Preshrink! Cotton netting shrinks very little in length, but shrinks from 45" to about 31" in width. Also preshrink rayon laces. To preshrink netting and laces, soak them in warm water (if dying the netting and laces, preshrink in very hot water), squeeze out the excess water, then air dry. Don't machine dry. Cotton Val laces don't need to be preshrunk.
Use fine cotton thread (60 wt. works well) in both the needle and bobbin to match the netting and laces. Use a size 70 universal needle.
Sewing on netting is similar to sewing on lightweight knit fabric. Stitch seams with a small zigzag on the seamline, then stitch 1/8" from the first stitching within the seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance close to the second stitching.
Netting stretches on the crossgrain. To stabilize crossgrain seams, such as shoulder and neck seams, cut lengthwise strips of netting 3/4" wide. Place a strip along the seamline, with the raw edges even, and stitch and trim as instructed. The netting provides a soft and almost invisible stabilization, yet is flexible enough to go around curves, such as the neckline or arm.
Use water-soluble stabilizer when stitching netting. Don't use tear-away stabilizers; the little bits of stabilizer left in the stitching will show through the netting.
Rayon laces can be shaped along gentle curves by steaming.
Stitch rayon laces to the netting by zigzagging along heavily stitched portions of the lace motifs. The scalloped edging of Lace B was stitched near the upper edge, then again near the lower edge curves. The netting was trimmed about 1/8" below the second stitching line.
Cotton netting can be dyed after it's constructed. Be sure to preshrink the lace and netting in the same water temperature as called for in the dye instructions. Silk ribbons might not dye the same shade as rayon or cotton.
Synthetic fibers, such as nylon and polyester tulle, laces, ribbons and threads won't dye well. Make sure not to use synthetic fibers, including sewing and serging threads, if you plan on dyeing them.
To launder the jacket, hand or machine wash on delicate in cool water. Lay the jacket flat to dry.
