A nap in sewing is the term used to describe the surface of a fabric. It can be either fuzzy or smooth. When you are choosing fabrics for a project, you will want to take into account the nap of the fabric.
If you are working with a pattern, it will usually tell you which way the nap should go.
Sew Bit, What is Nap?
If you’re a sewer, you’ve probably heard of nap. But what is it, really? Nap is the raised surface on fabric that usually appears as a different color when viewed from different angles.
It’s caused by the way the fibers are woven or knit together. The most common type of fabric with nap is velvet, but it can also be found on corduroy, velveteen, and some types of woolen fabrics. When you’re sewing with a fabric that has nap, it’s important to take this into account.
For example, if you’re cutting out a pattern piece that needs to be symmetrical, you’ll need to cut it out twice so that the nap is going in opposite directions. Otherwise, one side will appear darker than the other when viewed from different angles. You also need to be careful when matching up pattern pieces that will be sewn together.
If the nap is going in different directions on each piece, it will create an optical illusion and the seams won’t match up perfectly. It’s best to lay out all your pattern pieces with the nap running in the same direction before you start cutting them out. So now you know a little bit more about what nap is and why it’s important to take it into account when sewing with certain fabrics!
Credit: blog.treasurie.com
What Does Nap And Without Nap in Sewing Mean?
If you’ve ever sewn anything, you’ve probably noticed that there are two main types of fabrics: napped and non-napped. Napped fabric has a fuzzy surface, while non-napped fabric does not. The term “nap” refers to the direction in which the fibers lie on the surface of the fabric.
When you stroke your hand along the nap of a fabric, the fibers should all lie in the same direction. The nap of fabric can affect how it looks when it’s made into clothing or other items. For example, a velvet dress will look different if you view it from different angles because of the way light reflects off the surface.
The nap also affects how a pattern appears on the fabric. A plaid pattern, for instance, will look different depending on which way you stroke your hand across the fabric (i.e., with or against the grain). Some fabrics are meant to be used with their nap running in a particular direction.
Others can be used either way; it just depends on the desired effect. When cutting out patterns, you’ll need to pay attention to which way the nap is running so that everything lines up correctly when you sew it together. Otherwise, one side of your garment might end up looking noticeably lighter or darker than the other side!
What Type of Fabric Has a Nap?
A fabric’s nap is the surface pile that is raised by the twists in the yarns used to weave it. The nap provides a soft, furry surface. It can be difficult to keep a fabric with a nap looking neat, because the piles tend to lie in different directions.
You can usually tell if a fabric has a nap if it looks different from one direction to another. For example, velvet has a very distinct nap, which you can see when you stroke it one way and then the other.
How Do You Find a Fabric Nap?
When it comes to finding the perfect fabric nap for your home, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, consider the material of the nap. Fabric naps come in a variety of materials, from cotton and linen to polyester and microfiber.
You’ll want to choose a material that’s comfortable and easy to clean. Next, take into account the size of the nap. Fabric naps come in all different sizes, so you’ll want to make sure you choose one that’s large enough to cover your furniture.
Finally, think about the design of the nap. Fabric naps come in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles, so you can find one that fits your home’s decor perfectly.
How Do I Know If My Fabric is Napped?
The best way to tell if a fabric is napped is to look at the Selvage. The selvage is the tightly woven edge on each side of a piece of fabric. It’s finished so it won’t unravel and usually has the manufacturer’s name or logo printed on it.
If you see little “hairs” sticking up from the surface of the selvage, that means the fabric is napped.
Conclusion
Nap is a term used in sewing to describe the direction of the pile or velvet on a fabric. The nap must be going in the same direction on all parts of the garment to avoid an uneven appearance.
