Power Mesh

Types of Power Mesh Fabric

We offer different types of power mesh fabric for various dance costume needs:

• Light power mesh: This type of mesh is thin but still gives good support. It’s brilliant for making costume parts that need to be see-through but still hold their shape. Dancers often use it for sleeves or cut out sections in leotards.
• Medium power mesh: This mesh is a bit stronger and gives more support. It’s good for making panels in leotards or bodysuits that need to hold everything in place. You might use it for the tummy area of a costume or to line a dance dress.
• Heavy power mesh: This is the strongest type of power mesh. It gives lots of support and is good for making whole leotards or tight-fitting costume parts. Dancers who need extra support during big jumps or lifts often choose this type.

Power Mesh for Different Dance Styles

You can use power mesh in lots of dance styles:

• Ballet: Ballet dancers might use power mesh for leotard panels or to make strong but light sleeves. It’s also good for making firm tutus that hold their shape well.
• Contemporary: Contemporary dancers often use power mesh in interesting ways. They might make whole bodysuits from it or use it for cut out sections in their costumes.
• Jazz: Jazz dance often needs costumes that are tight-fitting but allow for big movements. Power mesh is perfect for this. It can be used to make whole leotards or to add strong panels to costumes.
• Lyrical: Lyrical dance often uses flowing costumes, but sometimes needs more fitted parts too. Power mesh can be used to make bodysuits that go under flowy skirts or dresses.

Tips for Sewing with Power Mesh

When you’re making a costume with power mesh fabric, try these tips:

• Use a stretchy stitch on your sewing machine, like a zigzag stitch. This helps the seams stretch with the fabric when you move.
• A walking foot can be really helpful when sewing power mesh. It helps all the layers move through the machine evenly without stretching out of shape.
• Use ballpoint or stretch needles when sewing power mesh. These slip between the fibres of the fabric instead of piercing them, which helps prevent runs.
• When cutting power mesh, make sure your scissors are sharp. Blunt scissors can snag the mesh and cause runs or uneven edges.

Looking After Power Mesh Costumes

To keep your power mesh dance costumes looking good:

• Wash power mesh costumes by hand in cool water. Hot water can damage the elastic fibres in the mesh.
• Don’t wring or twist the power mesh when it’s wet. This can stretch it out of shape. Instead, gently squeeze out the water.
• Let power mesh costumes dry flat. Hanging them up to dry can cause them to stretch out of shape because wet mesh is heavy.
• Store power mesh costumes flat or rolled up, not on hangers. Hangers can cause the shoulders to stretch out over time.

FAQs

What is power mesh fabric used for?

Power mesh fabric is used in dance costumes to provide support and shaping. It’s brilliant for making leotard panels, dress linings, and sleeves that need to be strong but light. Dancers use it to create costume parts that hold their shape during movement.

What can I make with power mesh fabric?

You can make loads of things with power mesh fabric! It’s great for dance leotards, sleeves, or cut out sections in costumes that need to be see-through but still hold their shape. Power mesh is also brilliant for lining dance dresses to help them keep their shape.

What is the difference between power net and power mesh?

Power net and power mesh are similar, but power mesh usually has smaller holes and more stretch. Power net often has a bit more structure and less stretch. Power mesh is typically softer and more flexible, which makes it comfy for dance costumes.

Is power mesh hard to sew?

Power mesh can be a bit tricky to sew, but with the right techniques, it’s not too hard. The main challenge is that it’s stretchy and can slip around while you’re sewing. Using a walking foot on your sewing machine can help with this. You’ll also want to use a stretchy stitch and a ballpoint needle.