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I am planning on making a cardigan style fleece jacket with buttons and I am going to be adding a crochet edge treatment around the hem, front edges and neckline, also the sleeve hems, much as you often see done with blanket stitching.
I realize this can be done quickly and easily with no facings whatsoever, but I would like a little stability, without the bulk added by a fleece facing, especially in the seam allowances.
I have been thinking about how to add a facing… Have any of you found an application that you really are pleased with? I have thought of a few possibilities…
A fleece facing, but no seams or allowances, just the two layers together at the edges held together with some discreet stitching and the crochet.
A matching or coordinating interlock of jersey facing that is lighter in weight than the fleece.
Some lining fabric with iron-on interfacing for stability and light weight.
What do you all think? Thanks in advance.
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I've done the fleece facing and the interlock facing. I much prefer the interlock. You can fuse a knit interfacing to it if you are concerned about stability; works just fine. I found with a fleece facing that there was way yonder too much bulk in that area. I carry enough bulk without adding it in fabric:), so I'm always on the lookout for eliminating layers.
If you do opt to go with a fleece facing, use a binding around the edge instead of the traditional right-sides-together-turn-trim-and-press. Even though you have the same number of layers with a binding that you would with a "regular" facing, it lays flatter because your binding has less loft than that of the fleece.
The lining idea might be a good one, too....have to try that!
HTH
Shannon
*Theodora, another luxury option would be to use Ultrasuede or Ultrasuede Light for the facings. This would add stability and be very thin, with no raveling so no need to stitch and turn at the edges--you can just finish the two cut edges together, using topstitching, embroidery, or binding. The facing could even lie on the outside of the jacket, so it's more visible. I always love using pinked edges on Polarfleece and Ultrasuede. To do your crochet-edging idea, you'd probably have to make holes in the Ultrasuede first, with an awl. (Mark lightly with a pen first, for even spacing).You could also use the Ultrasuede at the collar, pockets, and/or sleeve cuffs to tie it all together.
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