Hello fellow sewers! Today we are taking a closer look at the new swiss dot fabric RCF is carrying in the shop. I’ve been seeing Swiss dot show up in tons of stores-in tops, dresses, and skirts. Most of them are used as an overlay because they are too sheer to use on their own. Now this wasn’t on purpose, but my daughter happened to pick out some blush swiss dot fabric from Joann’s for a new spring dress. So I’ve been switching between the RCF and Joann swiss dot fabric and been able to compare the two fabrics as I go. Both fabrics have their strengths, but sewing with them at the same time has highlighted some really lovely qualities about the RCF swiss dot.
Opaque
When Diana originally announced the new Swiss dot fabrics, she talked about how they are the perfect weight and she was on point. I was nervous not ordering fabric to line the Swiss dot because I honestly didn’t believe it would be thick enough to sew on its own. I figured I’d just source a lining locally if it ended up too sheer. As soon as it came in the mail I knew it was fine on it’s own. I’m using the navy swiss dot and feel completely comfortable with it on its own. This navy dress is unlined but absolutely opaque. RCF also carries the swiss dot in sky blue, mauve, lilac, and off white which are all much lighter colors. I don’t think the off white was in the shop when I ordered my fabric because I definitely would have ordered that color. It’s the only one I might still be concerned about being slightly transparent.
Drape
The swiss dot has great drape and doesn’t wrinkly easily. I wore it all day and it didn’t get any wrinkles from sitting and such. However, I was able to iron creases into the fabric for hems, darts, and to open my seams. The fabric also came out of the wash smooth and ready to cut. No ironing needed. It gathers really well and flows beautifully. I originally intended to make a maxi length with tiers so I could wear this dress year round, but this shorter length got more votes from my family. It feels very lightweight and cool to wear and I think it’s going to be really nice during the hot months. It’s really a very low maintenance, easy to wear fabric. Just what this momma likes!
Easy Sew
Sewing with the RCF swiss dot was much easier than the Joann swiss dot. The Joann swiss dot was much lighter weight with more of a gauze base. The RCF swiss dot has a pretty stable base. It doesn’t fray much as you handle it during sewing and isn’t overly prone to shifting and stretching. I did need to pay attention to keeping the grain straight on the cutting board, but it stayed in place on my cutting board once I got it there. After I had it cut out, it still looked like my pattern piece instead of morphing into a different shape like many lightweight fabrics have a tendency to do. I was able to sew darts easily because it irons well and has good structure. The darts in my daughter’s blush colored dress were more challenging because the fabric wanted to slide around more as I sewed.
Overall I am really pleased with my experience sewing with the RCF swiss dot fabric! And wearing it was a dream. Lightweight but substantial enough that I didn’t feel self conscious about it clinging, revealing more than I wanted, or catching the slightest breeze and flying up. I may need to order some of the off white and make my vision of a tiered maxi dress reality!
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Jillayne
June 01, 2022
Thank you! I started with the Pier 7 dress from Pattern Niche and then made some changes to the neckline/bodice and how I attached the skirt to the bodice.