Italian fashion of the 20th century has a reputation for exquisite fabrications, up-beat and contemporary style, and high-quality construction that ensures longevity. This Italian dress from 1969 was made when fine double knits were at the height of their popularity. Although its silhouette is simple, it features an unexpected machine-sewn appliqué that takes advantage of some of the best qualities of 100 percent wool double-knit fabric—including its resis- tance to raveling. This dress is more than 50 years old and the appliqué edges are still in excellent shape. Read on to learn how to create appliquéd embellishments with wool double knit.

Double-knit fabric is made of two connected layers, created on a knitting machine with two sets of needles. The result is a textile that is wrinkle-resistant, doesn’t ravel or stretch out of shape, and has two faces—or right sides. It is heavier and sturdier than single, or jersey, knits. Known…