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Member since 5/3/08
Posts: 122
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Posted on: 10/17/08 10:15 AM ET
Sorry for the *very* newbie question, but I want to attach lace trim to the bottom of the skirt, where the straight edge of the lace is even with the skirt hem. I'm thinking of using something like this, except probably a flatter lace (not crocheted). To attach the lace, do I simply stitch along the straight edge, catching the hem, and then stitch along the top, scalloped edge? If so, what stitch length do I use for the top and how do I ensure that this doesn't turn out looking messy? I tried to find something RTW in my closet to see how it's done, but couldn't find an example.

Thank you in advance for the help!
  
Member since 7/1/08
Posts: 699
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Posted on: 10/17/08 12:01 PM ET
That straight edge is known as the header and that is the part that is intended to be sewn down. The scalloped edge is meant to hang free below.

Since you want to install it upside-down with the points up (that should make a very pretty effect, one I've never thought of trying), I'd suggest sewing the header down where you want it, pressing it carefully into place, then hand-tacking each point into its precise place.

You'd tack the point, take a long stitch on the backside to the next lace point, tack that, and repeat.

If the hem is deeper than the lace you could put the lace in place first then turn the hem up to cover all those long stitches so they don't get snagged.

Try a few samples on scrap to get the most inconspicuous stitch length. Also, try both the lace color for the thread and the background color for the thread to see what gives the most invisible results.
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3KB

"The combination of physical strength and moral sincerity combined with tenderness of heart is exactly what is wanted in a husband." Amelia Peabody Emerson
  
Member since 11/22/07
Posts: 506
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Posted on: 10/17/08 12:51 PM ET
In reply to cutestcutie
Depending on the heaviness of the lace and the skirt fabric....If you want the points of the lace to be at the bottom of the hem, you can join the header part of the lace to the fabric using a small zig zag stitch and an edgestitch foot (number 10 foot on my Bernina, but if you don't know what one is, just google and you will see the idea).

I usually put the fabric to the left hand side and the lace to the right of the center piece of the edgestitch foot, set the zig zag settings to fit and sew. It's really easy. The edgestitch foot helps keep the fabric and lace *butted* together. If the fabric is very light, the finish is made for you and you are done. If the fabric is heavy you may need an interim option, but this is how I attach lace to fabric and lace to lace. HTH, ML
  
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