensity if they are from different dye lots. This means that they were dyed separately which can result in color variations. Fabrics on different bolts should be purchased from the same dye lot to avoid mismatches.




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