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Wren fabric suggestions

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Picking just the right fabric can be a challenge, especially when it comes to knits. Wren offers two distinctly different views that require two very different fabrics. Version 1 necessitates a knit with ample body and good recovery for its fitted silhouette, while version 2 requires a knit with more drape but ample recovery. Here we have outlined 5 gorgeous fabrics from some lovely retailers for you to stitch up your next Wren dress.

Version 1

v1-wren

Version 1 works best when sewn out of a stretch knit with body and good recovery. Look for thicker knits with ample stretch that will flatter your curves.

1) Pleather Scuba Knit from Stonemountain and Daughter.

2) Heathered Blue French Terry from Stonemountain and Daughter.

3) Floral Print Ponte from Girl Charlee.

4) Coral Rib Knit from Stonemountain and Daughter.

5) Black Stretch Velvet from Harts Fabric.

Version 2

Version 2’s gathered A-line skirt requires a knit with more drape. Looks for knits with ample stretch, good recovery, and a soft fluid hand.

v2-wren

1) Slubbed Silk Knit from Harts Fabric.

2) Abstract Dots from Modern Domestic.

3) Fine Stripe from Harts Fabric.

4) Bamboo Jersey from Mood.

5) Abstract Painted Knit from Fancy Tiger.

What are you making your Wren out of?

Haley Glenn

Editorial Director

Five years ago, Haley left the apparel industry to join the world of home sewing. She has been empowering women to sew ever since – first through years of in-person teaching at Sew LA, and now through her writing at Colette. Haley writes tutorials and articles on our blog, teaches sewalongs, and writes and edits for our magazine, Seamwork.

Comments

Virginia

November 11, 2015 #

I really like Version 1 and want to make it out of a French Terry for winter. I know it’s the sleeveless version, but is there any reason I couldn’t add the 3/4 length sleeves to it?

Haley

November 11, 2015 #

The sleeve can be used for both views. That sounds so cute and cozy!

Virginia

November 11, 2015 #

Yay! Thanks…I can’t wait to make it!

Nina

November 11, 2015 #

I’m making version 2 to give to my sister for her birthday out of a gorgeous Liberty jersey – I’m having to fight the urge to keep it for myself!

Gloria Keene

November 11, 2015 #

can you please tell me where I can find these jerseys ?

kelly

November 11, 2015 #

I haven’t decided yet….i’m leaning towards version one. Thank you for picking out some fabrics for us…that is the most difficult part especially if you’re buying online. What kind of fabric is the pink version of the dress on the page header….It caught my eye. Thanks.

Jessica

November 15, 2015 #

Oh my! A Pleather Wren dress?! A Stretch velvet Wren dress?! I think my New Year’s Eve dress has just taken form…

Wilma

November 16, 2015 #

The jersey I picked for version 2 is extremely slippery. I have to sew each seam between two sheets of tissue at a very slow pace. It’s kind of discouraging, but I’m hoping to finish it this weekend. I will not pick a fabric that slippery again.