Raspberry Creek Fabrics just released their new designs on Stretch Crepe, Rayon Challis and Ponte. I have always been a HUGE fan of their rayon challis along with tons of other sewists. But, I have learned that not everyone is familiar with stretch crepe or how to sew it. SEW~ I’ve pulled together some info for my readers and visitors! I hope you find it helpful!
So let’s talk about Stretch Crepe. To begin, we’ll go over all the Pros and Con(s) of stretch crepe.
Pros
There are just soooo many!
Doesn’t wrinkle easily, which makes it great for travel.
Simply wash and dry! Hang up after removing from the dryer and no ironing necessary!
Soft to touch
Amazing drape!
Easy to work with, making it great for beginners!
No need for lining, even with light background colors
Has a touch of stretch, making it comfortable to wear.
Can be used for custom designs that are full coverage. (darker backgrounds especially)
Cons
All great things always have a few, but don’t let it sway you.
Polyester fiber content
Doesn’t hold a crisp press (but a product like Sally’s Best Press helps a ton!)
That’s the only con I can think of. I know that many sewists prefer to sew with natural fibers for a variety of reasons. I’ll be honest, I typically do as well. I love nothing more than rayon and linen, but this stretch crepe certainly has a place in my wardrobe.
So there you have the Pros and Cons of stretch crepe. But what is it exactly?
First off, don’t let the name fool you. It is a woven fabric, not a knit. RCF stretch crepe is 98% polyester and 2% spandex. That small amount of spandex content gives the fabric just a touch of stretch. It makes movement when wearing it just a tad easier. This small amount of spandex does NOT mean you can use it for patterns designed for just knits. FYI: Not all crepes have spandex in them.Crepe is a woven fabric. During weaving a yarn is twisted . That twisted yarn gives the fabric surface a slight texture. This crepe texture adds dimension and interest to the fabric. Some like to refer to it as “pebbled” or “bubble” crepe. You can see this texture in the photo below
RCF stretch crepe is great for flowy dresses and pants, skirts, tops and blouses. It is a nice weight and drapes beautifully. It is heavier than RCF rayon challis. It also has more body than a rayon challis, so it creates THE best flutter and bishop sleeves. I absolutely adore a stretch crepe flutter sleeve! Stretch crepe is comfortable to wear, and can easily work for both a casual or work settings.
Tips for Working with Stretch Crepe
Because of the polyester fiber content, it is more difficult to press. Always use a press cloth to avoid melting your fabric. Because of this, I prefer to use this crepe for flowy and softer silhouettes. I personally would avoid more tailored styles that require crisp pressed details.
Always use a brand new needle when sewing stretch crepe.
My first choice would be a Sharp(Microtex) needle. This needle has a very fine point which helps to prevent snags in your fabric. If you don’t have a Sharp needle, you can try a Universal needle. Make sure your needle is either 70/10 or 80/12. Always test your needle on your fabric first!
Do not use a Ballpoint/Stretch needle~ remember this is a woven fabric. These needles have rounded tips to prevent them from making holes in knit fabrics. These needles WILL snag and damage stretch crepe. See an example of this in the photo below.
Raspberry Creek Fabrics has added 4 new designs on Stretch Crepe to the shop. (See above photo) Stretch crepe is also available for custom printing as well. Colors print vibrantly on stretch crepe, making it perfect for bright and dark colors.
……………Welcome To My Sewing Room (This post contains affiliate links.)
Sewing World News~
Love Notions~
The next “Collection” will arrive on Friday, August 14 and run through August 27. Again, it will include a group of patterns based on a theme. All patterns will be just $5 each. I think there are a few you may “need” so be sure to read next Friday’s Weekly Stitch!!
Sale Over~ Pattern Emporium Friday 50% Off Pattern Is~ True Romance Bishop Sleeve Top
The True Romance Top sewing pattern puts the spotlight on the beautiful bishop sleeve. This pattern walks you through, step by step, to create a banded, flared, or semi-fitted tee with a stunning bishop sleeve that you can style your way.
