Memory

What are the advantages of memory fabric?

Those who wear smart clothing prefer their clothes to maintain their shape. This way, you can count on looking well turned out every time you put on the clothing. However, not all materials are equally shape retaining. Some are flexible but quickly lose their shape, or they crease faster than you would like. This is not always a problem. Clothing that is primarily worn for comfort can crease a little, especially if the fabric is easy to iron. For clothing that must always maintain the same shape, memory fabric is an excellent solution.

Memory fabric hardly creases. But if it does so unexpectedly, you can simply smooth out the creases by hand and the clothing will regain its shape. This works both ways. You can easily give the fabric a neat, fitted look. At the same time, the material can be used to create a unique shape. And if you need to restore the original? Then simply smooth out the material again. That's why memory fabric, in addition to smart clothing, is also very popular for clothing that must have a specific shape. Furthermore, the cloth can be used for furniture with typically shaped fabric parts.

Given its sturdy, shape-retaining properties, you might expect such a material to be thick and heavy. But memory fabric is actually quite light and drapes well. This is because the "memory" is the result of a treatment applied during the weaving process. This means that strong fibers are not needed to give the material its special qualities. Memory fabric moves easily with the wearer and feels comfortable on the skin. So you don't have to compromise on shape-retaining clothing.

Versatile fabrics with a long lifespan

The fashion industry has always had a high demand for fabrics that can be given a certain shape. This is not only a bonus for the person wearing the clothing, but also for the fashion house that wants to control how the materials will look. However, the first one to retain its shape was a relatively new invention. The first "shape memory" fabrics were only developed in Japan in 1984. After that, developments progressed rapidly. For example, the memory textiles we use today are much more flexible and softer on the skin than the first variants containing metal fibers.

Memory fabrics are generally made of polyester fibers. Polyester is easy to treat these days in a way that enables the memory function of the material. All the memory fabrics in our range are therefore made of polyester, although we also have alternatives made from a combination of cotton and polyester. There are even materials which come in two different colors. In fact, these are double-faced fabrics, and because they have no right or wrong side, are fully reversible. This offers the possibility of choosing between two colors without having to buy two different fabrics.

It may seem as though memory fabric is only suitable for clothing, but after some technological improvements, other industries have discovered the benefits of the material. Many memory fabrics are, for example, popular for upholstering furniture. Nowadays, they are also used in medical and industrial applications. This is because the cloth is sturdy and durable. This makes memory fabric suitable for fun fashion accessories, such as bags. In short, these shapable fabrics are versatile materials that are suitable for many different sewing projects.

Making Clothing from Memory Fabric

A memory fabric that contains a percentage of cotton fibers should be washed before cutting out or sewing pattern pieces. Natural fibers can shrink when washed for the first time. Wash at a moderate temperature, as the cloth contains polyester fibers, and like all other synthetic fibers, they are sensitive to heat. Mixed memory fabrics and those made of 100% polyester can tolerate a maximum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. Air dry the material, as the dryer may be too hot for the synthetic fibers. Ironing is unnecessary, as the fabric can be easily smoothed by hand.

Sewing memory fabric is not difficult. A universal needle is usually sufficient to stitch pattern pieces together. Be careful not to press too hard on the cloth as you guide it through the sewing machine. Under pressure, the fabric can take on a different shape, but the pattern pieces should be sewn together as straight as possible. Would you like to finish the edges after making the garment? You can find various high-quality haberdashery items in our range. The majority of these items are also made of polyester. Finishing the edges will therefore not have a significant impact on the garment's care instructions.

Buying Memory Fabric Online

If you want to ensure that your clothing maintains its perfect shape, you can't go wrong with memory fabric. This strong, moldable material is easy to buy online from the Quality Textiles webshop. You can create various styles with memory fabric. You can also combine the cloth with many other quality fabrics in our range. From basic textiles such as jersey, French terry, and terry cloth, to children's fun fabrics and those with special properties; you can always rely on Quality Textiles.