Lady McElroy Viscose Jersey Stretch Knit Fabric - Navy Blue
The Lady McElroy Luxury Viscose Jersey Stretch Knit is a high-quality fabric perfect for crafters,...The Lady McElroy Luxury Viscose Jersey Stretch Knit is a high-quality fabric perfect for crafters, made from a blend of polyester, viscose, and spandex for comfortable stretch. This medium-weight fabric comes in an elegant navy blue color and has a plain pattern, allowing crafters to showcase their creativity. With a width of approximately 145cm / 58", it's suitable for a variety of projects. Recommended to wash at 40 degrees. Fabric is cut from the roll and available to order by the metre. The fabric will be cut as one continuous piece no matter how many metres you order. All orders are despatched from our warehouse in Darwen, Lancashire, UK. LM-1983-Symphony-Navy.
This guide is for crafters seeking a versatile and comfortable fabric for apparel projects. The Lady McElroy Viscose Jersey Stretch Knit in Navy Blue offers excellent drape and stretch, making it ideal for garments that require movement and a flattering fit. A potential consideration is its medium weight, which may be warmer than lighter jerseys for summer wear. Key features include its luxurious blend of polyester, viscose, and spandex, a sophisticated plain navy blue pattern, and a generous width.
All features
Model Part Number
LM-1983-Symphony-Navy
Brand
Lady McElroy
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the best way to cut this fabric?
Lay the fabric flat on a single layer, preferably on a cutting mat. Use a rotary cutter and mat for best results, or sharp fabric scissors. Ensure the fabric is smooth and not stretched during cutting. Use pattern weights to hold it in place.
Can I use this fabric for children's clothing?
Yes, the blend of viscose, polyester, and spandex provides comfort and stretch suitable for children's apparel, provided it meets safety standards for the specific garment type.
How do I know how much fabric to order?
Fabric is sold by the metre. Measure your pattern pieces and add seam allowances. It's always advisable to add a little extra for potential mistakes or pattern matching, especially if ordering multiple metres for a larger project.
What projects is this fabric NOT suitable for?
Due to its knit nature and medium weight, it may not be ideal for structured garments like tailored jackets or very stiff skirts. It is also potentially too warm for lightweight summer shorts or very breathable activewear.
Will the navy blue color fade?
To minimize fading, wash in cold water, use a mild detergent, and dry away from direct sunlight. Following the recommended 40-degree wash will also help preserve the color.
How does the spandex affect the fabric?
The spandex component provides significant stretch and recovery, meaning the fabric will stretch when pulled and return to its original shape. This is crucial for comfortable, form-fitting garments.
Troubleshooting
Fabric is stretching unevenly while sewing
Ensure you are using the correct needle type (ballpoint/stretch) and tension settings. Consider using a walking foot or tissue paper under the fabric to stabilize it during sewing.
Skipped stitches or needle breakage
Verify you are using a new, sharp ballpoint or stretch needle appropriate for knit fabrics. Check your machine's tension settings.
Fabric curling at the edges
This is normal for knit fabrics. While sewing, you can gently guide the fabric or use a temporary binding. For cutting, consider using pattern weights to keep edges flat.
Shrinkage after washing
Always pre-wash fabric according to care instructions before cutting to pre-shrink it. If shrinkage occurs after construction, it may be due to washing at too high a temperature.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Offers excellent stretch and recovery for comfortable wear.
Beautiful drape makes it ideal for flowy garments like dresses and tops.
The blend of fibers provides a soft hand-feel.
Versatile navy blue color suits many different project types.
Continuous cut ensures fabric is seamless for larger projects.
Cons
Medium weight may be too warm for very hot climates or summer garments.
Viscose content requires specific care to maintain fabric integrity.
As a knit, it may curl at the edges, requiring careful handling during cutting and sewing.
Requires appropriate sewing machine needles and techniques for knits.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Preparation:
Pre-wash: Always wash the fabric before cutting and sewing. Machine wash at 40 degrees Celsius. This helps to pre-shrink the fabric and remove any finishing chemicals.
Drying: Tumble dry on a low setting or dry flat. Avoid high heat.
Sewing Compatibility:
Needles: Use a ballpoint or stretch needle (size 70/10 or 80/12) to avoid snagging or damaging the knit fibers.
Thread: A good quality polyester thread is recommended.
Machine Settings: Consider using a stitch length appropriate for knits (often a little longer than for wovens) or a zigzag stitch, serger/overlocker, or a twin needle for hems to maintain stretch.