And the options don’t end there! Whether you prefer a subtle or bold sleeve, you’ll learn how to finish the gathered details with your choice of cuff, extended cuff, shirring, ruffle, or simple elastic for a truly personalized look.
2 Bishop sleeve styles: Subtle – one with a subtle flare, Dramatic – the other very full.
Remember PE in an Australian company so this sale will end Friday night at 10 PM EST.
New Fall Fabric Release From Raspberry Creek Fabrics
Earlier this week the new Fall Collections released. During release week, all new “Club” fabrics are $1 off per yard. Club fabrics are seasonal designs that are printed on 2 different groups of bases. Club Collections are released each new holiday season as well. The two different groups are as follows:
Group 1~ The “Natural Bases” French Terry, Cotton Lycra Jersey and the new Supreme Shirting Cotton 50’s
Group 2~ Double Brushed Poly, Rib Knit, Sweatshirt Fleece and Ponte Knit
Many of the designs are available in both of the fabric groups~ the difference will be the amount of print coverage. Full coverage designs don’t print well on the “natural fiber” bases. This is why all designs aren’t available on all the club bases. The “natural bases” designs have more white background as opposed to the others. Another thing to note is that anything printed on the Sweatshirt Fleece will have a slight “heathered” look to it.
When looking on the website, if you click on the design you are interested in it will show you the available bases. Be sure to click the one you want when ordering!! All of my promo makes this time around came from the Fall Florals Collection by Brittney Laidlaw. Brittney always does such a beautiful job with her designs! (PS is also coordinates the entire RCF Promo Team!)
Above is the Love Notions Constellation Pullover I made in the Fall Abstract Floral French Terry. (Sneak peek of the ribbing that will be coming to the shop in September!). Every release I “need” to sew up a new Constellation. I wear these year round. For more info on my Constellation collection, visit this blog post. You can find this fabric here.
I also sewed up a Cotton Lycra Jersey Bee and Hive Damask Floral print into my favorite nightgown pattern~ a hacked Love Notions Juliet Top. I always pick my favorite design to sew into a nightgown~ that way I can wear it more often! Note~ this cotton jersey gets softer and softer with every wash! You can find this fabric here.
Each release I also try to sew up something in either the DBP or Rib Knit. I typically choose the rib knit( as I find it cooler to wear), but this time I went for the DBP for the Love Notions Vivace top. I was drawn to this line drawn floral and apparently blue is my new color! I would like to note that the description for this fabric states “Navy”, but I don’t consider it a true navy. This is the “Navy Negative Line Drawn Floral~You can find this fabric here.
New Stretch Crepe, Rayon Challis and Ponte Designs Have Released Too!
This was a really big release from RCF this week. It even included new designs on Stretch Crepe, Rayon Challis and Ponte Knit. You may already know that I LOVE RCF Rayon Challis~ so this time around I decided to sew up a blouse in the Stretch Crepe. This isn’t a fabric that I would wear in the summer, but it’s perfect for the rest of the year. Later this week, I plan on sending out another Sew Mary Mac Blog with all the details on Stretch Crepe and tips for sewing it. I’ll also include my review of the Pattern Emporium Spill The Tea Blouse. Look for it at the beginning of next week. as I have a busy weekend. For the time being, here is the Spill The Tea Blouse that I made using one of the newly released stretch crepe designs.
Be on the lookout for these new releases coming soon ~
New Oxford Cloth stripes, solids and plaids next week!
New Denims at the end of August (various shades and weights, stretch and non-stretch)
New Club Halloween Release in French Terry, Cotton Jersey, DPB and Rib (also Supreme 50s Broadcloth, Ponte and Sweatshirt fleece)
The Somerset is simply………….the perfect set for summer!!! The Somerset is on sale for just $9.50 through Thursday 7/2/2026. Remember to use my code MARYMAC10 for an extra 10% off. You can grab the pattern here.
