Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon
Insider

Sign in or become an insider to access this story

Sign In

Openwork Top Made from Twill Tape

When I heard that the Threads design challenge was cotton (“The Cotton Call,” no. 179), my first thought was: What will I make from THAT? My taste runs toward evening fabrics, weird hair extensions, and wools. I just needed to broaden my idea of what cotton fabric is.

Instead of shopping for a cotton yardage I liked, I decided to make fabric from cotton twill tape. Sewing the tape edge to edge is something I’d done in the past, but this time I wanted to mix it up.

About this time, I saw a book on origami and was inspired. After much experimentation, I hit upon the technique outlined below. This is simply a 45- degree fold stitched in alternating increments.

how to make fabric origami top

How to make the fabric:

The fabric works from the lower edge of the piece upward. The first row is different from subsequent rows.

To begin, mark 3-inch-long increments on the first row of twill tape.

how to make fabric origami top

Sew row 2 of the twill tape to the first row, edge to edge, using a machine blanket stitch.

Stop the stitching at the first mark. The stitch length shown is 2.75 mm and the stitch width is 3.0 mm.

press twill tape

Fold the upper twill tape at a 45-degree angle at the end of the stitching. Press.

fold tape

Fold the tape up, creating a V.

press tape at 45 degree angle origami top

Press the tape at a 45-degree angle so the edge aligns with the edge of the first row of tape.

how to origami top twill tape threads

Sew the tapes together, again edge to edge. Begin the stitching at the edge of the fold, as shown. Stop the stitching at the next mark.

Repeat this along the row, to complete the second row of work. Mark the fold points for row 3 midway between the folds on row 2.

how to origami top twill tape threads

Sew row 3 of tape edge to edge, stopping at the first mark.

Start your 14-day FREE trial to access this story.

Start your FREE trial today and get instant access to this article plus access to all Threads Insider content.

Start Your Free Trial
Discuss

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Discuss

  1. Gaill | | #1

    very interesting and I would love to try it. Where can I purchase large rolls of twill tape like in the picture?

  2. User avater
    kennethdking | | #2

    There's a place online called Cheep Trims. That's where I got them.

  3. lips | | #3

    I really love this idea and I'd really enjoy trying to construct a top. There are several weight of cotton twill tapes available. What weight do you use in the origami top?

  4. lips | | #4

    I really love this idea and I'd really enjoy trying to construct a top. There are several weight of cotton twill tapes available. What weight do you use in the origami top?

  5. User avater
    kennethdking | | #5

    I din't know the weight (I just bought blind online), but go with a medium-weight tape, and you'll be good.

    Something to know: Hand wash these in cold water, as the twill tape fabric shrinks of you machine wash. Or: machine wash before making the garment.

Log in or become a member to post a comment.

More From Threads

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights

Shop the Store

View All
View More