I’m sewing a curved collar out of linen, and I dread the careful grading and clipping to get the curve just so. Has anyone had success with a technique of using a narrow zigzag to join the pieces, trimming near the stitching, then turning? Does this really work? Will the linen ravel? How narrow or densely should I zigzag?
Thank you for any experience,
Lisa
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Replies
MO, the grading and clipping is but a part of the overall result.
If this your first voyage into this effort, do a sample run with a fabric from your stash. Or, maybe even a couple of "samples." Including the grading and turning.
What is the first need is to sew the curve with careful deliberation. I would suggest you draw the seam line with a temporary marker. You could also hand bast the line in place. But check a scrap to see if the fashion linen fabric will show needle holes. I have worked with linens that did.
Sew slowly and having practiced, you should have the "feel" of turning the fabric as you sew. With the stitches in place, the grading and turning can be done.
If the collar is going to be front centered, be sure you check to be certain you've completed the seam equally. Do this by laying one end over the other.
As for using a zz, I would think it's possible but you'd need to be even more certain that the zz's were done on the seam line. Try zz'ing a sample.
Linen does ravel. How to address this? If you sew carefully you can zz over the clipped edge. There is a narrow fusible tape on the market. the name escapses me at the moment. Perhaps another member can offer it to you. I have taken the time to hand overcast a fraying fabric using triple strand embroidery floss.
Do practice. Me
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