This pattern includes three pieces that work together to create countless outfits for all your summer days and nights! They can be combined to create the perfect lounge set or a classic everyday look. Each of them are also great stand alone pieces!
The top features a cross-over V-neckline with gathers (and optional buttons). Pair the top with a cute pair of shorts or the best baby barrel capri pants. The shorts and capris feature roomy front patch pockets and a nice wide cuff that gives them a bit more style.
I tested the Somerset pattern as a Love Notions Ambassador. lLet’s be honest~ I’m not really a “barrel” pants kind of person, or so I thought. I love these Capri pants so much I plan on making more! I’ve tried on RTW barrel jeans and pants, but they have never looked right on me. (Being just 5 feet tall may have something to do with that!). So, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and give them a try. This pattern was a fairly quick and enjoyable sew, but be sure to check out my tips below!
Feature Friday Pattern From Love Notions~ It’s All About Comfy Bottoms!
For the Ladies, we have the Resolutions Bottoms on sale for just $6 today, 11/7/2025. PLUS~For the Kids and Men, we have the Thomas Track Pants also just $6 each today! Remember to use my code 10MACSEWS for your additional 10% off.
The Details~ Resolution Bottoms
The Resolution Bottoms pattern is exactly what you need this cozy season! It includes 5 different views which will work for just about anything! Lounging~ YUP, Working out~ YUP! Casual Shopping trip~ YUP! Whatever your resolution~ this pattern has you covered!!!
Sizes XS-5X
Designed for knit fabrics
5 Styles
Plain Leggings
Moto Leggings
Boot Cut Yoga Pants
Straight Cut Yoga Pants
Joggers
Shaped Back Yoke for all Views
2 Waistband Options~ Contoured with 3/8″ elastic OR yoga style
Pockets~ Side Seam Pockets for Joggers and Yoga pants/Hidden front pocket for leggins
2 Pages of Fitting instructions
Skill Level~ Confident Beginners
Fabric
For the Jogger and Yoga Bottoms light to medium-weight knit fabrics with at least 25% 2-way stretch are required. Fabrics such as: French Terry, Ponte, cotton/lycra, jersey blends and double knit poly.
For the leggings medium weight fabrics with at least 50% 4-way stretch are required. Fabrics such as: Ponte, spandex and supple.
The Details~ Thomas Track Pants
These pants are perfect for active kids and grown-ups! Yet, they are also perfect for lounging when made in flannel or sweatshirt fleece! Make them for all the kids and men in your family for the holidays!! Links to patterns can be found below along with some fabric resources.
Kid Sizes 2T-14
Men’s Sizes XS-5X
Designed for wovens and stable knits * RCF sweatshirt fleece!!!
Solid and Color blocked options
Lined option
Optional Zipper Hem
Side Seam Pockets
Elastic Waist
Two how-to video clips
Skill Level~
View A~ Beginner
View B ~Confident Beginner
Zipper Hem~ Intermediate
What I Wore Last Week~
I’m still pulling me made items from the back of my closet as I switch my warm weather clothes with my warmer clothes. The last 3 items listed/shown are old makes~ which I’ve decided to hold on to. They fit me a bit closer than the pattern intends, but I will continue to wear them.
New LN Opus Vest in a baby wale corduroy
LN Rockford Raglan in a rib knit
LN Aria Button-down in Cozy Flannel from Style Maker Fabrics
LN Classic Tee/La Bella Donna mashup in a triblend knit
LN Constellation in a Sweatshirt Fleece from Raspberry Creek Fabrics
LN Sloane Sweater with Hood in a Cable Sweater Knit (2021?)
Note~ this is a size smaller than what I measure now
LN Terra Tunic in Sweatshirt Fleece from Raspberry Creek Fabric
LN Whistler Top in a Cotton French Terry, with reverse side used for the collar.
