Today I’m talking to you about checks—more specifically, the challenge of sewing large checks. It’s also the challenge of sewing fabrics with geometric shapes, fairly visible lines, or large, distinct motifs that need to be matched up to achieve a harmonious result.
I brought this fabric back from Ghana, and as soon as I saw it at the shop I knew the top would be a Tilda Top (La Maison Victor) and the bottom a Alexandria peg trousers (Named patterns). That part was clear. Now the snag was the checks. No—actually, not the checks, but the lines that make the squares (huh??!). After a night of thinking, I came up with two solutions, but the simplest was this: fold the fabric in half (as usual). Carefully match the lines along all edges to ensure the checks are neatly aligned one on top of the other. Hold the fabric firmly so it doesn’t shift. Pin the pattern pieces onto the folded fabric, then cut. It was make-or-break. Cold sweats at the fitting (yes, because I know myself—I won’t wear the outfit if the lines don’t match). Phew! It works (see the 2nd photo below).
Have you ever done an exercise like this? If you know a technique, feel free to share—I’m all ears!
Today I’ll be taking about checks, more precisely about the challenge linked to sewing fabrics with big checks. This is the same kind of challenge as that of sewing with geometrical forms and visible lines. The idea here, is to get the garment to have an harmonious finished result.
I had brought this fabric from Ghana and as soon as I saw it I knew what the project would be: a Tilda top (La Maison Victor) and the bottom an Alexandria peg trousers (Named patterns). This was clear. Now the only problem was the checks. Hemm… Actually the lines. After thinking over and over again I came up with two logical solutions in order to match the lines, and the best one was the following: Fold the fabric in half (as usual). Match the lines on the top and down layer, all around the fabric, this is to make sure that the squares are one on top of the other. Make sure the fabric is steady. Pin pattern pieces on fabric. Cut. As i have never heard of this or tried it, I was scarred. Trying especially the pants was like a trial, I know myself. If the lines are not well positioned I would not wear it. Phew!!! (see the 2nd pic.)
Have you ever had this kind of challenge? If you know a helpful technique please do not hesitate to share!
