Sponsors
Sponsors
What types of patterns are? (Moderated by EleanorSews)
Posted on: 2/20/08 2:15 PM ET
I just bought some fabric and when I got it home it seems to have an "obvious" diagonal design. It's also directional, in that it's not the same going up or down (sorry I can't explain better). My pattern says "not suitable for obvious diagonals" and I can see why because it's a dress with two front and two back pieces. What kind of pattern does work well with diagonals or is there any such thing?
BTW, it was $2/yd and I can probably use it for quilt backing so it's not a great loss!
Thanks,
Erica
BTW, it was $2/yd and I can probably use it for quilt backing so it's not a great loss!
Thanks,
Erica
Posted on: 2/20/08 2:24 PM ET
Maybe something bias cut would work well with a diagonal design? You could also chevron the diagonal design on something "not suitable" if you're into that sort of look.
------
------
Muria
Where did all this fabric come from? I CAN'T have bought THAT much!
Where did all this fabric come from? I CAN'T have bought THAT much!
Posted on: 2/20/08 6:42 PM ET
In reply to EricaJean
I made a dress that was not an "obvious diagonal" fabric (but still it was a wool twill weave) with a 4-gored skirt back in h.s. No one else seemed to notice, but I could see that the lines didn't look right down the center front (different angles). Probably used a "without nap" pattern which may have created some of the problem. Now most patterns use a 'with nap" (same direction) for everything so that may have worked better. A straight skirt might work, or, as mentioned, a planned meeting of diagonals (play with it to see) at the seam. (Might not work if directional, however, because you couldn't flip it upside down to make the chevrons.)
Edt to add:
It was a valuable lesson, however, and I have not (to date) made the same mistake again!
-- Edited on 2/20/08 6:44 PM --
------
Edt to add:
It was a valuable lesson, however, and I have not (to date) made the same mistake again!
-- Edited on 2/20/08 6:44 PM --
------
Janome serger 634D, Brother PC6000, Singer 500A, Kenmore Mini-Ultra, vintage Bernina 600, White Rotary treadle, New Homestead A VS treadle
Posted on: 2/20/08 7:43 PM ET
In reply to EricaJean
If it is diagonal AND directional, I don't think you could pull off a chevron, so a pattern without a center front seam would be best. Really, I think you just want to have minimal seaming. What you could do is trace the line drawing of the pattern, and then sketch diagonal lines over it while keeping in mind the grain line of the different pieces. In general though, those sorts of fabric recommendations aren't really absolutes, but guidelines. It may just mean that you'll just have to think a little bit harder about your cutting, or even that you may have to alter grainline.
-- Edited on 2/20/08 7:52 PM --
------
-- Edited on 2/20/08 7:52 PM --
------
"Cultivate your curves. They may be dangerous, but they won't be avoided."
-Mae West
"I like big butts and I cannot lie."
-Sir Mix-a-lot
-Mae West
"I like big butts and I cannot lie."
-Sir Mix-a-lot
Posted on: 2/21/08 9:51 PM ET
In reply to EricaJean
Hi EricaJean,
You didn't say how much fabric you bought. But if it is more than a yard or so, you might consider a tiered skirt. I made one out of rayon that I bought on sale, with three graduated tiers, and it worked quite well with a diagonal print. No pattern needed, really, although there are several commercial and indy patterns available.
If you don't have enough fabric to give you the usual fullness of a tiered (broomstick) skirt, you might consider adding a contrasting plain fabric, or even another coordinating print.
Regards,
Sophiecat
------
You didn't say how much fabric you bought. But if it is more than a yard or so, you might consider a tiered skirt. I made one out of rayon that I bought on sale, with three graduated tiers, and it worked quite well with a diagonal print. No pattern needed, really, although there are several commercial and indy patterns available.
If you don't have enough fabric to give you the usual fullness of a tiered (broomstick) skirt, you might consider adding a contrasting plain fabric, or even another coordinating print.
Regards,
Sophiecat
------
Well-behaved women rarely make history.
Laurel Ulrich
Laurel Ulrich
Posted on: 2/21/08 11:03 PM ET
In reply to EricaJean
I would use it for something else. They say that for a reason. But, why not make a tote or straight skirt or something else that would take well to a diagonal design?
------
------
"puhPOjhu"--a river that sinks into a mountain with fury and winds around underground for miles before emerging in calm down the road...
Posted on: 2/28/08 7:01 PM ET
So I think you are saying use a design without a center seam, like a straight skirt.
I like the tiered skirt idea, it would look cool with the fabric going different directions on the tiers. I might try it. I have 3 or 4 yards to play with!
A center seam design wouldn't work because it is both diagonal and directional.
Thank you all so much!
EricaJean
I like the tiered skirt idea, it would look cool with the fabric going different directions on the tiers. I might try it. I have 3 or 4 yards to play with!
A center seam design wouldn't work because it is both diagonal and directional.
Thank you all so much!
EricaJean
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns






