What Is Liverpool Fabric

Although knit fabrics are extremely comfortable to wear, sewing them may sound challenging. They are stretchy and slippery, which is why sewers have a tough time with them. But with Liverpool fabrics, it’s unquestionable why sewers choose it over other knit fabrics. Here’s to learning further.

Liverpool fabrics blend all good features of the structured as well as knit fabrics. Apparently, this is why it comes under the sewing limelight. What’s more, it has garnered critical acclaim in the fashion industry.

And today, Liverpool stands as a perfect material to sew almost anything – starting from skirts, cocktail dresses, to even pants and blazers! On this note, let’s read on and learn the important facts about it. And if you’ve been wondering how to sew Liverpool fabric more easily, here’s your guide to learning everything about it.

What Is Liverpool Fabric?

You might have already known that it’s less stretchy than the rest of the knit fabrics. Incidentally, it has its own weight, which is why; it is more structured & less flowy.

In fact, it drags when you use it for loose-fitting apparel. Moreover, it has a beautiful appeal for body-hugging structures, too –it offers the right structure sans clinging on to the body.

A majority of these fabrics are made of 3% spandex and 97% polyester. Thus, it’s really easy to maintain besides being immensely versatile. Basically, it’s the double-knit fabric having less stretch and weight than those regular knits. As a matter of fact, the fabric has a textured side (outside) and a smoother side (inside).

So, from the aforementioned description, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to describe the material as a gorgeous blend of lighter materials (like a crepe) and medium-weight double-knits. After all, you can get them in different patterns and colors too!

5 Usages of Liverpool Fabrics

If it’s a fashion outfit, the secret lies in the material you choose. In fact, it has a significant impact on your final model. And there are multiple fabrics types a sewer can get in the market and experiment accordingly.

In this respect, experimenting with Liverpool fabrics makes sense. Especially when it’s about perfection, here are the most attractive ways how you can execute your project via this fabric. Let’s learn from the narrative.

#1 Flared/A-Line/Pencil Skirts

Whatever design you choose, this fabric is your standalone option. From the trendy styles on the Internet, you can choose the right model for the body structure. Also, you may use it for making circle skirts too.

#2 Cocktail Dresses

As they are available in versatile hues and patterns, choosing the right shade for the cocktail dress doesn’t sound intimidating. In fact, the material will flow subtly without much movement. Also, it’s soft to accentuate the curves & create a perfect look.

#3 Blazers

Be it a casual jacket or a formal blazer, Liverpool wins every sewer’s heart. With such a trendy outfit, you can couple your look with a pair of denim! With this material, your blazer looks more defined and structured.

#4 Peplum Tops

So, peplum tops are another consideration when it comes to using Liverpool for a fashion outfit. Design-wise, the material hugs the bust part of the body. Also, you can even achieve a defined waistline that you wish to accentuate.

#5 Pants

The only demand that pants have is to get some weight that can flaunt your figure. And Liverpool fabrics grant that wish accordingly. However, you should ensure that it’s not that stiff to prevent you from moving comfortably.

3 Simple Methods to Sew Stretch Fabrics (Like Liverpool) And Ensure Success

Stitching Liverpool fabrics is way easier than other stretch or knit materials. But just in case you want extra assurance of success, you can follow some simple methods. On this note, let’s talk about the straightforward procedures to sew stretch fabrics like Liverpool. Read on.

Method 1: Using A Ballpoint Needle

The first step that you have to consider is to opt for a ballpoint needle. As a matter of fact, stretch fabrics need one ballpoint needle. The simple reason why you need to use such a needle is that it’s simple and plain.

On a further note, sharp needles used for the woven fabrics tear the holes in any knit fabric. And if you have experienced such a scenario, you already know how intimidating it becomes. Thus, you need to start with the ballpoint needle. And ensure that you use it correctly.

Method 2: Selecting A Matching or Contrasting Polyester Thread

It goes without saying that polyester threads are the all-purpose option. So, it’s widely available in the current marketplace. So, in case you are using cotton threads (like other quilting jobs), you should better switch over.

