Sewing with our hibiscus stretch rayon

Our latest feature fabric is this bright hibiscus stretch rayon.

We received this fabric as a donation from a film production which was wrapping. Our Social Fabric was initially set up as a reaction to the fabric waste being generation by the movie industry in Vancouver. Now we are able to recycle waste fabric like this rayon and make it available to you at fantastic prices! 

Lightweight and breathable, this stretch rayon is our new team favourite. With oh so much drape and STRETCH! This rayon is so comfortable to wear. 

It’s really versatile, and we can imagine it being used for dresses, jumpsuits, blouses and relaxed fit pants and skirts. Our team sewed up a few samples to show you how it looks sewn up. Don’t they look great?!

Gemma, Colleen, Heidi and Cornelia show off their latest makes.

Let’s look at each one in turn.

First up is Gemma who used McCalls M7969 to sew up her dress. This is what she has to say,

“The drape of the rayon works wonderfully on this dress. It is really soft and comfortable to wear. I made view A with no modifications or alterations. Though I did size down two sizes from where the pattern chart put me! One size because I always find McCall’s pattern have a lot of ease and another size because of the stretch in this fabric.  

I’ve used elastic to pull in the waistline on previous versions of this dress but left it loose on this one as I like the looser feel on warmer days. The sleeves cover my arms and reduce sun exposure but the float of the fabric keeps me cool. I think the end result fits me well and I’m looking forward to some sunny days to wear it out!”

Heidi made two garments! Here she is modelling her first one, the Paper Theory Zadie Jumpsuit:

Heidi shares, “I sewed view B. I have sewed this jumpsuit before in a non stretch fabric and it was hard to get out of.  I love it in this fabric it has just the right amount of stretch and because it has a great drape it falls nicely.  I would probable shorten the straps next time.  I shortened the torso because I am very short waisted.”

Cornelia modelled Heidi’s second make, the Chalk and Notch Fringe dress:

Heidi goes on to say, “I sewed version view A without the epaulets. The stretch and drape of this fabric worked great. I shortened the waist on the pattern because the fabric had more stretch than was required.  This fabric is very drapey and works fantastically on this dress since it is gathered at the waist. 

And finally Colleen shows off her Ellie & Mac Staycation Dress:

This is what she has to say,

"Although this pattern recommends using a knit with 50% 4-way stretch, I took a chance with this rayon which has 50% crosswise stretch only. I made a medium with scoop neck and I can easily slip into the dress.  Although the top fits perfectly (just), I would recommend sizing up at least one size to ensure a comfortable fit and scoop neckline is a must.  I also had to cut the neckband on the bias (not necessary when using a knit) and add 5 or 6 inches to the length. As a self-proclaimed rayon lover, I was thrilled to use this blend with spandex for the first time because who doesn’t love clothes that stretch?!  I love the way this fabric flows and billows when I walk.  It is super light and airy for the warm summer days ahead."

Feel like trying some of this for yourself? Find it in our online store here. Happy sustainable sewing!