An Eye for Eyelet
Linda Wyman
Usually considered a staple for girls' dresses, eyelet is popular in adult garments, too. Add a scalloped border to eyelet yardage for a dainty look on a shirt cuff or hem.
EYELET DIFFERS FROM LACE in that eyelet is formed by stitching around holes cut or punched in a base fabric, while lace consists of threads joined together in a pattern. The zigzag- or satin-stitched cutouts are sometimes connected by decorative embroidery. Base fabric can range from soft to crisp: batiste, lawn, dimity, broadcloth, piqué, organdy, linen, even knit. Envision eyelet yardage in romantic robes, children's clothing, country-inspired shower curtains and window treatments. Add wide eyelet trim (header and gathers removed and pressed flat) as a sleeve or bodice lower edge. Incorporate narrow eyelet trim and ribbon in towel and bed linen edgings.
|
|
Pattern Layout
Make all pattern adjustments in length and width before cutting.
Look for a one-way design in the eyelet stitching, and use the pattern's with-nap layout if there is one. Mark the right side of each eyelet fabric piece with a pin because it's often difficult to tell the right from the wrong side.
If using galloon-edged eyelet (the scalloped border forms one or both selvages), purchase an additional yard of fabric to accommodate positioning the sleeve and hem edges along the finished edge. Fold up the pattern along the hemline. Position the fold along the fabric's scalloped edge; pin and cut.
|
