Uses for SEWING AND MAKING clothES

Today polyester fabric is used to make affordable, functional, easily maintainable garments .

A blend of cotton and polyester is used to make shirts, blouses and other clothes; the polyester /wool blend is good as suit fabric. 100% polyester is used to make upholstery cloth, awning fabric, jackets, lining. Polyester fiberfill is used as stuffing in cushions, comforters, mattresses, quilts, and pillows. I sew a lot with polyester or polyester blends because it is so readily available and so cheap.

Monofilament thread used in sewing and embroidery is made with polyester fiber. Sewing thread made with this fiber is very strong.

Polar fleece is used to make outdoor clothes. Pleated fabrics are almost always polyester

What are popular uses?

• Fashion
• Sportswear
• Fleeces
• Coats and anoraks
• Bedding such as sheets, duvet covers and sleeping bags
• Footwear
• Fillings for duvets (due to its insulating properties)
• Sewing threads
• Soft furnishings and upholstery
• Textiles
• Luggage and other bags

Industrial polyester fibres are also used in things like conveyor belt fabrics, seat belts, plastic reinforcements and more.

Major types

Microfiber

Microfiber fabric has properties like moisture-wicking and moisture resistance which makes them ideal for making sports apparel. They are very lightweight and comfortable to wear. They can also be water repellent and can be worn to resist rain and wind conditions. Microfiber can also be a blend of polyester and nylon fibers. Learn more about microfiber fabric here.

Polar fleece

PET polyester is used to produce polar fleece fabric, after combining it with acrylic, nylon, or virgin polyester fiber to add strength. Learn more about the nature of different fleece fabrics

Spun polyester

This is a woven or knitted fabric with a soft feel, as it is made with fibers which are softened by agitation. It is a nice comfortable dressmaking fabric. It is also durable.

Polyester fabric – blends

The material is combined with different fibers to create richer textiles with the qualities and characteristics of these combinations. Polyester is generally combined with natural fibers to make fabrics with better longevity, wrinkle resistance, and light weight. A Poly-blend material is a mixture of two or more poly components resulting in a new material.

Polyester yarns are woven or knitted as they are or combined with other fibers forming blended fabrics. Cotton, linen, ramie, rayon and wool fibers are blended this way.

These blended fabrics have qualities that belong to the extra fibers combined with the properties of polyester fibers. When blended with cotton the fabric takes on qualities like wrinkle-resistance and low shrinkage and breathability to a degree. But the bad qualities may also be inherited like a tendency to melt with high heat and a bad case of pilling.

Velvet is a cotton/polyester blend fabric and it is one of the most used fabric for making clothes and upholstery. Broadcloth is a blend of cotton and polyester and it is very popular as a dressmaking fabric. Rayon and polyester blends (Rayon challis) are great as dressmaking fabric as they are very soft and drapey. Polyester/spandex blend is used to make fitting figure-hugging clothes

Many of these fabrics are woven or treated with fabric finishes that make them look like natural fabrics- this fabric may look like raw silk but is really polyester. Plisse is a cotton-polyester blend with a wrinkled look. There is a polyester-cotton fabric which looks a lot like linen. Read more about blended textiles.

Woven Polyester Fabrics

Polyester fabric can be produced using two main techniques: weaving and knitting. In this section, we will explore the various types of woven polyester fabrics and their unique characteristics.

Taffeta

Taffeta is a lightweight woven polyester fabric that is known for its smooth and crisp texture. It is commonly used in evening gowns, bridal wear, and other formal attire. Taffeta fabric has a high sheen and a slight stiffness, which gives it a luxurious appearance.

It is often used for creating structured garments due to its ability to hold its shape well.

One of the key features of taffeta is its durability. It is resistant to wrinkles and retains its color even after multiple washes. This makes it a popular choice for garments that require frequent cleaning.

Additionally, taffeta fabric is known for its resistance to stretching, making it ideal for garments that need to maintain their shape over time.

It is important to note that taffeta fabric can vary in thickness. Some taffeta fabrics are thin and lightweight, while others are thicker and more substantial. The choice of thickness depends on the desired end use of the fabric.

Polyester Suiting

Polyester suiting is a versatile woven polyester fabric that is commonly used in professional attire such as suits, blazers, and trousers. It is known for its durability and wrinkle resistance, making it an excellent choice for garments that require frequent wear and laundering.

One of the advantages of polyester suiting is its ability to retain its shape and resist stretching. This ensures that the garments made from this fabric maintain their tailored look over time. Additionally, polyester suiting is known for its resistance to fading, allowing the garment to retain its color vibrancy even after prolonged use.

Polyester suiting is available in a range of weights, from lightweight options suitable for warm weather to heavier options for cooler climates. This makes it a versatile fabric that can be used for various seasons and climates.

When it comes to care, polyester suiting is relatively low maintenance. It can be machine washed and requires little to no ironing, making it a convenient choice for busy professionals.