Replies

1. 
   rekha | Feb 27, 2005 04:35pm | #1

   http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/nmt037_15.asp

2. 
   mainestitcher | Feb 27, 2005 06:47pm | #2

   I'm trying this on a spring jacket made out of inexpensive fabric (a somewhat loosely-woven polyester). Burda pattern #116, 2/05, Threads instructions from Sept 2003. It looks cute. Had I realized earlier I was going to do this, might have left larger seam allowances to fringe. (I left about 5/8") I'm assembling the jacket pretty much as usual, except the facing and jacket were placed wrong sides together and zig-zagged along the seam line. Yes, the notched collar was a little fussy, and I wished at that point I'd thought this through just a little more before just charging ahead. A shawl collar jacket may have made a better first choice. I've cut out and stitched the pocket flaps. But now, in the cool, clear light of day, I'm wondering if those should be fringed as well. On the whole, I like the look.

   The Threads website also has a video on adding fringe made from other materials (rayon seam tape) and yarns. I have some odd synthetic boucle type yarn with metallic thread in it. Since I neither knit, nor crochet, or weave, perhaps its fate is to be fringed trim on...something.

1. 
   MarilynH | Feb 28, 2005 09:21pm | #3

   Thanks Carol,   As soon as I started to read your letter I realized what to do.   Glad you mentioned your errors, now I don't have to make them.   Thank you.   This is my first writing into Gatherings!   It's great.   I just bought an embroider machine, so am trying to do something new as well as carry on with the old.   Marilyn H.

3. 
   FinalFit | Mar 02, 2005 11:46pm | #4

   Marilyn;A book by Claire B. Shaeffer called High Fashion Sewing Secrets is a great reference book for things like specialty ideas.

   She suggests to make a fringe from the length wise grain of the fabric and allow the cross grain fibres to make the fringe.

   For making a 1 inch fringe cut the fabric the length of the seam and 2 inches wide. Machine stitch 1 inch from the edge along the length of the strip, then clip the fabric strip every 6 to 8 inches up to but not through the stitching line. Gently pull out the clipped yarns.
   Measure up from the stitching line the seam allowance you will be using (usually 5/8") and then serge the unfringed side to create an exact seam allowance. Stitch it onto your garment like you would to add piping.

   I tried this on a little girl's jacket. I double layered the fringe so that it looked really full. Instead of putting in on lapels which can be tricky,I added it to a jacket with a jewel neckline, about 1 inch inside the neck edge and center front then topped it with a plain braid. It was really cute.

   Hope this helps

1. 
   SewNancy | Mar 03, 2005 04:08pm | #5

   I used Claired Schaeffer's method to do my Chanel style jacket last spring.  I used small bull dog clips to hold the strips taught and then used an awl to pull the threads down.  YOu need to clip about every 6" to make it easier.

   Nancy

4. 
   alotofstitches | Mar 04, 2005 05:19pm | #6

   I've got one to make as well for DIL.  Some patterns show jacket only single layer & looks flimsy to me.  Pattern we bought suggests purchasing fringe to insert-not me!  What I intend to do is extend seam allowance to 1 inch in areas to fringe.  Since her jacket needs to be "professional-looking", I intend to interface front and lapel/facing as usual, stopping at 1 inch seam allowance to give a good smooth front, zig zag at seamline, then fray the 2 layers.  All this sounds simple and I hope it works that way.

1. 
   ShannonG4d | Mar 04, 2005 06:34pm | #7

   Liz, If I'm reading right what you plan to do, you may encounter a problem.  What I'm reading is that you intend to fringe the actual lapel and collar area?  If so, you'll find that part of this area will be bias, part will be straight grain...it will be difficult to maintain an even fringe width.  You're better off making a fringe and inserting it in the seam like you would do piping.  You don't have to purchase the fringe, but can make it from your fabric remnants. 

   I just finished a draped shawl collar jacket and did fringe on the collar.  It really isn't difficult to do, and I love the results!

   Shannon

1. 
   alotofstitches | Mar 04, 2005 10:04pm | #8

   thanks!  You're probably right that it'd be a lot simpler to make fringe and insert it than to hassle with the other and I can control it better too.

1. 
   Teaf | Mar 08, 2005 09:56pm | #9

   I just purchased a pattern for the new spring jackets, and the instructions offer what looks like a very easy way to do the fringe, in a way that will work around curves, on lapels, and pockets. They suggest fringing the trim after sewing it in the seams, which sounds like a good way to keep from tangling or stitching over loose ends.You cut long strips of fabric along the grain the width you'd like the fringe plus 5/8", then sew those strips like piping between the garment and lining/facing pieces. Afterward, you use a pin to fray the raw edge of the fringe. They suggest that you make any joins (no overlapping or seaming necessary) on a straight edge rather than at a corner and suggests cross cuts every few inches or so to aid in ravelling.I hope this style stays popular long enough for me to make one for myself!

1. 
   alotofstitches | Mar 09, 2005 08:23pm | #10

   Thanks so much--that sounds like a winner!

2. 
   MarilynH | Mar 10, 2005 03:05am | #11

   Thanks everyone for your help re the fringe on the new spring jackets.   It has really helped.     I think I am all set now.   Thanks again.   MarilynH