Suede shoes are a fashionable and luxurious alternative to leather footwear, and they are not only worn as casual footwear but also for business, formal events, and even for the home. This type of shoe requires a little more care than other leather shoes and accessories because it is more delicate and less water resistant, but with the right care routine and treatment, suede footwear can last a long time.
Natural suede comes from animal skins, and the tanning process can be a lengthy and tedious one. In order to produce suede, the naked animal hide is greased with fat and sent through a special process known as “beading,” where it soaks in the fat for several hours. This makes the leather supple and able to be sanded down, which gives it a soft texture. Afterwards, it can be dyed, perforated, embroidered or quilted before being decorated with ornaments and patterns.
This fabric is used to produce a wide variety of apparel and accessories. It is most commonly found in outerwear and footwear, including jackets, coats, vests, hats, and shoes. Suede gloves are popular, as well as suede bags and purses. It can be dyed a multitude of colors, from dark browns and grays to brighter shades like blues and reds.
Unlike regular leather, which is often stiff and uncomfortable to wear, suede is very flexible and moves with your feet. This makes it perfect for high fashion boots and shoes, as it allows them to adapt to your movements without becoming rigid or restricting. Suede is a very versatile material that can be worn all year round.
The versatility of suede has led many designers to create styles that are crafted from this fabric, especially for the fashion industry. It is a favorite material for autumn and winter boots, jackets and coats. It can also be used for women’s and men’s clothing and accessories such as hats, shirts, skirts, blazers, and scarves.
There are several different types of suede, from the more common varieties such as nappa and nubuck to more exotic materials such as kangaroo and crocodile suede. Vegetable-based suedelike fabrics such as mushroom suede are becoming increasingly popular because they are eco-friendly. They don’t involve animal agriculture and evade the polluting production process of plastics.
When sewing with suede, you will need a good quality domestic sewing machine that can handle bulky seams and is capable of adjusting the stitch length. You should also use a Teflon or walking foot, which will help the fabric to stay in place as it goes through the sewing machine and prevents it from sliding around. It’s best to experiment with the thickness of the suede first before deciding what needle size to use. Generally, a universal needle or a jeans needle will work best, but it depends on the thickness of your suede. It is also a good idea to use a slower speed setting than you would normally use when sewing with this material.