If you love to sew and are into making your own clothing or clothing for your children, you probably already know that denim fabric comes in many different weights. If you are shopping at a store, deciding which denim to buy is easy because you can feel the fabric and know instantly if it will have the drape you need for your sewing project. But ordering denim online can be confusing because denim comes in many different weights and you can’t feel the fabric before ordering it. Here is a sewing guide to help you decide which denim weight should order for your next sewing project.
Sewing Guide for Buying Denim Online: Denim is classified by weight. The weight of denim can range from anywhere starting as low as 5 ounces to as much as 20 ounces. The weight of the denim refers to how much a yard of that particular denim will weigh. A yard of 14 ounce denim will weight 14 ounces. Therefore, it only makes sense that the heavier the weight classification, the heavier and thicker that particular denim will be.
Once you understand that a lighter weight denim classification means the denim itself will weigh less, it’s easier to decide which denim weight you need for your next sewing project. Denim jeans that you buy in the store are typically made with 12 ounce or 14 ounce denim. So if you are planning on making a pair of denim jeans or a denim jacket, a 12 ounce to 14 ounce denim would be a good choice.
If you want to make a light weight denim garment such as a denim dress shirt or a light weight skirt, such as a square dancing skirt, you want to use a light weight denim. A 5 ounce denim is perfect for light weight clothing since it is soft and has plenty of drape.
Heavy denim, such as 20 ounce denim, is great for making sturdy tote bags. A tote bag made with 20 ounce denim, if made with a square base, will stand up on its own! You can also use heavy denim to make fun items such as kids play tents or durable floor pillows.
Just remember that the more the denim weighs, the tougher it will be. Use a light weight denim for light weight projects and heavy weight denim for strong, durable projects. If you remember that typical denim jeans are made from 12 ounce to 14 ounce denim then you can always know that if you want denim with more drape and less stiffness than jeans you need to buy denim that weighs less than 12 to 14 ounces!
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