5 Types of Narrow Goods That Are Used in Sewing Projects
Narrow goods are special items that you can use in sewing projects to fulfill a variety of needs. As a general rule, narrow goods are usually only a few inches wide and have sealed edges. But, they can be made from many different materials including cotton, polyester, and nylon. Exploring the five main types of narrow goods that you might use in a sewing project helps you begin planning to purchase the right materials for high-quality finished work.
1- Find Quality Webbing
Webbing is a thin fabric that has quite a bit of strength considering its lack of thickness. Webbing might be made from nylon, polypropylene, or other materials that you can choose from to create items such as straps, decorative trim, and tie-downs for transportation services. When you choose webbing, you’ll want to ensure that it has at least the minimal strength or higher for the demands of the finished item. For instance, webbing for purse straps should be able to hold an average amount of weight without causing the fabric to break.
2- Choose From an Assortment of Elastic
Most sewing projects will call for a specific elastic width to fit the casing. Following the pattern’s recommendations helps to ensure that the finished project works properly. Elastic is a stretchy material that can come in a variety of different colors. While you might choose white elastic for projects where it is covered up, you could prefer a different color that matches the fabric when it is exposed. Camouflage elastic is a popular type of narrow goods to use for tactical gear.
3- Finish Your Projects With the Right Binding
Binding is a narrow strip of fabric that often folds around the raw edges of a finished project to create a smooth look and hold the pieces together. You’ve likely seen this type of narrow fabric used on quilts. You might also need binding for sewing garments, backpacks, and purses.
4- Use Seam Tape For Greater Durability
Binding works well when you want to create a flawless look for raw edges on fabric that need to go together, and you can sometimes avoid having to sew a seam. However, there are times when you finished seams that need a little extra protection. Seam tape helps to seal the tiny holes that are left behind by sewing needles. Sealing seams with tape is especially important for projects that are designed for use outdoors such as tarps and boat covers.
5- Add Functional and Decorative Accents With Cord
A cord is one of the more interesting types of narrow goods that you’ll use for sewing. A cord is great for creating pull ties on backpacks and other gear. You can choose decorative cord to place on sewing projects as an embellishment. You can also wrap the cord in fabric to create an embellishment that matches the finished work.
As you get ready to plan your sewing project, finding a reputable fabric and material supplier can ensure that you never have to waste time looking for the right supplies. Whether you’re sewing outdoor furniture cushions, backpacks, or other unique items, you’ll find that finishing your sewing projects goes faster when you have everything you need on hand to complete to produce quality projects.