Sewing slippery fabric can sometimes make you feel frustrated and ready to give up! But don't fear, we've rounded up some great tips to help you master floaty troublesome fabric whether you're making a drapey blouse, sateen dress or silk camisole!

This post is sponsored by Brother sewing machines. If you love dressmaking, visit the Brother website for inspiration, ideas and advice from the experts!

1. Make a toile (test garment) from an inexpensive polyester before you cut into special material.

2. Wash or dry clean your fabric before starting to work with them.

3. Use a new, universal, Sharps or Microtex needle, size 9/60-10/70. Larger size needles can leave holes or cause the seams to gather slightly as you sew. Blunt needles can snag the fabric and cause runs.

4. Use a with nap layout when cutting out fabric that has a sheen to them to ensure any shading is the same way up throughout (ie lay all pieces head to toe in the same direction).

5. Use sew-in interfacing for stability. If you do use a fusible interfacing, use a press cloth to avoid glue marks on your garment.

6. For transparent chiffons and voiles, use another layer or two of the fashion fabric or sheer organza as the interfacing to add the support and stability without spoiling the transparency of the fabric.

7. When pressing, use a silk setting on the iron and always use a press cloth. If possible, press from the WS. Heat will damage the shine on your fabric and create shadows on your finished garment.

8. Avoid using marking pens that may bleed into the fabric or washaway pens on fabric that are dry-clean only. Instead, use fine chalk markers on the wrong side of the fabric or thread, tracing to transfer marks.

9. If possible use dressmaking shears that have a fine serrated edge on the blades  the serrated edge holds slippery fabric in place as you cut, making them ideal for fine fabrics, silks, satins etc.

10. Prevent the fabric shifting and sliding around by laying the fabric on an old sheet or cardboard cutting board.

Five Free Patterns to Try

Now you've mastered working with slippery fabrics, why not try making one of these free patterns?

Sew Over It Chantelle Wrap Skirt

Start simple with this easy wrap skirt so that you can concentrate on getting the basics down before you move on to a bigger project.

Lottie Pussy Bow Blouse

This classic blouse would pair beautifully with the wrap skirt and there are no fiddly buttons to worry about so you can just let the fabric shine!

Amelia Tea Dress

This dress is our most popular download right now and we can see why! It would look stunning in a silky fabric, so why not give it a go?

GBSB Palazzo Pants
These simple wide-legged trousers are flattering for any figure and are great for day or evening. The side zip creates a smooth line under tops and the wide leg gives a stunning silhouette – perfect with either flat shoes or heels

Alexa Dress
Sew this fabulous vintage-inspired wiggle dress from a slinky fabric for the real wow factor!