Our years of experience and deep expertise in the world of fabrics have brought us to research and analyze acrylic fabric, a popular choice for many sewing projects. Our analysis of this material revealed both advantages and disadvantages that are important for any sewist to consider before choosing a fabric. After trying out this fabric in various sewing applications, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to the pros and cons of acrylic fabric, as well as some tips and alternatives for those looking to substitute this material in their projects. Read on to learn more about acrylic fabric and how it can enhance or detract from your sewing projects.
Our research indicates that acrylic fabric comes with a range of advantages that make it a popular choice for many sewists. Some of the key advantages of using acrylic fabric in your sewing projects include:
- Durability and longevity: This fabric is incredibly strong and can withstand wear and tear for years to come.
- Retains color well: Acrylic fabric is known for its ability to hold color well, making it perfect for colorful designs that maintain their vibrancy over time.
- Resistant to stains and wrinkles: This fabric is also resistant against stains and wrinkles, making it an excellent choice for items that require low maintenance and everyday use.
- Affordable: Acrylic fabric is relatively inexpensive, making it an excellent option for sewists on a budget or for larger projects that require larger amounts of fabric.
- Easy to care for: This fabric is very easy to care for, typically machine washable and can be air-dried without any hassle or additional special care.
Based on our observations, acrylic fabric is an attractive choice for sewists looking for a balance between affordability, low-maintenance and durability. These advantages make this fabric suitable for a broad range of projects.
However, like any other fabric, acrylic fabric also comes with some disadvantages that sewists should be aware of before using it in any project. Our investigation demonstrated that some notable disadvantages of using acrylic fabric in your sewing projects are:
- Can be itchy or uncomfortable on sensitive skin: The fabric can have a coarse feel, which can make it uncomfortable against sensitive skin.
- Not as breathable as natural fibers: Acrylic fabric does not breathe as naturally as other fabrics, which means it is not an ideal choice for garments that require moisture-wicking properties such as activewear.
- May pill or snag easily: When we trialed this product, we noticed that acrylic fabric can be prone to pilling and snagging, which can affect the overall look of your finished garment over time.
- Limited stretch and drape compared to other fabrics: Acrylic fabric also has limited stretch and drape when compared to other fabrics, meaning it may not be suitable for projects requiring a lot of movement or shape manipulation.
- May not hold shape well when washed: The fabric may lose its shape and stretch integrity when washed and dried, ultimately shortening the lifespan of a product made with this fabric.
In our experience, if you prefer natural fibers or require more stretch than acrylic fabric can offer, there are a range of other options to consider that offer similar properties.
Working with acrylic fabric can be a bit tricky, but with the right approach, you can create beautiful projects that last for years to come. Our findings show that some tips for sewing with acrylic fabric are:
- Use a universal needle or one specifically designed for synthetic fabrics: Acrylic fabric can be tough to sew through, so using a proper needle is critical to avoid breakage or snagging.
- Adjust your stitch length and tension accordingly: A longer stitch length will prevent the fabric from bunching, and a looser tension allows the needle to move through smoothly.
- Avoid using a hot iron or pressing too hard to prevent melting: Acrylic fabric has a low melting point, and a hot iron can quickly ruin your entire project.
- Use a pressing cloth or steam from a distance to avoid direct contact with the fabric: A pressing cloth or steaming from a distance prevents an accidental melting mishap, A simple step that can save much stress.
- Test any fusible products on a scrap piece of fabric before applying to your project: Adhesive materials can quickly ruin the fabric look, which can be prevented by applying fusibles first on a small piece of fabric sample, as well can give you an idea of the final product view.
After trying out this product ourselves, we have found that these tips help to minimize errors and create equally beautiful and strong project results with acrylic fabric.
If you decide that acrylic fabric isn’t the right choice for your project, there are a range of alternatives available that offer similar properties and styles. Some suitable alternatives include:
- Cotton/polyester blends: A blend of cotton and polyester creates a fabric that is soft, breathable, durable and affordable, ideal for those who prefer the natural feel of cotton yet wants an affordable option.
- Wool or cashmere: For a high-end alternative, wool or cashmere offers warmth, comfort, and breathability, with a soft touch against sensitive skin and the ability to absorb moisture.