Note~ this is a size smaller than what I measure now
What I’m Sewing This Week~
This week I’m finishing up my new Sloane Sweaters. I made a wearable muslin of the Sloane since it had been a few years since I had sewn up View A. View A is a slimmer fit than View B. (I’ve sewn plenty of the View B as sweatshirts) The pattern I had traced out was an XL with FBA graded out to a 2X. Lately I have been sewing a 2X graded to a 3X on newer patterns I’ve been making. Going by the fit of the purple knit version seen above, I kept the XL in the shoulder and neckline area (as my Upper bust measurement in just below the 2X). I graded to the 2X for the sleeve and side seams. I’m was happy with my “test” version and I moved on to sewing the ones from my Fall Plans list.
To see my full collection of Sloane Sweaters you can visit this blog post. These are mostly older versions as I had kinda stepped away from this pattern for a bit. I will eventually update this blog post with photos of my newer version.
I’ve been outside quite a bit taking advantage of the milder weather so I haven’t gotten as much done as I planned. I love riding my bike and I’m trying to get as many rides in before it just gets too cold!
My Fall Sewing Plans~
I’ve really stuck to my Fall sewing plan list! I’m really really really trying hard not to add anything. Clearly I won’t finish this list before Fall is officially over~ but I will continue to work on this into the winter. Come late January/February I like to begin spring sewing anyway.
LN Aria Button-downs~ COMPLETE!
Corduroy ~Woodland print that I purchased last fall from Style Maker Fabrics
Sweatshirt fleece, pink plaid that I ordered from RCF
Jacket hack in Navy linen~ just received from Mood Fabrics~
I’m going to push this ahead to my Spring Sewing Plans list
LN Timbre Top long sleeved button front version. ~COMPLETE!!
Block print cotton voile ~has in stash from Blackbird Fabrics.
Perhaps a Rayon challis version? Found perfect rayon challis in my deep stash (10 yrs old?)
Bonus Sew~ Green Double Gauze from last big Joann Fabrics haul
LN Constellation Pullovers
Navy Speckle Sweatshirt Fleece~ in stash from Style Maker Fabrics
Oatmeal and Fuchsia floral sweatshirt fleece~ in stash from Style Maker Fabrics
LN Clef Coat
Gray Sweatshirt fleece~ in stash from ????
Navy Boucle purchased a few years ago from Style Maker Fabrics
LN Oakley Vest
Quilted Sweater knit from stash~ from Style Maker Fabrics(2023 & 2024)
Purple quilted fabric ~Style Maker Fabrics from last year
Fleece~ from Joann’s fabrics that I purchased just before liquidation
LN Coda Coat ~ADDED 10/4
Quilted Jacket~ will be shopping at Home Goods to find a new quilt to cut up.
No luck at Home Goods~ I’m now looking at block print bed quilts on Amazon!
Update!!!! I found a quilt at Home Sense in the clearance section! A Draper James quit for just $30!
LN Sloane Sweater~ ADDED 10/20
Wearable muslin of the Sloane~ since I needed to make a few size adjustments Done
Rose Floral Reverse French Terry (Style Maker Fabrics 2024) Done
Teal Striped Ribbed Sweater Knit (Style Maker Fabrics 2024)Will be done by Sunday!
Houndstooth Hacci Sweater Knit ~ Promo for Raspberry Creek Fabrics
Thanks for reading “The Weekly Stitch”! I’m so happy you took the time to “visit” my sewing room!
Mary Anne 🙂
Remember to follow me over on Instagram to see all my latest makes! @sewmarymac
You can also follow my Facebook Page~ Sew Mary Mac. On this page you will find information on my makes from all pattern companies. If I know of any good sales(pattern or fabric) I will also feature this information. I have had many of my loyal followers send me friend requests on Facebook. I do post in the Love Notions group under Mary Anne MacLean, however this Facebook account is private. There is no sewing content on that Facebook Account.
