An Ode to Stripes

#SewStripes starts today! This February, we’re challenging you to sew something with stripes, and tag us on Instagram with @sewcialists #SewStripes! We’ll include your make in our roundups for the month, plus we’ll have a bunch of projects here on the blog. We hope you enjoy!

I love a good stripe. They are the perfect neutral, and I love how they look with solids, florals, or just on their own! I’ve sewn an awful lot of knit stripes over the last 6 years (although I’m not sure I’ve *ever* sewn a striped woven) so I thought I’d take you through some of my favourite ways to use stripes before I show you my newest #sewstripes project!

If you want to get started mixing prints, stripes are the way. From left to right, I did a colour-blocked striped chevron on the back of this otherwise floral tank; layered some cotton lace over the neckline of a raglan; appliqued a floral motif on the shoulder of a dress; and used striped jersey to add some fun to a plain green hoodie!

An easy way to start playing with directionality is to use a pattern piece that is flared, like a 1/2 circle skirt, a-line dress or swingy top. From left to right, I like how the skirt formed chevrons on this Turner dress, and you can just see that I sneakily used the stripe vertically on the back bodice because I was low on fabric; these patch pockets become a fun shaped when draped; this wide Ebony top lets the stripes curve gently around the body; and a draped cardigan also lets the stripes line up in interesting ways!

Read for a bolder play on directionality? From left to right, this Myrtle cowl neck drapes nicely in a stripe, and I turned the side seams to centre front/back for a slight chevron effect; this take on a draped top is ruched up one side, so the stripes shift from horizontal to diagonal; I cut the bodice and skirt on opposite bias directions, and I love how it adds movement to the pattern; and finally, why not turn your stripe on end, and use it vertically?

As fun as it is to play with stripes direction and print mixing, I also love a basic pattern in a horizontal stripe. From left to right, this cropped jacket always feel chic; a Breton stripe always feel nautical and cute; if you don’t like harsh stripes, maybe a more organic version like these watercolour stripes will be more your style; and behold, probably the most worn tee in my closet!

Now, there is a lot of crap about stripes being unflattering, and making people look wider… personally, I think that is silly! People look good in clothes they love, and my body is the same shape no matter what I put on it. If that myth has stopped you from sewing stripes before, I hope you give them a chance!

Because friends, I have made this:

Horizontal stripes. Mostly light-coloured. Slim-fitting… and I feel completely awesome in it! I wanted to play with the rules of what is “flattering” and show you that even on a 5’2″ size 20 frame, stripes are great!

This is a Closet Case Patterns Nettie dress, which I first sewed back in 2014. Happily, they’ve expanded the size range since then, and the new size 20 fit my measurements perfectly… except I wanted a dress I could wear to work, so I added a few extra inches to the hips for sitting ease! I also narrowed the shoulders a bit for more a tank-top style, and lengthened the skirt.

Appropriately for the Sewcialists, this dress is a tribute to friends:

• The fabric is a textured polyester doubleknit, which a dear friend had given me from her stash
• The pattern choices was entirely inspired by Helen from Helen’s Closet, who recently posted a gorgeous striped Nettie post as part of her “Sewing Makes You Love Yourself” post (and I had dared Helen to try the pattern in the first place in 2016, so it only seemed fair to reciprocate!)
• I once hung out with Closet Case Patterns designer Heather Lou for a day, and I like to think that makes us IRL friends
• And finally, the sweater is made with fabric bought from a friend’s fabric store and hack from a Cashmerette pattern designed by another friend!

What can I say? Hang out in the sewing blogosphere long enough and soon you’ll know everyone! And when everyone is so kind, it’s easy to take fashion risks and feel confident. Here’s to wearing clothes you love, in a fabric you love, at any age or style!

Are you going to be sewing any stripes this February? If you are still looking for inspiration, perhaps my long-running Pinterest board “Playing With Stripes” will help!