Making & Using Ripped Binding

There are several ways to make and attach binding. For this post I am going to explain how to make and use ripped binding. It's very easy, fast and there is no fiddling involved. This type of binding is suited well for any straight edge that needs bound. It is not suited for curved edges. For those you would want to use bias cut strips.

Just a reminder ~ Always try this on a test piece before ripping into a full length of your pricey fashion fabric.

1. To make the binding, start with even weave fabric. 

2. Measure how wide you want your strips. For this project I used 1 1/2 inch. 

3. Mark your fabric and cut into the fabric about an inch into the selvage edge. 

~ Cutting the selvage edge to literally Rip binding strips ~

4. Here is my favorite part: grasp both sides of the fabric and rip it apart. I know that may sound scary to some but try it on a scrap. It's actually a lot of fun and a great stress reliever. 

5. Press each strip and pin them together, at the selvage ends, to make a long strip. Check and make sure that all the seams will be on the same side of the strip.

~ Match up and sew the selvage ends of your ripped binding ~

6. Sew the selvage ends together and iron the ends open. You now have your binding.

7. To attach the binding, with right sides together, lay the binding edge along the edge that is to be bound and pin in place. Then stitch. For this project I stitched using the edge of the presser foot as my guide.

8. Iron the work on the right side, making sure to press it open at the seam. 

9. Flip the work over and fold the free edge of the binding tape toward the edge of the fabric to be bound. Fold it again to cover the row of stitching, iron and pin closed along the entire length.

10. Stitch in the ditch, on the right side of your fabric, to invisibly attach the binding, removing pins as you go. 

~ Stitching in the Ditch ~ Attaching Ripped Binding ~

Check along the way to make sure your stitch line is falling on the back side of the binding tape. All done!  This may sound like a long process but it really takes more time to explain than to do. 

I hope that all of your sewing projects are going together like a dream.

Until next time, 

Happy Stitching!!

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Olive Leggings ~ McCall's 6173

~ Olive Ponte Knit ~ McCall's 6173 ~

First I want to share with you just how amazing this fabric is!!! It was impressive in the store and even more so after it was washed. It is amazingly soft and the texture is smooth, without flaws. It's a much thicker fabric than I originally wanted but I was so impressed with how wonderful it felt that I purchased it anyway. I suppose that I should also mention that it has two way stretch but really, that's an afterthought.

To say that I'm not usually a fan of synthetic fabrics is a major understatement. Typically, I won't touch the stuff. I am obsessed with high end, natural fabrics. This ponte knit from Joann's may just be the thing to convert me. It's listed as "Refined Ponte" so that may be the difference. The price wasn't anything to sniff at either but thankfully I picked it up during a 40% off sale.

~ Refined Ponte in Solid Olive from Joann Fabrics ~

In my first try with McCall's 6173 I messed up on the sizing but was able to fix it with a strip inserted along the inseam. For this try, I just went with a straight size medium. I did make a few alterations. First I added a few inches to the rise and took off some of the length. Then I omited the elastic in the waistband. I also added top stitching along the seams as well as on the waistband and hems.

~ Olive Ponte Knit Leggings ~ Hand Top Stitching ~ McCall's 6173 ~

This is a quick pattern with each leg only consisting of one piece. There are 6 seams; center front, center back, inseam, waist, and two leg hems. Even with hand stitching I was easily able to finish in one evening.

I hope that all of your sewing projects are going together like a dream.

Until next time, 

Happy Stitching!!

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McCall's 6173 ~ First Try Leggings

As I mentioned in my plans post, I need some leggings to wear under a sheer dress. Originally, I wanted to have something really light weight to keep me cool. However, when I was at Joann's looking at the knits I couldn't bring myself to get fabric that was not opaque. I ended up purchasing this khaki, ponte knit, blend. It has a bit of weight to it.... so probably not going to be nice and cooling.

~ McCall's 6173 ~ Leggings ~ Khaki Ponte Knit ~

I've had this McCall's 6173 leggings pattern in my stash for some time. I've become hesitant to try pants patterns because of fitting issues. I was hoping that this pattern wouldn't have many issues because the fabric to use has so much stretch.

