I’m altering a prom dress, and need some advice. The center back has been lowered, producing a “bias” seam from the side under arm area(outer edge of halter bodice) to the center back. Aside from interfacing, what else can I do to prevent the fabric edge from gapping? I cut a facing on-grain to prevent the fabric from stretching on the bias, but wonder if it’s the best strategy?
Kristine in Michigan
Replies
Scroll about halfway down this page to see what Kleibacker does to snug up bias edges:http://dept.kent.edu/museum/exhibit/kleibacker/collection.htmThe technique has also been showcased in at least one article in Threads magazine, but basically, it involves cutting a straight strip the desired length of the edge you're dealing with and then ease-pinning that unstable edge to the stabilizer strip. It's the same as taping the bias roll line of a jacket lapel to prevent gaping at the bustline.
Thanks, I forgot about that article (and I have that issue!). I will dig it out and read it through!
A tip I learned a long time ago is to keep all selvages of lining (cut about 1/2" wide) to be used as stabilizing strips. I sew this selvage strip into the seam as I sew the top edge of stapless or bias edges. It stops the "give" like nothing else! I wrap the selvage strips onto the cardboard from seam binding, etc. to save and I always have a color that works. Or you could spend $ & buy seam binding to use.
I learned that tip here (possibly from you), and it works like a dream! Now I trim the selvage from nearly every piece of stable fabric that I use. That way, if I'm working on a piece that I didn't make...usually altering for a client, but it could be RTW... I have something I can use. The weight of the selvage fabric can make a big difference, so having a large selection makes things much easier.
Deb
This is quite off-topic, I know, but speaking of selvages... Somewhere online I recently saw quilts pieced from the selvages of fabrics. They were very pretty, and lots of the selvages had interesting prints, color-stamps, or writing on them. They were pieced in unique ways. Soon this quilter had all her sewing friends sending her their selvages. Neat idea, I think. Don't you just love the art created from something that might well be hastily discarded?
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