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Choosing the right fabric for a dress, tee-shirt, or pillowcase isn’t always as easy as it seems. We know you can’t find helpful, expert advice on every street corner, so here at Sartor we make it our business to help you take home only those fabrics that meet your expectations. We offer honest advice, even if that means that, in the end, you don’t buy anything. Your satisfaction and trust come first. If you understand fabric (have a look at #fabricology), you can make an educated choice no matter where you shop and you’ll know exactly what to watch out for – not just the marketing tricks used by some sellers, but also so that you know what fabric weight you need, how to choose for drape and stretch, how to work with a seamstress, and all sorts of sewing savvy. The articles in this section will get you off on the right foot.
Body measurements are key for drafting your own patterns or adjusting bought ones. Learn exactly what to measure and how.
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Names like “art silk” and “silky satin” are pretty, but do they mean natural silk? (Probably not.) Here’s how to know what you’re buying.
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10 must-haves for your sewing space: scissors, pins, needles, thread, and more. See our list.
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Choose the right thread for sewing machines and hand sewing every time with our complete guide.
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Ever wondered about sewing machine needles? Don’t know what size to use on your project? Our sewing needle cheat sheet comes to the rescue!
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How can you tell if a given fabric is organic? Safe for sensitive skin? That it’s not the product of child labor? These things matter, and the answers are usually at your fingertips. Just like food or cosmetics, fabrics have their own certifications for sustainability and fair trade that can help you make an informed decision. You just need to recognize what the tag is telling you.
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How well do you know your cotton fabrics? Would that dress be better in batiste, lawn, or muslin? Cotton is more than t-shirts and quilting squares. It comes in a whole range of great options, many of which you’ll find in stock here at Sartor. This little glossary gives you the low-down on the usual suspects.
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As you browse our silk selection, you may be mystified by the abbreviation “mm” in our fabric weight column. Millimeters? No. The mm stands for momme (pronounced moe-mee), a traditional measure of silk weight that comes to us from Japan. What can it tell us? Read on for enlightenment.
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Fabric weight is one of the key elements in any fabric description. It’s an indicator of what a cloth is actually made of and what it could be good for. In online fabric shops you’ll find it listed alongside textile content and width, in brick-and-mortar shops it’s on the sticker at the end of the bolt. So, what exactly does it tell you?
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A good tailor is the cure for all that ails you. But how to pick the right one for you? Whether you want to save the planet, need something that flatters your figure, or just want to look great, a good tailor is the key. But how does it work? What should you expect? This article takes you through the process of identifying a good tailor and working with them to produce the results you want.
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Once little more than a substitute for natural silk, rayon is starting to look a lot like the material of the future. EcoVero, its latest iteration, is an eco-friendly fiber that outperforms not just synthetics in terms of environmental responsibility, but many natural fibers as well.
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Silk pillowcases are having a moment, and it’s no wonder. Not only are they a dream to sleep on, they keep your skin hydrated and even prevent bedhead. We’ll look at what the fuss is all about and help you choose the right fabric to make your own. Find out what silk can do for your beauty sleep.
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That silk dress was a real find, but – d’oh! – the tag says dry clean only. At a loss? Here are a few tips on finding a good cleaner. It’s easier than you may think and it’s certainly worth the effort. If you’ve been living in jeans and a t-shirt and this is your first foray into the world of professional cleaning, take a deep breath and read on. Levels of service and know-how can vary widely but a good dry cleaner can be worth their weight in gold. Choose wisely (we tell you how) and your clothes will thank you.
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You don’t need an advanced degree in textiles or years of expertise working with fabrics in order to recognize whether what you’re buying is natural silk. All you need is a little knowledge and a dose of caution.
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Does pure linen bedding make you think of a modern, eco-friendly household? Or a rustic cottage? Linen is a unique material with undeniable charm. It is durable, comfortably cool, easy to care for, and a dream to sleep in. If you’ve been flirting with the idea of sewing a linen duvet cover, this article will answer all of your questions.
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Silk bedding is a luxury you can treat yourself to every night. Make your own duvet cover and tuck yourself in without spending a king’s ransom. This guide will help you navigate our silk selection to choose just the right fabric for dreamy results.
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How well do you know your silk fabrics? Dupioni, serge, habotai… don’t be dismayed if it sounds like the roster of some pirate ship to you. We’ll help clear away some of the mystery and explain the types of silk fabric and what sets them apart. We’ll cover terminology, characteristics, tricks and tips for sewing, and which projects call for which fabrics. No two silks are the same.
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Real pearls are a classic that deserve a place in every jewelry box. But how can you tell if your pearls are real? There are a handful of simple tests that will help you recognize whether that lovely set of pearls you saw on sale – and simply must have – are the real thing or not.
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Choosing bridal gown fabrics and laces can be a challenge. If you’re about to take the plunge and feeling a little nervous, it’s no wonder. This is a situation where there’s no room for trial and error. As luck would have it though, many have gone there before you. Here are some practical tips from the front lines to help you on your way.
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