Fabric recommendations

[KCCutie]

I need some advice from some advanced sewers. I am fairly new to sewing. I sewed a skirt last year with some linen fabric, which turned out beautifully. What I am looking for is a fabric that is perhaps wrinkle-resistant, lightweight for the summertime but at the same time I am plus-sized so I don't want anything bright or shiny or anything like that. I also don't want to spend an arm and a leg for the fabric. Can anyone make any suggestions?

[phoenix fiberworks]

Hi - just joined the forum and saw your message.

If you like the look of linen, there's several fabrics that are look-alikes but easier care. If you want to stick to linen, then a linen/polyester blend would work, or a polyester/rayon blend, or 100% polyester will also do. All are machine wash & dry and reasonably priced.

Do prewash and machine dry the linen/poly or rayon/poly blend fabric before cutting out your garment as there may be some shrinkage even though it's a synthetic blend.

Hope this helps.

[BJT1]

I too love linen and am plus sized. I just "put up with" wrinkles. One fabric that I might suggest is a tencel. I have seen a tencel that seemed less wrinkle prone but it had a bit of structure like the linens.

[Aelfrayn]

Linen lovers unite! Just remember that any synthetic added to the linen will decrease the wrinkles but make the fabric feel warmer on you. Do you really want that for summer, or can you deal with a few wrinkles? We've been hovering near 100 degrees for several days. I'll take the wrinkles. And remember, people who recognize quality in fabric and clothing will know at at glance that you are wearing real linen, and that can only be a good thing!

[kmccrea]

I live in Phoenix which is wickedly hot in the summer, so synthetics in any form are right out! I love linen, too and don't really find wrinkles a problem...they smooth right out. Also, you might want to try rayon or tencel as they are readily available and in a variety of weaves including linen-look. Or, you can try a crepe or gauze which is supposed to have wrinkles!
Good luck in your sewing adventures,
Kate

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