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Member since 6/27/03
Posts: 3742
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Posted on: 2/6/11 8:11 AM ET
I am at the end stages of skirt for dd that looks rather amazing if i do say so. this is mostly function of good luck, a cute pattern and fabric that has been a dream to sew with. But it has a typical 2" or more waistband that i think will make it look not-as-stylish as it could be. What is the best alternative way to finish the waist without using the typical methods? it doesn't seem right to just fold it over and stitch but i think that'd be preferable to having a wide piece there. Do most of you just cut the band much narrower and apply it in the same way?
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 7941
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Posted on: 2/6/11 8:24 AM ET
In reply to sewfrequent
Funny you should ask this because I've been tracking the Petersham for Facing thread. Petersham (aka grosgain ribbon) is wonderful stuff! Purchase it in a 1.5" to 2" width and use that instead of the facing. It makes any waistband look stylish, and very expensive.

I got this tip from one of Shannon's classes; she talked about using it and how it's found in the higher end RTW. I have a pair of silk pants I live in during the summer, and they have a petersham waistband. Several of my skirts do as well.

I also have some printed bias tape on a roll I purchased at a discount price. Sometimes I use that. I stitch it on 1/4" from the edge, and fold it over, taking some of the seam allowance with it. Take a look at this review: Click here and scroll down to the Skirt Waist link. Click on that and you will see a picture.
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"Play the cards you are dealt, but choose who is sitting at the table"..AARP magazine

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Member since 6/27/03
Posts: 3742
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Posted on: 2/6/11 9:56 AM ET
In reply to Miss Fairchild
Thank you Miss Fairchild. I looked it over and this is what I'd like to do. After you fold the piece to the back-side, do you then stitch it from the front to form the "band"?
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 7941
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Posted on: 2/6/11 12:05 PM ET
In reply to sewfrequent
Actually, I stitch it on the inside. This way, I know I'm catching the bias tape/petersham. I use the same color thread in my bobbin as on the top, because it's the bobbin thread that will be showing on the outside. Keep in mind that the black you see before the bias tape is only about 1/2" or so wide. Also, I stitched this area twice, (look closely at the inside CF), thereby making it look decorative on the outside.

On my silk pants, because the petersham is so wide, about 1 to 1.5", and I had a piece of soutache braid I embellished the waistline with, I didn't want to have the stitching show through the braid. So I pressed the petersham (actually I used grosgrain) over a tailor's ham, thereby making it curved on both top and bottom. It didn't matter how much of a curve; just steamed it enough to make it flexible. Then I sewed the seam, leaving the bottom edges unattached. Then I tacked down the bottom edges at the zipper, darts, and the side seams, much like you would a facing. click here for a picture Forgive the wrinkles; the pants came out of summer storage.
-- Edited on 2/6/11 12:24 PM --
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"Play the cards you are dealt, but choose who is sitting at the table"..AARP magazine

SEE MY ETSY SHOP HERE: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AuntMaymesAttic
My blog: http://auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com/
  
Member since 6/27/03
Posts: 3742
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Posted on: 2/6/11 12:33 PM ET
In reply to Miss Fairchild
ok I think i have this down. I have some trepidation about stitching from the underside bc i fear the top-side might not be even. Just as if i stitch from the top-side, i can be fairly certain the bias will not be caught in certain areas. it seems whenever i turn something under, i rarely get uniform width. i have started running a basting row to fold to and that helps. I use it as a guide then remove the basting stitches. Thank you for your pics and help. I mostly quilt, you know
  
Member since 2/7/11
Posts: 3
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Posted on: 2/7/11 3:46 PM ET
I had this same question! Thanks for answering MissFairchild!
  
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