1. Home
  2. Sewing Discussions
  3. Measuring stretch in layered fabric?

Measuring stretch in layered fabric?

Does anyone know how you measure stretch in fabrics that have been layered? For example, if you laminate two tricots of about 75% stretch each (with the stretch in the same direction) will you end up with about 50%? (multiply the stretch factors?) Another example: If I want about 35% stretch out of my tricot and powernet laminate, and my tricot is 75% stretch, should I look for a 50% stretch powernet?

All this is for my bras. I've measured the stretch in each of the bras from which I made patterns. If this multiplication method works I should have a lot more freedom to choose fabrics. Interestingly I was baffled by my Panache Tango II bra, which is made of said tricot-on-tricot. It should have been about 50% stretch, but was coming out under 25%. It turns out that the sparsely distributed pattern of embroidered leaves was having a big effect. In the non-embroidered areas it is indeed much stretchier. I plan to just shoot for an average in there somewhere.

Pora

Reply to
wurstergirl
Loading thread data ...

Thanks Cea. It looks like this isn't a known thing, since no one else responded. I'll have to do my own tests, bleah.

Pora

Reply to
wurstergirl

I've just lent my stretch book to a pal, but as far as I remember, if you double the fabric you halve the stretch: two layers with 50% stretch will give you 25% stretch.

Reply to
Kate Dicey

Dear Pora,

The rule for stretch is probably the same as the rule for chain--only as strong as its weakest link.

It would seem that the fabric without built-in stretch, cut on the bias, would be the least stretchy of the three.

Teri

Reply to
gjones2938

This is a good way of thinking of it. Between you and Kate, you've shown the two possibilities. Kate's description bears out my idea of multiplying the factors: .5x.5=.25.

(Tee hee, I've always wondered if the "weakest link" theory works for sunscreen. If you mix two SPFs what do you get?)

Pora

Reply to
wurstergirl

Sticky! ;)

Reply to
Kate Dicey

Lol!

BTW, I tried some Ulla Dessous bras on 48J. These bras are UNBELIEVABLE. Absolute luxury garments for the very full-figured. Sumptuous and soft laces, super fine jersey cup lining, 1.25" wide luxury straps, high-end construction techniques, and some stretch back fabric that I've never even seen before. The 52I was even too big and we're exchanging for a smaller cup. Stunning colors and fabrics and super comfortable for her. I wish I could show these to every large woman! Needless to say I'll be making a pattern from the 52H. (The wires are 60Ls, dead on.) Take that, Goddess!

P.

Reply to
wurstergirl

Looks like I shall shortly be looking for a smaller size again! Possibly a 30E. Do they do those?

Reply to
Kate Dicey

Reply to
Pat in Virginia

It's the incredible shrinking woman! What year was it you stopped eating?

Ulla doesn't come in 30E, but here are some that do:

Anita (calls it F) Aubade (F) Berdita Berlei Charnos Decent Exposures Elle Macpherson EnVie Fantasie Fayreform Freya Gossard Kalyani Lejaby (F) Miss Mandalay Panache Prima Donna (F) Rigby & Peller Royce Silhouette Warner's Young Attitude

Pora

Reply to
wurstergirl

I haven't! I put a pound on this week, but I don't care as the measured bust went down to 35", waist to 28", and hips to 39.5" While I'm not swimming this weekend, I will make up for it in dog walking (which, judging by today's rain, could easily be mistaken for swimming!).

Thanks! That gives me something to start with.

Reply to
Kate Dicey

Sheesh Kate!!! we have the same hips (or VERY close) but you are smaller than me everywhere else!!! I'm impressed!!!

Larisa, wishing she had a 28" waist

Reply to
off kilter quilter

:) *I'm* impressed! I never thought I could stick with this, but I have managed. I always say that if *I* can lose weight with Weight Watchers, anyone can! It's the easiest and kindest way to lose, and allows for treats, celebrations, and holidays, without making you do the guilt trip every time.

Hm... I'm never going to get back to the 20" waist of my late teens/early 20's, but I could do with another 2" going. That won't be weight, though: that will be the swimming and walking!

I just had a nice walk with James, Alan, the dog, and several sticks! Made up for feeling dire this morning and staying home to dog sit rather than swim.

Reply to
Kate Dicey

InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.