Using polyester threads would help you sew better when it’s about stitching Liverpool knits. As a matter of fact, polyester threads come with a tiny stretching element. Thus, it becomes more resilient if you stretch your t-shirt or skirt hem. Nonetheless, cotton threads do not have feature stretchiness.

Method 3: Stitching Method to Choose

Due to the stretchiness of knit fabrics, people love wearing them. But when it comes to sewing, it might become complex. So, out of the three methods, this method happens to be the most crucial one.

Despite using a polyester thread, the straight stitched seam might not get stretched enough to accommodate the fabric’s stretch. But a serged one can stretch! However, you don’t need to worry just in case you do not have a serger for that! Follow these steps:

Step 1: Using The Appropriate Stitch

You can look for a sewing machine that comprises a ‘stretch stitch’. Alternatively, you can even check for the ‘lightning bolt’ stitch. However, you can simply set your sewing machine. To do so, you need to be careful about the practice.

Firstly, you need to set the sewing machine and turn it into a narrow zigzag! For this reason, you can use a width consisting of around 0.5-1. On that note, the length should be around 3. In fact, this stitch can be used for all the knit fabric sewing, including hems.

Alternatively, you can opt for an overedge stitch that locks the fabric’s edge so that it finishes the seam in a single pass. Besides a narrow zigzag, straight, and overedge stitch, you can also use a twin-needle stitch.

Step 2: Trying Various Presser Foot

It’s noteworthy to say that your pressure foot is also a crucial consideration when it’s about sewing a stretchy fabric like Liverpool. So, you need to try multiple presser feet in order to get perfect at your stitching.

For this reason, you can use a dual-feed foot. Alternatively, you can use opt for the foot attachment for the sewing machine. Honestly, it’s an incredible idea that helps you stop one layer of the material from stretching out while stitching. For this reason, you can consider checking the manual of the machine!

One Pro Tip:

When you plan for stitching buttonholes in your Liverpool fabric, it is recommended to sew in the direction of the least stretch. It might get challenging with the four-way stretch fabric.

However, you can test the sides in order to stabilize the wrong side with the fusible interfacing. This will offer a stable and beautiful buttonhole. Now that you’ve understood the facts and facets of using this material, here are the two questions commonly asked by fans concerning Liverpool fabric.

Why Should I Use Liverpool Fabric?

Fabrics are available in multiple textures. Thus, you may experiment with various designs with them until and unless you find the perfect one. Firstly, it falls straight, and this makes it a perfect material.

The material happens to be stiffer than any other single-knit materials. For this reason, it makes the fabric special. So, when you require a structured fabric, you must opt for this one.

The next thing that you need to know is that it’s seamless to work compared to any other stretchy fabrics. For amateur sewing enthusiasts and beginners, this material turns out to be easier to control & maneuver than any other material.

Also, it may be the best body-hugging material. And unlike any other heavier material, the material can stretch enough to hug body curves sans being clingy. As it wears prim and proper, this fabric is durable. Also, it withstands an everyday use too.

Furthermore, it looks amazing after getting washed. Thus, it’s an incredible idea for the pieces that you may wear quite often. For puffed sleeves, this medium-weight material can be a perfect choice.

Also, it gives extra volume for the peplum tops! So, these are the reasons that clearly indicate the importance of using Liverpool fabric.

When Shouldn’t You Opt for The Liverpool Fabric?

Unlike other fabrics, Liverpool isn’t suitable for pleats and drapes. As a matter of fact, it happens to be a medium-weight fabric. Thus, it would not flow as beautifully as any other lighter material.

Incidentally, for summer days, this fabric can be extremely hot. For workout outfits, it’s not a nice choice. So, these are the times when you shouldn’t choose the Liverpool fabric.

Jessica

Jessica

I'm Jessica Flores, a professional fashion designer and an expert seamstress. Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years. I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills. It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.

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