When I heard that the Threads design challenge was cotton (“The Cotton Call,” no. 179), my first thought was: What will I make from THAT? My taste runs toward evening fabrics, weird hair extensions, and wools. I just needed to broaden my idea of what cotton fabric is.
Instead of shopping for a cotton yardage I liked, I decided to make fabric from cotton twill tape. Sewing the tape edge to edge is something I’d done in the past, but this time I wanted to mix it up.
About this time, I saw a book on origami and was inspired. After much experimentation, I hit upon the technique outlined below. This is simply a 45- degree fold stitched in alternating increments.
How to make the fabric:
The fabric works from the lower edge of the piece upward. The first row is different from subsequent rows.
To begin, mark 3-inch-long increments on the first row of twill tape.
Sew row 2 of the twill tape to the first row, edge to edge, using a machine blanket stitch.
Stop the stitching at the first mark. The stitch length shown is 2.75 mm and the stitch width is 3.0 mm.
Fold the upper twill tape at a 45-degree angle at the end of the stitching. Press.
Fold the tape up, creating a V.
Press the tape at a 45-degree angle so the edge aligns with the edge of the first row of tape.
Sew the tapes together, again edge to edge. Begin the stitching at the edge of the fold, as shown. Stop the stitching at the next mark.
Repeat this along the row, to complete the second row of work. Mark the fold points for row 3 midway between the folds on row 2.
Sew row 3 of tape edge to edge, stopping at the first mark.
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very interesting and I would love to try it. Where can I purchase large rolls of twill tape like in the picture?
There's a place online called Cheep Trims. That's where I got them.
I really love this idea and I'd really enjoy trying to construct a top. There are several weight of cotton twill tapes available. What weight do you use in the origami top?
I really love this idea and I'd really enjoy trying to construct a top. There are several weight of cotton twill tapes available. What weight do you use in the origami top?
I din't know the weight (I just bought blind online), but go with a medium-weight tape, and you'll be good.
Something to know: Hand wash these in cold water, as the twill tape fabric shrinks of you machine wash. Or: machine wash before making the garment.