Don’t worry if you don’t have a serger, you can sew power mesh on a normal sewing machine. You will need a ball-point or a stretch needle and you’ll need to use a zigzag stitch. Some sewing machines have a 3-step zigzag which will give you a cleaner, stronger finish, especially on lingerie.

First of all, I would like to start by saying that the Power Mesh line is so good, that I have these leggings in more than 7 colors or so. Honestly, I have never tried such a high quality item and in such a good price before.

Even the natural options aren’t that great when it comes to sustainability. The production of silk on a commercial scale results in the demise of the silkworms. Rayon uses natural resources to convert its wood pulp base into a usable substance. Power mesh is also common in swimwear. It is often used to line swimsuits but can be used as a decorative element as well. It can even be used as a swimsuit cover-up for it’s sheer characteristics and breathability making it comfortable in warmer climates. Compression Garments

In general, you should be able to machine wash your power mesh in cold water but there may be instances where you should hand wash your power mesh. It is recommended that you line dry your fabric to increase its longevity. However, you can tumble dry this fabric at a low temperature with a dryer sheet to avoid static. This type of fabric should not need to be ironed or dry cleaned. Where can I find power mesh? Even though you can put power mesh through its paces when working out, it’s a delicate fabric. It can snag easily if you wash it with other garments that have zippers or buttons. Wash power net garments separately or with other delicate items. Before knitting the fibers together, dye is added to the strands to create a range of threads in different colors. These colors are combined to make a knitted fabric, either in one solid color or in a multicolored style. The knit will either be loose or tight, depending on the power mesh and what it will be used for. How Strong Is Power Mesh? Most net or mesh fabrics have an inbuilt tensile strength due to how the net is knitted together. The material used to make the net adds to the level of strength the fabric has. Mesh fabric in one form or another has been around for generations. Originally used as part of the protective clothing for knights, it didn’t start appearing as apparel until the late 19th century. Even then, it didn’t gain popularity as a fashion fabric until the 1980s. This fabric is known for its stiffness and ability to hold its shape. Used to create structure in a garment, tulle can be used in layers to create voluminous petticoats to make long skirts poof out. Or, it can be used to add a hint of mystery to a fascinator or a hat. 4. Polyester Mesh

What is Power Mesh Fabric?

You do have to be careful with the fabric though. It may be durable and able to stretch to extremes, but even nylon power mesh has its achilles heel. All forms of power mesh are delicate and can’t take rough handling in the laundry room. Rub them the wrong way against another garment; you could end up with a mesh full of pulls and snags. How Is Power Mesh Fabric Used? Power mesh has several uses. From fishing nets to bee-keeping masks, you’ll find power mesh in different weights in all sorts of places. That’s the key with power mesh. The weight of the fabric and the size of the knitted mesh determine what it can be used for. Nylon mesh is used when durability, strength, and versatility are important to a project’s success. Teamed with spandex, nylon mesh is the most popular form of power mesh. Power Mesh: A Brief History One area power mesh scores badly is the environmental impact. Although it can be made from natural fibers like silk, or semi- synthetics like rayon, power mesh is more likely to be made from a nylon/spandex mix.

It’s an ugly truth, but power mesh tends to be produced from synthetic fibers, which means it’s petroleum-based. A reliance on fossil fuels is considered unsustainable. Not only that, but the production process is resource and labor-intensive. THREAD: When it comes to bra making and lingerie sewing a polyester thread is highly recommended. Polyester thread is stronger than cotton. Cotton is likely to break as it cannot withstand the stretch necessary for bras and other lingerie. Stretch is a vital feature in all lingerie whether that be with your fabric or notions. Thread is no exception. My favorite brand it Gutermann which can find at several retailers. Care Instructions for Powermesh: Teamed with spandex, polyester mesh can be used in similar projects to power mesh. However, this option isn’t as stretchy as spandex blended with nylon. 5. Nylon Mesh A mesh made from 100% nylon can be used for industrial purposes. It’s also used for filtration in chemical processing or as an overwrap for mesh tubes. Probably the best-known use for nylon mesh is bee-keeping masks. Not only is power mesh for an everyday bra but it is also great for lining a sports bra or adding decorative elements to your pattern. Power mesh conforms to the natural contours of you body which lends itself to being very comfortable for active women. You can easily use the same power mesh to make matching sportswear for your sports bra. Such as leggings, shorts and tops. Dance wear Power mesh is a synthetic fabric with the appearance of soft, sheer netting. It’s made from a nylon/spandex blend which gives it lots of elasticity. There is a selection of different weights ranging from extremely lightweight to heavy. Also known as compression mesh, this fabric can contour to the shape of your body, helping to disguise any lumpy bits. Depending on the weight of the fabric, the overall fit of a garment containing power mesh will change. A lightweight, loose-knit option will give a comfortable fit and be fairly close to your size. While a heavier weight or densely-knit version will give a tighter fit.

Why use power mesh for bras and lingerie?

Power mesh is a soft, lightweight fabric with a four-way stretch. It looks like a stretchy netting. Uses include lingerie, activewear, swimwear, and even industrial applications. A sheer, breathable material, power mesh is extremely comfortable next to the skin. Also known as compression fabric, power mesh is a popular material for shapewear. With power mesh, you have a choice of fibers that go into its production. Nylon and polyester are the top two as they are synthetic and relatively cheap to produce. Unlike many synthetic fabrics, power mesh is breathable. The mesh allows heat to escape and any moisture can evaporate through the holes. This means you won’t feel clammy like you do with polyester fabric.