Just the thought of having to mend something often sends most of us hurdling off our creative horse. But wait! These days we have many ingenious ways to spruce up those damaged duds.First, select whether the outcome needs to be plan and practical or if a little jazzing up would breathe new life into an old favorite. Next, determine if the distressed area needs interfacing or stabilizer for the new stitching to take hold. Fusible interfacing will do wonders to provide a new foundation to the fabric. Select threads by auditioning both funky and coordinating colors based on the desired final outcome.
Practical Mending – The most commonly selected stitch would be a multiple-point zig-zag. This easy to use stitch reinforces the damaged area with tiny stitches. A traditional zig-zag stitches one stitch on each side, a multiple-point zig-zag stitches 3-4 stitches as it travels from the far right needle position to the far left needle position. To get the most from this mending stitch, shorten the stitch length to .5mm – 1.0mm. Working in a forward and reserve manor, work each row of stitches to the side, overlapping slightly for each pass. Hold the reserve button or lever to stitch in the backwards direction. Continue until the entire area is heavily stitched. If necessary, turn the fabric 90 degrees and repeat.
For pant legs, cuffs, sleeves, shoulders and hard to reach areas, position the item around the free arm of the machine. If necessary, open up a side seam to help make the mended area more easily accessible.
Decorative Options – This can be the fun part! Just think of all the options that are now available for covering up, disguising or reattaching a worn area! There is decorative stitches, embroidery designs, fabric appliques, free-motion quilting, purchased patches/badges, needle punch with yarns, wool and felt and do not forget the Glitz!
When adding a creative touch to an area, be sure to add a couple touches of extra creative interest so there is not one lone bulls eye embroidery design or applique. Determine additional locations to add embellishments to help balance the mended area. Try connecting the mended area with a string of embellishments running in a vertical serpentine manor. Always be aware of the location of these extra items so not to draw unwanted attention to certain areas of the body. Remember Location, location, location! If this item is for you, pin samples of the adornments to the garment and check the positioning in a mirror.
Experiment with threads such as variegated colors and unique textures. Enhance the area even more with beads, decorative stitches, sequins and glitz. Before you know it, your unwanted blemish could turn into your next creative adventure!
© 2007 SewSara, Sioux Falls, SD. All Rights Reserved.