Posh Black Silk Velvet Woven

Opulent, sumptuous drapey nylon/silk velvet in lush deep black. Silk velvet appears delicate but in fact is a workhorse fabric which takes as well to the street as the ballroom. You can take different approaches to sewing with it depending on the result you want. Beat it up! Toss the fabric in the washer/dryer before cutting. Take care every step of the way, but this way you get the feel of working on the fabric upping your skills. When finished, wet at pleat/crinkle. OR...keep it smooth and flat. This takes more care, patience, practice and skill. (I recommend you start with a project that is crushed or crinkled). Your ‘touch’ and how you handle the fabric make a big difference every step of the way. Dress it up or down; wear it with jeans or sequins. For a dress, skirt, vest, jacket, pants or coat. Crushed/pleated soft silk velvet pants are a staple in my winter/holiday wardrobe.

Sewing & Pressing Tips

Mark with tailor’s tacks. I use embroidery thread for this as it does not pull out easily. Take one stitch through the fabric leaving 3⁄4” tails. One stitch only. Then gently separate the layers and clip the threads.
OR...mark with a dressmaker’s pencil, making a dot at each marking. I lick the pencil to give it a bit more color and lasting power.
The biggest sewing challenge is to keep the fabric from shifting as you sew.

My preferred method is to use a walking foot in combination with spray adhesive like 505 Spray.
Cover your work surface with paper, and carefully mask off the seam allowance with paper.
Spray a light consistent amount of spray within the seam allowance, then carefully line up the edges, right sides together and stitch. This is quick and works beautifully. It is a little known secret of couture houses that for years the seamstresses have relied on similar spray adhesives for just this purpose.
Pressing: Keep a light hand, use a LOT of steam, and use a clapper.

82% nylon/18% silk