Sewing tips | 4 ways to find the right side of the fabric |

Published : 10/29/2024 16:44:16
Categories : Sewing Tips

What is the right side of the fabric? Depending on the material, it’s not always easy to know at first glance.

In the instructions for sewing a garment, we most often find the mention “sew right sides together”, this allows you to hide the seam allowances inside so that it remains beautiful on the outside.

In order to have a pretty piece of clothing that suits your taste, it is therefore important to know the right side. And with these 4 tips, you will be able to identify it more easily.

 

4 ways to find the right side of the fabric

Check if the two sides are different

The first tip is to look at both sides to see if there are any differences. If the fabric has a print only on one side, it must surely be the right side. If the print doesn’t have the same intensity on both sides, the bland side should be the wrong side.

In the case of a plain fabric, it’s important to look at it from both sides in the light and decide which one you prefer for the exterior of the garment. Be careful when cutting and sewing to keep the same right side for all the pieces.

 

Check the selvedges

It’s possible that the selvedges, the finished edges of the fabric sometimes of different colours, have inscriptions. When it is readable in the right direction, it means that it is the right side of the fabric.

If the selvedges don’t have inscriptions and the fabric is plain, there are often small holes from manufacturing. If you feel the relief when running your fingers, it may be the back of the fabric. Please note, there are exceptions to this technique.

 

Check which side the fabric rolls on

For knitted, a good way to determine the right side of the fabric is to look at which way the fabric rolls. The roll defines the right side of the fabric. Note that I have never seen the case where the fabric rolls in the wrong direction.

 

Check the structure of the jersey fabric

Those who knit have an advantage in this specific case, because we can determine the correct direction of a jersey fabric thanks to the knitting of the stitches. Stockinette stitch has one side smoother, or less bumpy, than the other. This smoother side is therefore the right side of the fabric.

 

We can also notice that certain fabrics have neither reverse nor right sides. It is possible to use it as you wish, however I advise always cutting the pieces on the same side because there may be a slight difference in shine in the light once the garment is sewn.

Furthermore, even if the fabrics are provided with a right side and a reverse side, you are free to choose the side you prefer. It’s for the freedom to choose that we sew our own clothes, don’t we?!

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