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You will need this guide to tulle and net fabric because Halloween is just around the corner and what better fabric to create a statement with your costumes this year than dress net?  We get asked a lot about both tulle and dress net and there seems to be some confusion about this family of fabrics and whether tulle and dress net are actually the same thing (they’re similar, but not the same).  We thought we’d put together a fabric guide to help you decide which type of net is best for your project, along with some tips on how to handle this fun and holey cloth!

What’s the difference between Tulle and Dress Net?

It’s all in the drape, softness and size of the holes! Tulle is much softer to the touch than net and has smaller holes and it generally isn’t as stiff as regular dress net. Tulle is used for soft support, net is used for a stiffer look.

Tulle Fabric: Tulle is much softer and has smaller holes than dress net, it has a much better drape than traditional dress net and is often used for bridal veils, petticoats and can also be used as an interfacing. Tulle can also used for ballet tutus but will be starched. High quality Tulle can be made from nylon or silk, and nylon tulle is much crisper than silk.

Dress Net Fabric: Net, or dress net is an open-mesh fabric with larger holes than tulle and it can be made from rayon, silk, nylon or cotton but commercially it’s usually found in nylon, unless you’re shopping for bridal fabric. Dress net can range from very sheer to very heavy and most of the dress net fabric available commercially is made from nylon and is quite stiff and is perfect for costume making where structure is required. It can also used in evening gowns, petticoats, millinery and for underlinings and net makes great ruffles which add volume to a garment.

Sewing with Dress Net & Tulle

Layout & Cutting

High quality Net & tulle do not have a true grain, but there is more stretch in the width than the length. Despite not having a true grain it is advisable to cut conventionally with the lengthwise grain arrows parallel to the lengthwise grain of the fabric. Using a rotary cutter with net will give you the most accurate results. Follow the “Without Nap” cutting layout.

Machine needles

To make the most out of this guide to tulle and net fabric, use universal or sharps needles in sizes 60/8 – 80/12, depending on the weight of your net.

Stitch length

Use stitch length 1.5-2.5mm. You may need to lower the tension on your machine, always test on a scrap first.

Thread

Use a good quality polyester or cotton thread

Machine feet

Use a wide straight stitch or roller foot. You may also benefit from using a small hole needle plate if you have one.

Markings

Safety pins or tailors tacks are a good choice for marking on net. Remember to use a contrasting thread for tailors tacks for ease of visibility!

Seam Finish

Net and tulle do not unravel so seam finishing is not functionally required, however for aesthetic reasons you can choose plain seams, french, bound (with chiffon or tricot), rolled hem, you can even use a narrow satin stitch. Seams should be as narrow as practically possible. You can also overlock net fabrics; reinforcing with seam tape when overlocking  would be a good idea just in case the net rips. Use a bound seam at the hem to prevent dress net from itching or scratching the skin.

Closures

Don’t use button holes as they will pull out of the fabric. You can use instead button loops or small, reinforced snaps.

Other Top Tips for Sewing With Net Fabric

• Place a small square of water soluble stabiliser between your machine foot and the fabric at the beginning of seams, and at the beginning and end of darts to stop your machine chewing your net.
• Hold on to the top and bottom threads at the beginning of your seam to avoid the fabric being pulled down in to the needle plate.
• Careful with the iron! Most commercial net fabric is made from nylon and will melt under high heat so ensure your iron isn’t too hot and that you use a pressing cloth.
• Make a test seam to determine your stitch length and use tissue paper if your feed dogs are tearing the fabric
• Stitch slowly! This will help to prevent unwanted puckers or gathers.

Have you ever sewn with high quality net or tulle? Have anything to add? Do share your tips with us , we love to hear from you!

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There is a variety of netting; some are produced under specific trademarks. Among the best-known standard fabrics are noted here. These nets are classified as bobbinet, fishnet, filet, maline or tulle.

Bobbinet – It is a hexagonal mesh that may be very thin and transparent (bridal illusion) or fairly coarse and opaque (casement cloth), depending on the yarn count of the material used to produce it. Most bobbinet sold in the United States is produced in England and France.

Tulle – It is a fine, stiff hexagonal net made from silk or nylon yarns. It is very similar to a bobbinet but lighter in weight than a bridal illusion; some references do not separate bobbinet and tulle. It is generally used for trimming or over draping of dress goods.

 Applications of Big Hexagonal Eyelet Fabric for Home

Fishnet – It is a coarse open-mesh construction created by knotting the mesh in a manner similar to a fisherman’s knot.

Filet net – It is made with a square mesh, and maline net, used in millinery, is a fine, very thin, diaphanous; open a diamond shape with hexagonal holes.

Uses of the mesh

Nets are one of the key components of high-volume fishing. This textile is used because of its strong and flexible source that can carry weight and still be lightweight and compact. Fishermen use the net when trawling because it is strong enough to carry a lot of weight as the fish are caught, pulled out and then retrieved from the water.

Nets are also used in medical practices to provide fabric insulation and wrapping under industry standard slings. In medical practice, nets provide cushioning and protection when used in layers, but still allow the skin to breathe under the fabric.

Depending on the use of the net, different wax or plastic coatings can be applied to cover the filaments after the yarn has been used. Filaments can be made from synthetic or natural fibers, but this is entirely up to the manufacturer when deciphering what the textile needs for the future. When the net is frequently exposed to water or heat, the manufacturer will consider and apply the material best suited for that textile.

Nets are often used for camping tents. Air can easily pass through these holes so that the breathability does not trap bacteria and remains impermeable to pests and insects.

Nets are often used in duffel bags to create transparent, breathable compartments where people can store their belongings.

100% Polyester Hex Mesh

The polyester hex mesh is a 100% polyester knitted fabric for projects that require a high degree of strength and durability. The polyester hex mesh is a reliable material that has so much flexibility and so many uses.

At Qicai knitting, we are proud to offer a variety of special polyester hex mesh to meet all your needs. The textile is made of knitted fabric and lightweight design.

Hexgonal Eyelet Cloth For Fishing Net

Advantages of Polyester Hex Mesh

Using polyester silk as a raw material increases the strength of the fabric.

Super breaking strength makes it durable.

High color fastness makes it hard to fade.

If you're looking for the largest inventory of mesh fabrics in a wide range of colors, contact us! First and foremost, our polyester mesh fabrics are durable and have excellent wet and dry rubbing values. Rubbing occurs when the excess dye is rubbed from one fabric to another and is usually found in darker or brightly colored fabrics.

In addition, this mesh material is easy to sew and is favored by many consumers for its wide range of applications. Traditionally, mesh fabrics date back to ancient times! They are looped, knotted, or fused at their intersections, thus creating open spaces between the yarns.