Also from prior pants fitting experience I've learned that rise depth (crotch to waist) matters. In measuring the pattern I realized that I would need to add a few inches in order for the waistband to sit at my natural waist. That was my first pattern adjustment. My second adjustment was to take off a few inches at the bottom of the leg.

 I couldn't find how much wearing ease is added in so I measured the pattern and took a guess as to what size to use..... and I guessed wrong. Hahaha! I originally went with a size extra small at the ankle and grading up to a size small at the waist. The waist is a bit snug but the leg was too tight to get my foot through. Lol! Not to despair, I managed to salvage the piece and it's now wearable. Yay!

It really wasn't that hard, actually, to save the piece. I kept the seams at the front and back and added a strip of fabric to the inseam..... from ankle, up around the crotch, back to the other ankle.

~ Hand Top Stitching ~ Khaki Leggings ~ McCall's 6173 ~

Then, of course, I wanted the seams to lay a certain way (and I had to get my hand sewing fix) so I added top stitching, by hand, around the edges of the strip. To finish the garment I just needed to hem the bottom and the waist. I skipped the elastic in the waistband.

These were a very easy make. Even with the hand sewing and the little glitch that I had with sizing, I was able to get these finished in a single evening. I'm using this pattern again for a pair of leggings in olive green. I'll be using a straight size medium on that one and making adjustments if needed.

I hope that all of your sewing projects are going together like a dream.

Until next time, 

Happy Stitching!!

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Small Pattern & Fabric Haul

Not that I need any more fabric or patterns but at the same time, it seems like it's been a long time since I picked up anything new. Recently I stopped in to Joann Fabrics (twice actually) and purchased some. Both times they were having a sale.

In my first trip they were having a $.99 sale on Simplicity Patterns

~ Simplicity 1254 ~ Simplicity 8392 ~ Simplicity 8177 ~

These first three I purchased for myself. I have no idea when I'll get a chance to make them. I liked the lines of the hooded jacket of Simplicity 1254. The large shawl collar is very pretty. Also the little jacket from MimiGStyle 8392 caught my eye. As for the last, MimiGStyle 8177, I like the entire outfit. This pattern reminds me that I've been trying to make striped, wide leg pants for years. I also really like the sleeveless, calf length jacket.

~ Simplicity 2468 ~ Simplicity 8069 ~ Simplicity 8030 ~

These cute patterns were picked up because my oldest daughter has recently found out that she is expecting a new baby in October. I'm so excited!! Can you believe that I'm going to be a grandma?

~ Simplicity 8151 ~ Simplicity 1152 ~

My husband found a denim apron that he really likes. I thought that it would be fun to make him one as a surprise. Simplicity 1152 has a cute curtain swag that is the style that I want for the living room. Hopefully it's as simple to do as the pattern suggests.

~ Butterick 6483 ~

I've been looking for an Asian inspired dress pattern for years now. Perhaps I can make a stack of tops from this Butterick 6483 pattern. I love the contrast binding and frog closures. I can see myself wearing this style regularly.

~ Olive and Khaki Ponte Knit ~

On my second trip to Joann's I found some thick, ponte knit in olive and khaki, both on sale for 40% off. I picked up 1.5 yards of each. This is the only thing in this post that I actually have plans for. Lol. Hopefully, these will be transformed into tank tops and yoga pants for my upcoming trip.

~ Vogue 9282 ~

They were also having a sale on Vogue patterns for $4.99 each. Looking through the book, I found several that I would love to have but nothing that I had to have because I wanted to make it now.... except for this Very Easy Vogue pattern for wide leg pants. I had just picked up the Mimi G pattern with wide leg pants but this one has less pieces and is listed as "easy".

With our current situation, I'm going to try "easy" as often as possible. Already having those striped wide leg pants on my mind and this pattern sitting on my table may be the key. Perhaps I'll get that project finished in time for our trip as well.

Please wish me luck and continue to keep my husband in prayer.
I hope that all of your sewing projects are going together like a dream.

Until next time, 

Happy Stitching!!

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