Brocade is one of those fabrics that are always on trend, always elegant, and can sometimes be a bit intimidating to work with. Unique textures and metallic threads make for both a unique look and sewing experience. Let’s discuss some tips and tricks for working with this gorgeous fabric so you can grab it from your stash with confidence and transform it into your next great creation!
Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 3 yards Metallic Gold and Pea Green Floral Luxury Brocade
- MDF205 – The Tecoma Blouse Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated. See chart below for sizing specifications. Note, this specific pattern is available up to a size 30.
Tips for Cutting & Sewing Brocade
Keep Edges from Fraying
- Use pinking sheers
Pinking sheers feature a zig-zag edge, which leaves a crisp finish that often doesn’t unravel. A pinked edge on brocade will still continue to fray, but it will do so much more slowly than a straight edge cut, allowing you more time to neatly sew your garment.
- Serge (or zig-zag stitch) edges after cutting
If pinking sheers aren’t in your arsenal, you can get an even cleaner seam allowance by serging the edges of your garment pieces or running them through a regular machine with a zig-zag or overlock stitch.
- Try a lightweight iron-on interfacing
If you’d prefer to avoid adding extra holes in to your fabric, even in the seam allowance, adding a lightweight iron-on interfacing to the back of your fabric will also hold it together while you sew, minimizing fraying and unraveling.
- Use extra wide seam allowances
For projects with a tighter deadline, you could simply add some extra seam allowance to your project. This will help as you’re sewing, and it will keep your seams stronger in the long run.
Tips for Sewing Brocade
This type of presser foot moves the top and bottom layers of your fabric evenly, making it the perfect option for thick projects, knits, or even tricky fabrics like brocade.
- Switch to a finer needle and thread
When sewing with brocade, I’d strongly recommend a sharp or microtex needle and fine thread such as silk.
Tips for Caring for Brocade
Do not wash brocade in the washing machine. Brocade can pull along the seams, causing a puckering effect that is very hard to remove. The fabric may also shrink, depending on what the brocade is made from.
I just started sewing recently , i just want to thank you for making these beautiful patterns available !
I am considering making this blouse for my son’s wedding. Are there any construction instructions or am I missing them?
Instructions for the Tecoma Blouse can be found here. 🙂
Thank you!
Gracias!!! Hoy soy la mujer más feliz porque encontré esto! Xoxo
I am over the moon with your beautiful patterns. I just don’t know where to start.
I need to make my outfit for my daughter’s wedding. You have given me so many ideas
I have been unable to download pattern MDF205. A brocade blouse for special o occasion. Ca you help?
I have downloaded all the others I needed..
Cindy
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Hello, please email info@moodfabrics.com for any issues with downloading patterns.
I have bought several pieces of your brocade. The majority of which is a light to medium weight fabric. I want to make dress jackets out of the same and need some advice on how I can “beef” the material up. Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Joy, we’re sorry for the delay in responding to your question! We get dozens of comments and questions each day, and so many questions get buried and, unfortunately, unanswered. We are now focusing user support on patterns 2 years and newer. We hope this will prevent questions on our more current patterns from going unanswered. Although this is late, we wanted to respond in case anyone else has the same question: We recommend using a light to medium weight fusible to each piece, underlining to add stability which will add body and structure to each piece. We recommend cotton batiste, organza, cotton broadcloth, tulle or muslin.
Do you think this would work with Mood’s Cotton Sateen?
Hello Jess, although this would look great with Mood’s cotton sateen, this pattern will require a fabric with more weight and structure to fit properly.
Is it better to wash the brocade before cutting or after cutting? I tailor told me that brocade should be washed before sewing so that it will be more supple to work with.
Yes, washing the brocade before sewing would be the best option.