Stretch crepe is the fabric that makes fitted garments comfortable. Grace combines the signature crepe texture with added elastane which gives you just enough give to move naturally while the fabric maintains its clean structured surface. This is not the thin crepe that pills after a few wears — Grace is heavyweight enough to drape properly and stretchy enough to wear all day.
Grace Stretch Crepe works for garments where you want a smooth matte finish with movement. The crepe texture hides minor wrinkles and the elasticity keeps garments from bagging out at the knees and elbows. It pairs naturally with our stretch velvet for mixed-material evening wear where the velvet provides texture contrast against the smooth crepe.
THREE AREAS WHERE GRACE SHINES
1) Tailored evening dresses. Grace holds a clean line that looks sharp on camera and in person. The stretch eliminates the gap problems that plague fitted sheath dresses and pencil skirts:
a) Sheath dresses with a narrow hip line where the stretch keeps the dress from riding up when sitting or walking
b) Fitted jackets and boleros where the crepe texture gives a professional finished look and the stretch allows arm movement without fabric pulling
c) Wide-leg palazzo trousers that drape from the waist with enough weight to flow and enough stretch for comfort through long events
2) Day-to-night workwear. The matte finish of Grace reads as professional during the day and transitions to evening when paired with jewelry or a belt. Cut it into wrap dresses structured blazers or midi skirts that move with you through a long day.
3) Separates and layering. Grace works as the structured piece in layered looks. A Grace crepe pencil skirt layered under a soft chiffon blouse creates a contrast between the smooth matte crepe and the flowing sheer overlay that looks intentional and polished.
SEWING WITH STRETCH CREPE
Grace crepe cuts cleanly on a double layer because its textured surface grips the table and prevents sliding. Use a stretch or ballpoint needle in size 80/12 and polyester thread. The stretch means you need to cut and sew with the garment's intended direction of stretch in mind — the primary stretch runs across the width of the fabric.
Press seams on low heat with a press cloth to avoid flattening the crepe texture. Finish inside seams with a serger or zigzag to keep raw edges from rolling.
All our crepe fabrics are sold by the yard with no minimum. Shipped fast worldwide and every yard arrives rolled and protected. Questions about stretch direction or yardage for your pattern? Reach out anytime.