What is nap mean in sewing?

“With nap” means that you cut all the pattern pieces (even the facing) in the SAME direction, and “without nap” means that you can cut regardless of the direction (just don’t forget to follow the grain line though). The layout “with nap” doesn’t necessarily mean that you will use fabric with pile (like velvet).

What does with nap or without nap mean in sewing?

When laying “without” nap, the hem or lower edges of your pattern pieces are pointing to opposite ends of the fabric. A layout “with” nap, indicates that the lower edges of the pieces point to the same end of the fabric.

How do you cut fabric with a nap?

Cutting napped fabrics When you’re cutting a fabric with nap, you want to lay out all of your pattern pieces so that they face the same direction. This is called a one-directional layout. If not, you risk sewing two pieces together that, while cut from the same fabric, appear to be slightly different.

Which types of fabrics have a nap?

Normally, nap refers to fabric that has a weave or pile in one direction and so needs to be cut with all pieces facing the same direction. The pile in a napped fabric is created in the weaving process of the fabric and examples of napped fabric include faux fur, velvet, terry, velveteen, corduroy and velour.

What is a nap material?

Primarily, nap is the raised (fuzzy) surface on certain kinds of cloth, such as velvet or moleskin. When cloth, especially woollen cloth, is woven, the surface of the cloth is not smooth, and this roughness is the nap. Generally the cloth is then “sheared” to create an even surface, and the nap is thus removed.

How do I know if my fabric is napping?

To determine if a fabric has nap, fold it right sides together matching the cut ends, then turn one corner back (1). Check that the layers look and feel exactly the same. If they don’t, the fabric has nap. If you still aren’t sure, use the cutting layout and sewing suggestions for nap fabric, just in case.

Does silk have a nap?

Some silk fabrics can have an iridescent sheen and may look a different colour if the fabric is held up in the opposite direction, therefore it is always best practise to work with a nap layout (the ‘head’ of the pattern pieces must face the same direction).

What is pile or nap?

In sum, there are definite differences between pile and nap. Pile has three sets of yarns and a surface that is cut or uncut. Nap has two sets of yarns and a surface that is brushed.