- Polyester or nylon: These fabrics provide durability, water resistance, and easy-care, making them ideal for outerwear or activewear.
Through our trial and error experience, we discovered that by choosing the right alternative fabric can add a new and attractive dimension to your project.
When ending a stitch on these alternative fabrics, it is essential to tie it off securely. We suggest you go through this how-to guide on tying off a stitch: https://monicasquiltandbead.com/how-to-tie-off-a-stitch/ to be sure of a tidy finished product
Interesting facts
– Acrylic fabrics are a popular choice for clothing and home decor projects because of their durability and resistance to stains and wrinkles.
– Despite these advantages, acrylic fabrics may not be as comfortable on sensitive skin and can lack the breathability of natural fibers like cotton.
– When sewing with acrylic fabric, it’s important to adjust your stitching and pressing techniques accordingly to avoid damaging the fabric.
– If you’re considering using chambray or denim instead of acrylic fabric for your project, be sure to check out this helpful article on the differences between the two: Chambray vs Denim.
FAQ
What is acrylic fabric made of?
Acrylic fabric is made from a synthetic polymer called polyacrylonitrile.
How durable is acrylic fabric compared to other fabrics?
Acrylic fabric is known for its durability and longevity, making it a popular choice for clothing and home decor projects.
Is acrylic fabric flammable?
Acrylic fabric is flammable and can melt when exposed to high temperatures.
What are the advantages of using acrylic fabric?
Advantages of using acrylic fabric include its durability, ability to retain color well, resistance to stains and wrinkles, affordability, and ease of care.
Are there any disadvantages to using acrylic fabric?
Disadvantages of using acrylic fabric include its potential to be itchy or uncomfortable on sensitive skin, lack of breathability, and limited stretch and drape compared to other fabrics.
What types of projects is acrylic fabric best suited for?
Acrylic fabric is well-suited for a variety of sewing projects, including clothing, blankets, and home decor items.
How do I care for acrylic fabric?
Acrylic fabric is easy to care for and can typically be machine washed and dried on a low heat setting.
Can I sew acrylic fabric with a regular sewing machine needle?
While a universal needle can be used to sew acrylic fabric, it’s recommended to use a needle specifically designed for synthetic fabrics.
Do I need to prewash acrylic fabric before using it in my project?
It’s typically not necessary to prewash acrylic fabric before using it in a sewing project.
What are some alternatives to acrylic fabric?
Alternatives to acrylic fabric include cotton/polyester blends, wool or cashmere, and polyester or nylon for a more durable and waterproof option.
Real experience
Alicia, a young and passionate DIY enthusiast, had been working on a project making a beautiful teddy bear for her niece’s upcoming birthday. Alicia had decided to use acrylic fabric for the project due to its durability and affordability. However, as she began to work with it, she soon realized the downsides of acrylic fabric. It was itchy and uncomfortable on the sensitive skin of her fingers, and the limited stretch made the details on the bear’s face difficult to sew. Despite the drawbacks, Alicia persisted, carefully adjusting her stitch length and needle type and even using a pressing cloth to avoid direct contact with the fabric. In the end, she was proud of her hard work and the teddy bear turned out beautifully. Alicia learned a valuable lesson about the advantages and disadvantages of working with acrylic fabric, and was excited to explore other fabric options for her future projects.
As per our expertise, choosing the right fabric is crucial to the success of any sewing project. Through our trial and error, we discovered that acrylic fabric has some unique advantages and disadvantages that make it an attractive option for some projects and a less than perfect match for others.
Considering the appropriate tips we shared above, you can minimize the challenges of sewing with acrylic fabric and create a high-quality project. Moreover, in case you develop an interest in alternatives, we have also shared some alternatives to acrylic fabric that can open up a world of new possibilities for your sewing projects.
It is also important to ensure you are using the correct type of needles and adjusting stitch length and tension for your desired fabric while working on all projects. You can learn more about different types of sewing needles and their uses by following this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sewing_needle.
Remember, no matter which fabric you choose, it’s always important to take the time to select the one that works best for your particular project. By doing so, you’ll be sure to create a beautiful finished product that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.