Looking for Ultrasuede or a Substitute

I am looking for Ultrasuede and having trouble finding it in my area.  I REALLY want to start experimenting with bead embroidery. Where do I need to look or is there a material that can be substituted for Ultrasuede? 

 bellomodo.com has some and they have Lacy's stiff stuff which I've heard is great for bead embroidery

~Briggs

DW says Ultrasuede and  imitation Ultrasuede are both available at Joann Fabrics.  At least around here.

Stephanie,

You should be able to find Ultrasuede at any fabric store or quilting store or even any of the Wal-Marts that still carry fabric. Some local bead stores like mine carry small squares 10"x10" (I think). We have them in a variety of colors. If you are doing cabochons, you don't need to use much and a small square like this will last a while.

Deb - AZ Bead Depot

Hi there Stephanie!   I am not beading all THAT long but remember a while back I was in the same position as yourself.   I don't think what is available in Joann's is even close to the 'real' ultrasuede and would suggest that you take a look at this website:

http://www.fieldsfabrics.com/ultra/

to see what they have to offer.   Because I had never seen or felt the true Ultrasuede, I went ahead and purchased their swatch set, which I feel is NOT inexpensive, but VERY worthwhile.   When I received the swatches, I was immediately able to see the fabrics I thought would work, and those I felt were either too thick or too thin.  

None of the samples will go to waste, as I use these for the backings on some cabochons and little cameo brooches I have made.    I more recently ordered some small pieces of the Ultrasuede and felt the service from Field's Fabrics was just wonderful.   They very promptly sent my order and it was cut with great accuracy.  Overall I found my experience in dealing with them to be just first class. 

I would also suggest you look in your local hobby store to see if they carry any thick, thick felt as this is somewhat similar to the Lacey's Stiff Stuff which I also use!  In fact I stitch on the Lacey's and then back the piece with the Ultrasuede.

Wishing you all the best with  your venture into bead embroidery -- I know I personally just love it! -- Carol-Anne.

StephanieD:

I am looking for Ultrasuede and having trouble finding it in my area.  I REALLY want to start experimenting with bead embroidery. Where do I need to look or is there a material that can be substituted for Ultrasuede? 

Carol-Anne:

http://www.fieldsfabrics.com/ultra/

to see what they have to offer.   Because I had never seen or felt the true Ultrasuede, I went ahead and purchased their swatch set, which I feel is NOT inexpensive, but VERY worthwhile.   When I received the swatches, I was immediately able to see the fabrics I thought would work, and those I felt were either too thick or too thin.  

 Carol-Anne, What kind did you end up getting for the bead embroidery?

 Hi everyone,

there doesn't exist a thing like Ultrasuede or Stiff Stuff in Germany, so one question: of what material are these fabrics made? Are they polyester? I think Ultrasuede is no genuine leather, isn't it? Thanks for answers!

Carol-Anne, thank you so much for the recommendation!  I've been looking for an online source of Ultrasuede off and on for awhile now, as I occasionally get the urge to try my hand at bead embroidery.  I ordered a couple pieces from JoAnn, and they were way thicker and stiffer than I had expected (not to mention the selection was terrible to begin with).  Did I read that correctly, only $15 for a TON of swatches?  Must be a couple hundred of them.  What a great bargain!  I noticed, too, that they'll send you a couple for free.  How big are they?  About 2x2" (5x5cm)?  That's big enough for most cabs...  And wow, a great selection of colors!

Dagmar, Carol-Anne is a much better person to answer your question than I am, but I'll try to give you the highlights.  Ultrasuede has been around for several decades, at least, as a synthetic alternative to suede.  It's washable and is very soft and pliable (not stiff), thinner and lighter weight than suede.  You know how it's commonly used, right, as a backing to embroidered pieces?  Lacy's Stiff Stuff reminds me of interfacing used in sewing, only not the kind that you iron on.  It's very stiff and doesn't unravel when cut (like felt, only thinner and stiffer).  It's commonly used as the fabric onto which you actually embroider.  I have a sheet of white Lacy's.  I don't think it's available in many colors (if any), but I've heard of coloring it with a permanent marker before embroidering.

Lisa, thanks for the reply. So I think the fabric I have is similar to Ultrasuede. It's got a touch like suede, but it's a lighter weight and easier to sew through than suede. I asked because I started to try my hand on an embroidered brooch and thought this was the perfect fabric to embroider onto. And so far it worked perfect.