Faux leather is getting back on track this year and is displayed on shelves in various variations: pants, skirts, bags, etc. You want to try this fabric, but you are afraid to venture into the unknown and do something bad to your project. Here are some tips to not miss your shot.
How to maintain it?
Faux leather, as the name suggests, is a non-animal material, made from plastic. Unfortunately, the latter has a much shorter lifespan than real leather. Since it is coated, it is possible to wash it at a low temperature with delicate stirring if possible so as not to damage the fabric. As for ironing, do it on the reverse side by adding a fabric between the imitation leather and the iron.
What about how to cut it?
I have never had so much fun cutting fabric as I have with imitation leather. The scissors glided as if it was like butter. Use, of course, a pencil or chalk on the wrong side of the fabric to mark your pattern.
What about sewing materials?
I suggest using clips, as pins can mark your fabric.
For the foot, a Teflon, roller, or double presser foot will work wonders, because a regular foot will not allow your fabric to move well under the machine. Otherwise, take baking paper or regular tape to put under the foot so that it adheres better to your fabric.
I'm not sure about my needle, what should I do?
Choosing your needle is a very essential step to having beautiful seams. Choose it according to the thickness of your fabric. For my part, I took a finer needle for my fabric which was finer. Please do a test square before proceeding.
Cotton for polyester for yarn?
For this type of project, I only use polyester, because cotton is more fragile and breaks more easily.