Spotlight Session Notes:

Choosing the right thread for the sewing machine:

 Cheap threads have a clot, so when you run your fingers through a string, it feels bumpy.
Good cotton threads feel smooth to touch.
 When these cheap threads go through a needle eye, the sewing thread undergoes
repeated abrasion resulting in a friction with the needle. The friction between the needle
and the fabric during penetration causes an increase in the needle temperature. Ultimately
leading to the machine to heat up.
 The sewing speed can the heating to happen faster.

Good Needle Thread Brands: Bad Needle Thread Brands:

Gutermann (especially polyester threads)

Needles:

Needle Type: Purpose:

Universal Have a rounded tip and allows the needle to pass between the fabric
threads by separating them.
Used for all woven fabrics (general).
Embroidery Sharp tips with larger eyes than universal.
(Crewel Needles) The sharp tips help the needle penetrate tightly woven embroidery
fabrics, as well as felt.
Chrome Microtex Sharper than universal types and have a more slender shaft.
Used for topstitching or edge stitching applications on silk and
microfiber fabrics.
Super NonStick Engineered to reduce the ability of other materials to stick it.
Use for machine embroidery, machine applique, multi-media quilting,
sewing vinyl, and hoop and loop tape.
Metallic Have a slightly rounded point. Achieve perfectly straight and even
stiches when using a straight stitch needle plate.
Useful for sewing with metallic, heavy, multiple and even poor quality
threads.
Hemstitch
Choosing the right needle and pins for each fabric:
Using the wrong needle on the fabric will cause the holes to open further, or break the
fibres of the material, thus, damaging it.
 it is important to use the right needle and pins.
percentage of Denims and polyester-based elastomers (spandex):
 When the percentage of Denim increases, the quality and longevity of denim decreases.
  100% lasts the longest.

Poplin, Broadcloth, Dill Fabrics (Cotton)

Everything you need to know about chiffons.

Satin Quality in Spotlight is tribble.

 Differents levels of Voile

Dyed Cotton is a lot stiffer than non-dyed cotton.

 Layering dresses (wedding/evening gowns)

What does the word fabric mean?

Natural Vs. Synthetic

Woven Vs. Knitted

Research about:
 Chiffon
 Georgette
 Taffeta
 Organza
 Velvet
 Charmeuse
 Brocade
 Zibeline
 Cotton
 Crepe
 Denim
 Lace
 Leather
 Linen
 Satin
 Silk
 Synthetics
 Velvet
 Wool
 Pico Cleaners
 Furniture Fabrics