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There are two methods you can use to simplify cutting your pattern out of power mesh. The first is to use a tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker pen to trace around the pattern piece directly onto the mesh. If you are going to use this method, make sure the fabric marker will wash out. You can use either pins or pattern weights to hold the pattern still while you draw around it. Power mesh is a synthetic fabric with the appearance of soft, sheer netting. It’s made from a nylon/spandex blend which gives it lots of elasticity. There is a selection of different weights ranging from extremely lightweight to heavy. Also known as compression mesh, this fabric can contour to the shape of your body, helping to disguise any lumpy bits. Depending on the weight of the fabric, the overall fit of a garment containing power mesh will change. A lightweight, loose-knit option will give a comfortable fit and be fairly close to your size. While a heavier weight or densely-knit version will give a tighter fit. Although you can find polyester mesh in activewear and sportswear, it tends to wear out faster than nylon. Because of this, polyester mesh is found more often in screen printing. It provides precision and accuracy to the application of the ink. From fishing nets to sportswear, power mesh is a versatile material. Let’s take a look at some of the key characteristics of the fabric and identify its pros and cons. Cost
Power mesh is a firm fabric ideal for compression garments such as active wear, dance wear, swimwear, medical products, and bra making and lingerie as it conforms to the natural contours of your body. Power mesh is a sheer fabric that is also great for lining compression garments. It is smooth to the touch and comes in different weights. Power mesh can be very lightweight, lightweight, medium weight or heavy. It is often measured by grams per square meter. Unlike many synthetic fabrics, power mesh is breathable. The mesh allows heat to escape and any moisture can evaporate through the holes. This means you won’t feel clammy like you do with polyester fabric. Mesh fabric in one form or another has been around for generations. Originally used as part of the protective clothing for knights, it didn’t start appearing as apparel until the late 19th century. Even then, it didn’t gain popularity as a fashion fabric until the 1980s. Power mesh is a product made from fibers already being produced. Nylon and polyester, for instance, are both fibers being produced for domestic, medical, and commercial reasons. Using them to make power mesh for clothing, bags, fishing nets, or bee-keeping equipment could be seen to offset the negatives of fossil fuel usage. WarmthWhile the lighter weight power mesh can be used for activewear, power net is used to make bras and control wear like girdles and corsets. The tightness of the knit reduces the size of the holes in the net. Which in turn reduces its elasticity. Being less stretchy than power mesh, power net gives a breathable garment that controls and shapes your body while offering comfort and support. 3. Tulle Tulle is the netting used to create veils and ballet costumes. You can even use it to make fairy wings on costumes for little girls. This net fabric creates volume in prom dresses and ball gowns. One of the best things about power mesh is you don’t need to iron it. The fabric retains its shape and doesn’t wrinkle easily. If you need your lingerie to be washed and go, power mesh could be just what you are looking for. How Is Power Mesh Fabric Made? Always be cognizant of the care instructions provided by the retailer for your specific fabric. I am not responsible for fabric that has been damaged while laundered under your care. These are general instructions and will not apply to all power mesh fabrics. A nylon-based power mesh has a higher elasticity than polyester. This means nylon will outlast its polyester cousin, giving you better longevity in your power mesh garments.
Now you know what power mesh is, can you use it in your next project? Read on to find out more about this versatile fabric. Discover its pros and cons and find out how easy it is to work with. What Is Power Mesh Fabric? Power mesh is perfect for bra bands and panties. It is a lightweight yet durable fabric that offers 4-way stretch and breathability giving you the comfort and ease to wear this fabric all day long. 4-way stretch is preferable for undergarments in particular bra bands. Since the bra band wraps around your rib cage it needs to be able to expand comfortably as you breathe. It also needs to have superior recovery to allow the breast tissue to remain within the bra cup as the band stretches. Don’t worry if you don’t have a serger, you can sew power mesh on a normal sewing machine. You will need a ball-point or a stretch needle and you’ll need to use a zigzag stitch. Some sewing machines have a 3-step zigzag which will give you a cleaner, stronger finish, especially on lingerie.Another way to keep your athletic wear away from hot temperatures is to make sure you hand wash your sports gear. Using a mild detergent will also help protect the delicate fibers. Breathability is also of high importance when selecting bra and lingerie fabric. The fibers in power mesh are structured in a way that allow your skin to breathe while absorbing perspiration and not irritating the skin. This is of paramount importance for lingerie, specifically underwear. Power mesh is also soft to the touch adding another layer of comfort to this fabric and all your lingerie sewing projects. Best Practices when sewing with power mesh: Nylon mesh is used when durability, strength, and versatility are important to a project’s success. Teamed with spandex, nylon mesh is the most popular form of power mesh. Power Mesh: A Brief History Not only is power mesh for an everyday bra but it is also great for lining a sports bra or adding decorative elements to your pattern. Power mesh conforms to the natural contours of you body which lends itself to being very comfortable for active women. You can easily use the same power mesh to make matching sportswear for your sports bra. Such as leggings, shorts and tops. Dance wear It’s an ugly truth, but power mesh tends to be produced from synthetic fibers, which means it’s petroleum-based. A reliance on fossil fuels is considered unsustainable. Not only that, but the production process is resource and labor-intensive.
There’s a long list of items that power mesh is a top choice for. Its impressive elasticity and famous compression properties make it unbeatable for shapewear and figure-hugging apparel. Power Mesh Fabric by the Yard Lining your garment with a heavyweight power mesh will reduce the size, pulling you in and smoothing your curves. This is one of the reasons this fabric is so popular in shapewear. As power mesh is a synthetic blend, you should use a synthetic thread to sew it with. A polyester thread is ideal as it will stretch with the fabric. Using a natural fiber thread like cotton will hamper the stretch of the fabric and cause the thread to break. ConclusionFirst of all, I would like to start by saying that the Power Mesh line is so good, that I have these leggings in more than 7 colors or so. Honestly, I have never tried such a high quality item and in such a good price before. With power mesh, you have a choice of fibers that go into its production. Nylon and polyester are the top two as they are synthetic and relatively cheap to produce. Power mesh was founded by a British company called Aertex. The owner, Lewis Haslam began looking into the benefits of fabrics made with a loose-knit. By the mid-1980s, clothing made from Aertex mesh had been adopted by Popstars and sportswear companies. Ensuring its entrenchment into fashion culture. Power mesh is a durable, high quality fabric made of nylon and spandex. It usually comes in a 4 way stretch although I have come across some that are 2 way stretch. It offers great recovery, is smooth to the touch and comes in a variety of weights. It is especially useful for bra making and lingerie sewing projects. Below are a few lingerie patterns and pattern shop suggestions and activewear pattern suggestions to get you started on your power mesh sewing journey! Lingerie Pattern/Pattern Shop Recommendations:
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