Another thing I like about making my own stripe is that my client is getting something that is truly "one of a kind." He or she will not see it any where else.
Making your own stripe.
 |
| Original stripe on table cloth. note: pictures need to be moved to within 8" of corner so they appear to be over table |
- Find the colors and textures you want in solid color fabrics.
- Do the color assortment. Determine how much of what colors you want to show. Normally one color will be dominate.
- Design your stripe. Determine the widths and positioning of the stripes. While random stripes are made, you are better off to make a balanced stripe-one that has a horizontal repeat.
- Draw your stripe pattern. Remember to allow 1/2" seam allowance on each side. This means that a strip cut 6" ends up being a 5" stripe. This is especially important to remember on small stripes. For example a 1" stripe would be cut 2". Because of seam allowances 1" is really the smallest stripe you should plan.
- Cut the strips the widths you plan on your pattern
- Sew the stripes together. Since it is easy to get confused it's a good idea to keep your pattern where you can refer to it. To save time I don't pin the strips together, I hold both pieces face to face with the same tension top and bottom and sew them 1/2" from the edges
- Use a very small stitch. You don't want your stripe coming appear when you cut it.
- Press open your seams.
DONE!
On this particular project I needed a stripe for a table cloth. Unable to find one, I decided to make a stripe. I selected the colors from the same faux satin book. I then made the pattern . I wanted the light color to be primary with the blue and burgundy secondary. The bright red was to be minimal to give the pattern some life.
 |
| Fabrics to be used to make stripe |
 |
| Pattern plan for stripe |
Knowing how I was going to pleat the cloth, I made the red stripe wide. My plan was to put almost all of the red inside my pleats, After making the pattern I was able to determine how much of each color I needed.
 |
| Strips being sewn together. note no pins |
The fabric was cut into strips and with my pattern next to the sewing machine, sewn together.
 |
| Center stripe removed from stripe at the left added to red fabric |
 |
| Stripe pattern as printed
|
Sometimes you can find a "fancy" stripe that is part of a stripe that won't work. That part can be cut out and become a part of your new stripe.
 |
| Center stripe removed |
 |
| Stripe pattern as printed |
Sometimes you can find a stripe that would work except for one color in the pattern. You can cut that stripe out and seam the fabric back together.
 |
| Ottoman covered with original stripe |
 |
| Pillows covered in textured mix of velvet and silk |
Making your own stripe also allows you to make stripes of different textures.
As always you are only restricted by your creativity.
If you enjoy the blog please tell a friend.
No comments:
Post a Comment