During the 1960s, suede clothing earned a solid place in the counterculture fashionista’s closet. Suede jackets, long suede coats, boots and suede mini skirts were all the rage. Suede had that intangible quality that spoke to that generation. Suede is soft, natural and sexy. The suede rage wasn’t limited to a woman’s closet - men were also very into suede coats and hats.

This pricey leather somehow fit in to that decade’s fashion scene, much like cashmere. It was a fashion statement somewhat equivalent to today’s iPod technology statement. Then came environmental awareness and suede took a dive in popularity. During the early 1970s, some textile genius came up with ultra suede fabric. You no longer needed to feel guilty over wearing animal skins. Even then, ultra suede fabric was expensive, but possessed qualities the real thing could not supply.

Unlike real suede leather, the new ultra suede fabric is washable. The most discerning fabric shopper is hard-pressed to distinguish the difference between the real leather and the new synthetic version. The giveaway was that ultra suede fabric comes on bolts. So although it’s a relatively expensive fabric, you don’t have the tremendous waste of material realized when working with skins. The fabric is fairly lightweight, yet hangs as a garment in a similar way to suede leather. Like real suede, synthetic suede has a nap, so you do need to cut your pattern accordingly.

Another difference between the leather and synthetic fabric is that the ultra suede fabric comes in a much greater variety of colors. Ultra suede tends to major in earthy shades, such as beige, brown, forest greens and rust hues. However, you’ll also find plums, navy and rose colors to satisfy your every fashion yearning.

Sewing with ultra suede fabric is ultra easy when compared with almost any other fabric. Working with leather requires meticulous use of techniques and methods to produce a good looking garment. Synthetic suede lies smoothly, when properly cut and pinned. Lining an ultra suede garment is a snap. Trims, zippers and covered buttons are easily managed by a careful seamstress.

No one can deny the appeal of suede. Whether or not the current bias against animal skins is legitimate in the case of suede, ultra suede fabric is a practical choice for the seamstress. You can have the look of suede without the high maintenance required with suede leather. No expensive visits to the cleaners, no waterproofing and a durability surpassing leather all contribute to the popularity of this fantastic synthetic creation.

You really should look through your patterns and make a stunning gown of this fabric. You’ll be a trendsetter.

1. You don’t need to be a sewing freak to make good use of sewing baskets! When you think of sewing baskets, you probably think of...
2. Discontinued Fabric If your hobbies include sewing, you know that finding discontinued...
3. Need fashion advice? Fashion magazines are great idea banks! Some women are natural dressers, with an eye for fashion,...
4. Choosing Curtain Fabric If you are making your own curtains, congratulations. You have...
5. Vintage sewing machines are more than decorative – they work! Antique collecting is a popular hobby in America. There's something...