FABRIC Soft, supple faux suede is easy to sew

Choosing a pattern suitable for napped fabrics is vital.
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
Many of today's popular fabrics are lightweight with a suede-like feel, perfect for the transition into spring. They are not real suede, nor are they Ultrasuede, the original faux from decades ago. They don't require much special handling.
What we are seeing now are two types of synthetic suedes.
The first is soft and supple, and fairly expensive. Such fabrics look the same on both sides.
The second type is found in woven and knit fabrics that simply have a brushed, suede-like surface. These are less expensive, usually are made of polyester and come in a variety of weights.
For both, choose patterns suitable for napped fabric, much as you would for corduroy or velvet. Generally, they are wrinkle resistant, machine washable and comfortable to wear.
Although they don't shrink, laundering might make them softer and easier to handle when machine sewing. It also would reduce skipped stitches.
In one direction
Cut the garment in one direction, with the sueded nap running up for a rich, dark look, or with the nap going down for a slightly lighter look. If you're using the type that looks the same on both sides, be sure to mark the wrong side to avoid confusion, and also try to pin into the seam allowances on these.
Conventional sewing with 5/8 inch seams is suitable for lightweight to medium fabrics and most pattern designs.
These synthetics don't hold a crease well. When possible, press on the wrong side, using the lowest steam setting. A press cloth helps prevent flattening the nap.
Sew with a longer stitch and a needle to suit the weight of the fabric. If the underneath layer of fabric tends to creep, try a Teflon-coated foot, roller foot or even-feed foot.
An attractive way to hold the seams and edges flat is with topstitching. For a welted effect, press the seam open and then to one side; topstitch on the outside, catching the underneath seam allowance.