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Would you like to sew anything that requires water resistant fabric? Waterproof fabric is crucial for stuff like outdoor stuff, swimsuits, bags, and clothes you want to keep nice and dry. Let us imagine that we are going to make an object and that this object must be exposed to water, then choosing the right type of fabric is essential. There are a lot of different types of water resistant fabrics which can make it confusing to choose the one that fits your needs best. But don’t worry! It will also help you choose the top quality water resistant fabric for your next sewing project.
Considerations for Selecting Water-Resistant Fabric
However, before you start hunting down some water-resistant fabric, there are a few important things to consider. You will make the best choice with these factors:
Water Resistance Level: First consider how much water resistance your project requires. Not all water-resistant waterproof nylon fabric function the same way. Others are more effective at repelling water. If you need your end product to remain fully dry, then you would like a fabric that has a great deal of waterproofing on the item. In other words, it can prevent water from soaking through and getting your stuff wet.
Fiber content: There are two kinds of fibers from which a water-resistant fabric can be made; one is natural, and the other synthetic. Cotton and wool come from animals, and they’re not as adept at repelling water. They might be more prone to become wet. Synthetic fibers, on the other hand — think nylon, polyester and spandex — are much better at keeping water away. These synthetic fibres are more water-repellent. They are also less likely to shrink or stretch when wet. Which means they'll hold better shape and size through use.
Weight and Strength: You also want to think about the weight and strength of the fabric. You want a water-resistant fabric that has enough strength to withstand outdoor conditions, and also regular wear and tear. If you are sewing something that will be used frequently or subject to harsh circumstances, it is advisable to select a thicker or more robust fabric. Not only does this type of fabric withstand wear and tear far better, but your project will wear better for longer.
How To Ensure That Your Water-Resistant Fabric is Long-Lasting and Functional
Here is a guide to help you ensure the fabric will last longer and performs to the best of its ability when working with water-resistant fabric. There are several key steps to take into account:
Prewash the Fabric: It’s a good idea to wash the fabric first before you cut it, though. Prewashing will remove any dirt, dust or coatings that could inhibit the fabric from becoming completely water resistant. Cleaning the fabric first will also allow you to find out if it shrinks during the process. And if you see any shrinkage, you can adjust your pattern to ensure everything comes out correctly.
Use the Right Needles and Thread Do not compromise, having the right equipment is very important when sewing with water-resistant fabric. Use heavy-duty needles instead, so they can handle the thickness of the fabric. Also, it’s preferable to use polyester or nylon thread. These types of thread are robust and hard-wearing, meaning they can cope with the trauma of sewing through tough and waterproof fabric.
Various Kinds of Water-Repellent Materials
Now that you do know what to consider when selecting water-resistant Activewear fabrics and getting aftercare for it, let’s look at some common types of water-resistant fabrics you’ll find. Some of the most popular options include:
Nylon Ripstop — a light, breathable, highly water-resistant fabric. It’s perfect for making outdoor gear, raincoats, and backpacks. It is light so it will not weigh you down and it will not be harmed by getting wet outside.
Gore-Tex: A well-known brand of a water resistant fabric made of a special material called expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Gore-Tex is extremely waterproof but still breathable, which is ideal for raincoats and other outdoor apparel. So you can keep dry but not feel overheated.
Polyester Canvas – Strong, long-lasting, and water-resistant. Perfect for, bags outdoor furniture, awnings. It has rugged reliability that can withstand lots of work.
Oilcloth]: Oilcloth is cotton or linen fabric that has been treated with oil or wax to make it water-resistant. It’s great for waterproof tablecloths, placemats and aprons. Their exceptional cleanliness and convenient maintenance make this fabric an excellent choice for daily general integrity.
Several of these fabrics can even be layered together to make a thicker barrier which makes the project stronger against water.
How to incorporate water-resistant fabric into your design
When it’s time to sew with water-resistant fabric in your design, it’s time to think about pattern placement and how to use the fabric to get the best benefit from it. For example, if you are developing a pattern for a rain coat, the hood, shoulders, pockets and not all of these details need to be fully waterproof. To economize on fabric and save some bucks, it’s smart to use the water-resistant material for the raincoat’s main body. In areas that don’t need to be made water-tight, you can use a cheaper or non-water resistant fabric.
To sum it up, when selecting a water-resistant fabric for your project, consider the level of water resistance you require, the types of fibers in the fabric, its weight, and its strength. So always properly prewash your fabric and sew with them, to make them as pose as effective and durable as possible. There is a ton of different types of water-resistant Sportswear fabric and you can even combine a couple for more protection. Finally, be prudent in planning the layout of your pattern to maximize the use of your fabric and maintain its water-resist properties.
At Sunfeng, we have many options when it comes to water-resistant specs, for example, nylon ripstop, Gore-Tex, or polyester canvas. We have the fabrics that do need to withstand that sort of wear and tear, as well as water – so look for long-lasting and water-resistant durable fabrics that will help you create a finished product that will last for ages. Learn more about our water resistant fabric to see how we can help you with your next sewing project!