How to Sew on Polyester Mesh Fabric

Whether it's used for camping supplies, aquaculture equipment, or sports jerseys, polyester mesh fabric is versatile and popular. It's lightweight and durable, yet it's also highly resistant to damage. It's also extremely easy to install and maintain. The materials are also available in a variety of different colors and textures. The cost is low, making it a good option for many different types of products.

Mesh fabrics are made from synthetic yarns, including nylon and polyester. Typically, the yarns are woven and then dyed before being cut and sewn. In addition to the materials used, there are several other factors that contribute to the quality of the finished product. The fabric's performance, texture, firmness, weight, and colorfastness are all affected by a number of factors, which can include the weave pattern and filament count. These factors can also be altered by the finish, which is usually applied topically. This process involves a chemical that sets the finish.

The type of polyester thread that's best for mesh fabrics is an all-purpose polyester thread. For the most part, however, it's important to choose a thread that's similar to the mesh's fibers. Natural fiber threads will tend to break under strain, while a synthetic thread will hold up well.

In addition to deciding which thread to use, you'll also need to decide what kind of finishing to apply to your mesh. You'll need to make sure the finish is UV resistant. This is especially important when the mesh is being used outdoors. FR (flame retardant) finishes are commonly applied to achieve this purpose.

If you're planning on sewing on mesh fabric, the first thing you should do is choose a needle that matches the thread. Most of the time, a universal machine needle size 70/10-80/12 will work, but you may want to consider a more specific size if you're aiming to sew a certain style or type of mesh.

You'll also need a ballpoint hand needle to pin the fabric to the mesh. A ballpoint needle is designed to slide between the fibers of the mesh and is usually made of a round tip.

Another technique is to use a tricot knit binding to finish the ends of the mesh. You'll find these at fabric supply stores. The benefits of using tricot are that it's easy to clean, it prevents holes from appearing in the mesh, and it avoids making a visible hole in the fabric.

Lastly, you should be careful with how you wash the mesh. It's a good idea to use a washing machine on a gentle setting. You don't want to get the mesh too hot, which can cause puckering. You should also avoid washing it more than once a week. You should also be aware that you should always avoid ironing mesh, as the heat can damage it. If you do need to iron it, it's best to do so at a low temperature.

When choosing a mesh, look for a quality that has a high crocking value. This means that the color won't rub off when the mesh is washed.