Chapter 8: Not what it seams!

The object of this chapter was to find many different ways of decorating seams ...

Fig.1

Samples 1 and 2 show two different ways of using prairie points - firstly side by side and all the same size; and secondly varying sizes overlapped. These could look like the ridges and overlapping spines and scales on lizards.

Fig.2

Sample 3 has tabs made from folded fabric, again of different sizes and overlapped, though these too could obviously be made in identical sizes and arranged side by side. Sample 4 has strips of knotted fabric stitched into the seam. Sample 5 has machined cords inserted in the same way and Sample 6 has strings of beads laid between two parallel seams.

Fig.3

 

Sample 7 has a frayed strip of cotton fabric stitched on top of the seam which was then topped with ric-rac braid held down with zig-zag hand stitching in perle cotton thread. Sample 8: an uneven line of french knots worked in perle 8 thread hold down a strip of white cotton on top of this seam. Sample 9 has triangles of alternating plain and patterned fabric stitched along the seam and in Sample 10 these same triangles have been frayed.

Fig.4

Sample 11 has a number of wrapped bars of uneven length stitched across the seam. Sample 12 has couched gimp and Sample 13 has assorted threads stitched into the seam, which were then plaited and knotted in random groups.

Fig.5

I made some trimmings and cords - Samples 1-3 consist of several strips of calico fabric in varying widths stitched together with different machine embroidery stitches. Sample 4 is a small collection of machine stitched cords and in Sample 5 these have been plaited together.

Fig.6

 

More machine embroidered strips of calico

 

 Fig.7

and finally a collection of buttons and toggles - dorset buttons (samples 1), beads made from fabric (samples 2); fabric folded and knotted to form a loop (sample 3); toggles stitched with button holed ends (samples 4) and chinese knots worked in gimp and in thick piping cord (Samples 5)