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Minerva£61.99Visit shop Minerva 100% Superfine Suiting Fabric Navy Blue Wool Minerva Core Range Gsf-1074-Navy
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This guide is for home sewers and tailors looking for high-quality suiting fabric. The key benefit is its beautiful, soft finish and pure wool composition, ideal for classic garments. A caveat is that wool requires specific care to maintain its quality. This navy blue Barathea suiting fabric from the Minerva Core Range offers a lovely soft feel, making it perfect for crafting durable and elegant jackets, skirts, and dresses, especially for cooler weather.
| Model Part Number | GSF-1074-Navy |
|---|---|
| Brand | Minerva Core Range |
Barathea is a type of smooth, fine woolen cloth, traditionally in black, dark blue, or grey, known for its slightly pebbled or broken twill appearance. It's often used for formal wear and military uniforms due to its durability and ability to hold a sharp crease.
While wool is breathable, this suiting fabric is generally best suited for cooler seasons like autumn and winter due to its warmth and weight. It might be too warm for very hot summer climates.
The amount of fabric needed varies based on the jacket pattern, size, and fabric width. Always consult your specific sewing pattern's fabric requirement chart for an accurate estimation.
This fabric is of good quality and relatively stable, making it manageable for confident beginners. However, working with wool requires careful handling, precise cutting, and proper pressing, which might be more challenging for absolute beginners compared to beginner-friendly cottons.
Store garments clean and dry in a breathable garment bag. Avoid plastic bags which can trap moisture. Consider using cedar blocks or sachets to deter moths.
It is strongly recommended to hand wash or dry clean garments made from this pure wool fabric to prevent shrinkage and maintain the fabric's integrity. If machine washing, use a very cold, delicate cycle with a wool-specific detergent and never tumble dry.
Ensure you are using the correct needle size and type. Check tension settings on your sewing machine and use a walking foot if available.
Always pre-wash wool fabric before cutting. Use only cool water and gentle, wool-specific detergents. Avoid excessive agitation or heat during washing and drying.
While wool can sometimes feel that way initially, the Barathea weave and Minerva's finishing aim for softness. Ensure proper washing and pressing techniques are used, as incorrect methods can stiffen the fibers.
Use a very sharp fabric rotary cutter or shears. Ensure the fabric is laid flat on a stable surface without tension. Consider using pattern weights instead of pins to avoid stretching.
Preparation: Pre-wash the fabric according to wool care instructions. It is recommended to hand wash or use a delicate cycle with cool water and a wool-specific detergent. Dry flat away from direct heat or sunlight.
Sewing Compatibility: This fabric is compatible with most standard sewing machines. Use a sharp, fine needle (e.g., size 70/10 or 80/12 microtex or sharps needle) to prevent snagging the fibers. Consider using a walking foot for easier feeding of the fabric layers, especially for jacket construction.
Care Instructions:
