Sewing with Double Gauze: Tips and Tricks

Just as described, double gauze consists of two layers of loosely woven cotton that are then woven together to make a snuggly soft fabric for summer clothing, children’s items, and more. Gauze fabric comes in many colors and prints, depending on the manufacturer.

Gauze fabric can be manufactured in a standard flat woven or even called “waffle”, a more three-dimensional fabric.

Photo Courtesy of Finch Knitting + Sewing Studio

Fabric Characteristics of (Double) Gauze

• Double gauze shrinks A LOT
• It Will get softer after time and washing
• Made from 100% Cotton
• Can come in Single or Triple Gauze Layers as well
• Some Double Gauze can be manufactured with more or less woven “grid lines”
• Breathable fabric, wonderful for summer attire

Double gauze makes a wonderful baby burp cloth.

Here is a close-up shot of the burp cloth.

Care of Double Gauze

• If using double gauze for clothing, wash and dry before cutting the pattern.
• Some double gauze is pre-shrunk off the bolt, make sure you check the bolt information.
• Use a mild detergent, wash in cold water, lay flat to dry, or tumble dry on low.

BERNINA Presser Feet for Sewing Double Gauze

There are quite a few options when it comes to which BERNINA feet to sew with for Double Gauze.

• Walking Foot

• Dual Feed Feet 1D or 97D

Tips for Sewing with Double Gauze

• Press it! Press it real good! Use a cotton setting and lots of steam.
• Spray starching helps when cutting.
• Use pins, but you might need more than you normally do.
• Use a longer than normal stitch length, 2.5-3 mm.
• Lower the pressure foot pressure and sew slow, and test sew for desired outcome.
• Due to the loose weave, French seams are a great way to combat unraveling, or use a wider seam allowance when sewing, try 5/8”
• Use cotton or poly thread for sewing, and a Microtex Needle size 60-110
• Stay stitch high-stress areas, if using double gauze for an article of clothing.
• If using double gauze for an article of clothing, gauze can be somewhat “see-through” so make sure to wear proper undergarments, like a slip or tank.

Summary

The first thing I made for my son before he was born, was a Shannon Fabrics Cuddle® blanket kit with double gauze bumble bees. These kits are great, as most of the kits include everything you need to make the project or even projects in the instruction booklet. As his first, but definitely not the last, blanket that I will make for him, I embroidered his name and the year he was born in the corner on the gauze. I used some OESD StitcH2O wash-away topper on the double gauze to give the stitches more stability on the gauze, and it turned out great! Sewing is all about experimenting and having fun with new things, whether it be thread, fabrics, etc. Will projects turn out 100% every time? No, but that is how we grow and learn.

Fear No Fabric!

• Chiffon
• Velvet
• Oilcloth
• Denim
• Knits
• Spandex
• Minky
• Vinyl
• Double Gauze