Lame Fabric Sewing Tips

Lame is a nylon fabric woven with metallic thread. The metallic threads reflect the light and produces a sparkling, lustrous effect. The fabric is used for dresses, costumes, dancewear, table runners and pillows. Lame is typically found in gold and silver, but also comes in other colors such as black, red and purple.

Lame is a lightweight fabric and frays when it's cut. To prevent excessive fraying, don't cut until you are ready to sew, and try not to handle the fabric more than necessary. You may apply a fray-prevention solution to the edges of the fabric, but this solution stains, so be careful not to soil other parts of the fabric. Stitching the raw edges before sewing will help reduce fraying.

Because of its metallic qualities, lame dulls sewing needles quickly. Change your needle several times during the completion of your project. A dull needle will snag your fabric. Use the smallest needle possible to prevent holes and damage to the fabric. Lame dull scissors as well, so a lame project might require you to sharpen your scissors more frequently.

Lame can be scratchy and irritating when touching the skin, so it might help to line your lame project with tricot or nylon. Since lame is so lightweight and drapable, some projects may need stiffening. Iron a fusible web to your fabric. You may need to experiment with different types of fusibles.