wrinkly crinkly gauze fabric

[sewingmom]

Need hints for sewing on this stretchy stuff
I read somewhere that some sort of Glad Wrap / plastic wrap is supposed to help in handling it. What do I do with the wrap???

[sewingmom]

here is an update on my treatment of my gauze fabic

1. washed dried and stored folded for several days
2. refolded so fabric is folded in half lengthwise and laid out flat.
3. steamed without pressing to relax the folds and dried in wrinkles spraying with several layers of starch steaming betwing each spraying
4. fabric is laying on cutting table drying from the steam and starch

The selvege edges are more crinkly than the rest of the body of the fabric. It still seems to be pretty stretchy but has more body.
I need hints for successful cutting and sewing.

[Sancin]

I have sewn with the fabric quite often and never done anything to it. I just make sure I am not stretching the fabric when laying it out to cut, tho sometimes, if too wrinkly I do pull it a little to undo some of the wrinkles to ensure the selvages are together.

[sewingmom]

Thanks Nancy, that gives me a bit more confidence in sewing on it. (Its still drying from the steaming and starching )
One of the nurses I work with said she had a terrible time sewing on crinkle gauze. I had wondered what to do and I read a question and answer in Threads vol.149 that gave hints on handling it and I became apprehensive. Today I couldn't remember where I had read it and what it said so had to read through several magazines to find the information. I found it about an hour ago. It says to lay the fabric on tissue or pattern tracing paper and pin the fabric to the paper. The more crinkles the more pins needed. Cut with a rotary cutter or very sharp sheersusing long cuts. It also says to use Glad Press and Seal to hold the layers together to sew them. (2inch strips on each side of the seam extending 1/2 " beyond the edge of the fabric. Stitch through the wrap when stitching the seam.

[bridesmom]

Also use a very simple style of pattern. Too many pieces and or darts will lead to a nightmare I think.

[DorothyL]

I've used that fabric a number of times and agree with Laura and Nancy. A simple pattern will not only make it easier, it will drape better when you wear it.
Other than that nothing special is needed. It's not difficult. I think all the other stuff is overkill.

Dorothy

[sewingmom]

Thanks for the tips. I starched and steamed again this morning because one area appeared stretched out. I will sew on Wednesday. tomorrow I must dig potatoes if it doesn't rain. Today dental checkup and spray for weeds.