How to do a Fabric Stretch Test + Free Downloadable Ruler
What You'll Need:
Why you need to do a fabric stretch test
- Stretch measuring ruler (you can download the GenuinelyEm one below)
- Fabric
Have you ever spent your time making a pattern to find out it doesn’t fit right? One reason might be that the fabric you picked wasn’t the right stretch percentage. But how do you find out the stretch %?
It’s pretty simple, let me show you.
Free Fabric Stretch Ruler
How to Find the Stretch Percentage
Measure the Fabric
Start by grabbing the fabric you want to test.
Pinch one side between your left fingers and then measure out 10 cm and pinch the fabric there with your right hand.
Stretch the Fabric
Time to stretch. Keep your left hand at the 0 mark and stretch the fabric with your right hand.
Remember the number for the next step.
Figure out the Stretch Percentage
The equation for figuring out the stretch percentage goes like this:
The amount the fabric stretched past 10 cm mark divided by the original 10 cm amount all multiplied by 100.
Each 1 cm more than 10 cm is equal to 10% stretch. If the fabric stretched to 12 cm, 2 more cm than 10 cm, then the stretch percentage is 20%.
Different Stretch for Different Garments
Certain garments or sewing patterns need different amounts of stretch to fit correctly. My Catalina top needs 30-50% stretch for an optimum fit.
Too much and the garment will be too loose. Too little stretch and you might not be able to put it on.
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