Striped Fabric Pattern Variation Tutorial For Sewists

Do you like striped fabric? If you do, here’s an easy pattern variation tutorial for you to try: cut the stripes in different directions for style interest.

 

Every once in awhile, our paper of the day has nothing to do with stationery.

Like when we sew, and the paper of patterns is in focus.

Lately we’ve been seeing these cute striped knit dresses using blocks of the pattern cut at an angle from the main part of the design. The one we have in mind is cut at a 90° angle, making a distinctive style statement.

These knit fabrics are examples of stripes that work well for this style:

 

 

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For More Sewing Tutorials:

Create Your Own Basic Blouse Pattern:
Part 1,   Part 2,   Part 3

Princess Seam Pattern Adjustment Tutorial

 

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Striped Fabric Pattern Variation Tutorial:

This tutorial assumes you have a basic shift pattern, which we will alter.

Here is what you will need:

1. Pattern paper: pattern paper with dots*, non-woven tracing material*, tissue, newspaper, gift wrap or any other wide paper you prefer.
2. Yardstick, pen or pencil, scissors, straight pins, measuring tape.
3. Front pattern piece of your basic shift pattern.

(Items with an * are affiliate links.)

 

Directions:

1. Move the waist darts to become darts from the side seam: Cut a 3.5″ horizontal slit from about 1.5″ below the armhole to the apex of the bust. Fold the waist darts together, allowing the horizontal slit to separate. This is your side bust dart.
   
2. Place your front pattern piece on a fold of pattern making paper, just as if you were cutting a dress.
3. Pin in place, and trace all around. Cut. Mark the darts.
4. Open the pattern you just cut, and fold from shoulder to hem along the dart line on the left side. Mark your pattern “Left Front” and “Right Front”.
5. Place the pieces on new pattern making paper, and cut new pattern pieces, adding seam allowances to the sides where the fold was.
   

   

Cut the Dress out:

1. Pin the pattern pieces on the right side of the striped fabric as shown in the next illustration. Cut the fronts, and the rest of your dress pattern pieces out as usual.
   
2. Sew the Right Front to the Left Front, then sew the darts. Finish the dress as you would normally.
3. Add buttons on the seam line if desired.

 

 

What do you think? Want to try this pattern variation?

Or maybe you have made this style, and you can share tips.

We’d love to hear from you, in the comments (preferred), or

please email us at kimenink@gmail.com

or use this contact form for sharing ideas or for questions. Thank you!