Sewing Mesh Material: Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Finish

Mastering Mesh Sewing: Tips and Techniques for a Professional Look

Apr 20 2025

Mastering Mesh Sewing: Tips and Techniques for a Professional Look

Final Words

Still, we should acquire a little know-how on little patch-ups or mending issues at home. What if that mesh pocket pouch needs a bit of caring from its owner?

You can count on this article for emergencies on camping gear too!

Robert Jameson

Hi, I'm Robert Jameson. I'm a textile engineer. As a textile engineer, I design & create fabric. When I'm not busy with my family members, I research, write, and edit content for Fabric Fits.

Soft Netting Fabric

For nylon and possibly polyester mesh, the softest option would be the standard version of netting. Since some netting material only has two applications, standard, and petticoat, this is the preferred style when one wants to move like normal and be comfortable at the same time.

The petticoat netting is stiffer and works best when made into actual petticoats and tutus. The softest netting mesh you can find will be made from silk but that may be a bit expensive for some people.

Polyester has different qualities of softness going from soft to coarse depending on how it was made. There may be some sub-categories that have very soft mesh material, for example, fishnet.

But for the most part, the strength of the material is what takes priority over softness when advertising this fabric option. Maline may be another example of soft mesh as it is made from very fine fibers.

French and Russian net is said to be very coarse material and usually, both are used in accessories like hats and not key fabric areas of a dress. Crinoline is the stiff material used in making petticoats and it is layered to add a nice full effect to the dress or gown over top of it.

How Can You Cut Mesh Fabric for Sewing?

Your initial thought to pop up is probably the scissors. Yes, you are right. Every sewing machine or sewing kit owner has a pair of small or big scissors in their stash.

However, if you want a professional’s opinion, mesh cuts better without bunching if you use a rotary cutter. In that case, keeping a self-healing mat on the work table should be a wiser choice.

Perhaps retain a fraction of the fabric extra when cutting (the edge that will transform as a seam). It is to mend any error you make. Also, never cut two layers in unison if you wish to prevent mismatched patterns.

Tips and Tricks for Sewing Mesh Fabric

Sewing mesh fabric by hand can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques, you’ll be creating beautiful projects in no time! 😊 Here are some essential tips and tricks to help you master the art of working with this delicate material.

Preventing fabric from snagging or tearing

Additionally, placing tissue paper underneath the mesh while sewing can help prevent it from getting caught in your machine or snagging on your work surface. Don’t forget to trim your nails and remove any jewelry that might catch on the fabric – it’s better to be safe than sorry! 👍

Dealing with stretchy mesh fabrics

Stretchy mesh fabrics can be a real handful! 😂 But fear not, there are ways to tame these wild materials. Use a walking foot or even-feed foot on your sewing machine to prevent the fabric from stretching as you sew. If you’re hand-sewing, try using a stretch stitch or a narrow zigzag stitch to allow for some give in the seams.

Did you know that about 70% of sewers report struggling with stretchy fabrics at first? You’re not alone in this journey!

Creating neat seams and hems

Achieving clean, professional-looking seams and hems on mesh fabric can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. For a polished finish, consider using French seams or flat-felled seams. These techniques encase the raw edges of the fabric, preventing fraying and creating a neat appearance.

When hemming, a narrow rolled hem or a baby hem can work wonders. Pro tip: Use a lightweight fusible interfacing to stabilize hems and prevent them from rolling or stretching out of shape. Your projects will look so amazing, you’ll be doing a happy dance! 💃

Reinforcing stress points

Remember, a stitch in time saves nine – or in this case, saves your beautiful mesh creation from falling apart! 😉

Working with multiple layers of mesh

Layering mesh fabric can create stunning effects, but it can also be a bit of a headache. To prevent layers from shifting, use basting spray or temporary fabric adhesive to hold them in place before sewing. When cutting multiple layers, sandwich the fabric between two sheets of tissue paper to keep everything aligned.

Here’s a fun fact: fashion designers often use up to 5 layers of mesh to create depth and texture in their garments. Who knew you could be so fancy with mesh? 🎉

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a mesh-sewing maestro! Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t get discouraged if your first attempts aren’t flawless. Keep at it, and soon you’ll be creating stunning mesh projects that’ll make your friends say, “Wow, where did you buy that?”

Chhaya Mehrotra

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