The Love Notions links are affiliate links. It costs you nothing to purchase from these links, it just helps fund my fabric addiction which allows me to test and review more patterns.
To receive an additional 10% off the LN pattern price, use this coupon code 10MACSEWS.This coupon code can be used at anytime on any pattern….even a $6 Feature Friday pattern. My code does change quarterly, so please always check the newest blog post for an update if you find a code isn’t working. This code will be good through the end of 2025.
Blog Post Links~ These will give you more details on each pattern, my sizing and alterations along with sewing tips for each specific pattern.
The first place I would shop for fabric for the Resolutions would be Surge Fabrics. They have a great selection of activewear fabrics. You can find them HERE.
For the Thomas Track Pants
Raspberry Creek Sweatshirt Fleece~ this fabric is perfect for the Thomas Track Pants! Warm and snuggly and stable enough to sew up nicely in this pattern!
I find this fabric so warm and cozy yet not as heavy or bulky as some sweatshirt fleece. It has a slight heathered appearance due to the rayon content which just adds to its appeal. There are so many color coordinated options in the shop right now. (And you can also print custom designs on it as well!)
If you don’t already own the Coda Coat pattern~ now is the perfect day to grab it.
Two Reasons:
1. It’s the $6 Feature Friday Pattern from Love Notions
Use code 10MACSEWS for additional 10% off
2. This is perfect time of year to sew up a quilted coat. (And the perfect time to wear it!)
I tested the Coda Coat back in 2023~ and you can tell from the above photo taken yesterday I still LOVE this coat!!!! I find myself ALWAYS wanting to wear my pink quilted version (yes it’s made from a quilt from Home Goods). It really is the perfect coat to just quickly throw on on your way out the door. However, I don’t always want to wear pink. I’ve been on the hunt for a “block” type print in more neutral colors for a new version.
That is one of the great things about this pattern. You can create totally different looks depending on what fabric you choose. Your Coda could be Classic, Preppy, Boho, Eclectic or “Coastal Grandma” like mine all depending on what fabric you choose!
Head to the Fabric Resources at the bottom for more fabric talk!
I am SOOO excited about the the Feature Friday Pattern from Love Notions this week. This is the very first time the Timbre Top and Dress has been the Feature Friday pattern! I tested this pattern last summer and immediately sewed up a closet full of them! It is perfect for hot summer days yet transitions into fall as well. The Timbre is just $6 today, 8/29/2025. Use my code 10MARYMAC for an additional 10% off.
……..Love Notions Releases the Clearwater Summer Essentials for Girls!!
Last summer, Love Notions released the Clearwater Summer Essentials for Ladies and it was a smash hit! I like so many others dove into sewing my own swimwear for the first time ever! Well~ Love Notions customers begged for a Girl’s Clearwater and it’s here!!!
The Bluegrass Shirt and Dress is HERE! Are you as excited as I am?!?!?! Well, let’s get real here. The Bluegrass was intended to be a western style shirt. A Western style shirt doesn’t call your name? Well, If you follow me, then you know that I’m not a western shirt kinda girl. BUT~ this new shirt is THE perfect princess seamed shirt and as you can clearly see~ my version is casual, coastal and classic!!
When I signed up to test this new pattern from Tami (designer of Love Notions Pattern) I honestly really wasn’t that excited about it. While I do love testing patterns, this wasn’t a typical style for me. I have never worn princess seams~ most likely because I have always been fuller busted. But I have to tell you~ having a princess seamed button-down that I can actually button-down is amazing!!! I LOVE the fit I was able to get with this pattern! This pattern is definitely worth a try~ even if it take some trial and error.
Hello! Welcome to my blog. I'm Mary, a retired Family & Consumer Science teacher of 32 years. I now spend my time making all my own clothes because I'm fun! I have an amazing daughter who made this blog for me.
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