Handmade Braided Trim Tutorial

Here is how to make handmade braided trim:

Cut 3 strips of fabric 1" wide.
I got a little carried away and did 3 full lengths of each color (about 180"). I saved the extra for future projects.
60" wide fabric makes about 50" of trim. Works best with lightweight fabric
Fold over on each side 1/4" and press. You can use one of the bias strip making tools or this idea I found on the internet. She used two long needles a couple of inches apart to hold the strip to press. Click on the link for more detailed instructions.

Fold n half and stitch along open end. I use the clear or invisibale monofilament thread to sew together.

Sew all three completed strips together.

Secure the end while you braid. I put the end on the sewing machine with the needle in the down position through all three strips to hold it while I braid.

Braid:

Take the right strip over the middle strip and place it between the left and middle pieces.

Take the left strip over what is now the middle strip and place it between the pieces that are now in the middle and right positions.

Keep repeating to the ends of the strips.

Make sure to braid the pieces securely - but not too tightly.

Stitch completed end.

Before cutting the length you need, stitch across the trim in two places about 1/2" apart and cut between the stitches. This will keep in from unraveling.

Make extra and save to use on many projects. Here are a few samples.

Around the edge of a jacket

Along a hem.

Two strips for straps.

More Sewing Projects

My daughter called me last Thursday and asked if we could make her a dress for an event she was going to Friday night. She found some fabric in my stash she liked. We got up Friday morning and put this together in about 2 hours. It was a joint venture - I did the sewing and she helped with the adjustments and idea of how she wanted it. It was very simple with one seam down the back. She was pleased with the results and said she got several compliments at the Art show she attended wearing it.


One of my co-workers had a baby recently and has alot of infant clothing. I made her something a little larger (Size 1) for next summer. I used the Ava Sundress pattern and tried a new free font I downloaded. I would love to give credit to the person who supplied the free font but I don't remember where I got it. If anyone recognizes it, let me know and I'll update the post with the person's name. I will have to try to remember to make note of the person who gives the free designs in the future. I am very grateful to them for sharing their gifts. The name was a font that came loaded on my machine.

I tend to change and add to patterns I use, even my own. This time I added a border along the hem using the gingham the bow is made out of.

I love the different shades of gingham fabric. I recently purchased several different colors to use for contrast and trims. Just another excuse to buy more fabric.

It's been great having some time to sew. I have several more projects in the works. I'll post pictures as I finish them.

Ava Sundress with embroidery and braided trim

I recently purchased a few embroidery designs from Embroidery Boutique and wanted to try them out. The Ava Sundress pattern is great for embroidery and applique on the front. I also added a handmade braided trim for the straps and along the hem.


This embroidery design is very simple and fast to do. These applique designs are

so much fun and are great for that little something extra on an outfit.

This is a better view of the braided trim. I used two pieces on each side for the straps and one row along the hem.

I took some pictures of the process and will try to put together a tutorial for the trim. I used gingham fabric in three colors for this trim. It takes a little time to do but I really liked the results. I ended up making extra to use again on a future project.

Dee Dee Pleated Dress and Sunny Wrap Dress Customer Creations and New pattern by Sew Sensible

I just got these awesome pictures from one of my customers. I started attending the Embroidery Club at All Brands after purchasing my embroidery machine where I met her and found out she was a customer. She sews beautifully and has a precious granddaughter to sew for as you can see in the pictures.

She made this from Sunny Wrap Dress Pattern. The LSU tiger embroidery on the front and bright bow adds a great touch to this little tiger fan's outfit.

This dress is made from the Dee Dee Pleated Dress Pattern. She added piping and used a flap with buttons on the side instead of tieing the sash. She also added the border on the bottom which inspired me to update my pattern to include a border.

Thanks JP for sending me this pictures and I've enjoyed getting to know you at the embroidery club meetings.

And here is a new pattern by my friend Aimee of Sew Sensible.

Reversible Pleated Dress Top

All SewSensible Sewing Patterns are designed with the beginner in mind and this one is no different. You will love the ease to read and understand the directions and graphics. The Reversible Pleated Dress Top with rick rack accent is a great way to sew two outfits in one night! It is a beautiful addition to any wardrobe. It is also great for all seasons. Wear it by itself for an adorable shoulder tie dress top paired with a skirt or shorts or wear it with a longsleeve turtleneck in the cooler months paired with Boutique Bottoms. A perfect canvas for your applique work, too! Great for the beginner to the advanced sewer!

Check out her blog post for more information. Not only does she have some great patterns, she is blessed with some very adorable models.

Ava Sundress Pattern now available

Ava Sundress Pattern is now available in my Etsy Shop.

You are going to love how easy this pattern is to make. It's a perfect little dress for everyday play, the beach, birthday parties and special occasions. Adding the optional bow at the back gives it a "boutique" look. Make it unique by mixing and matching fabrics, adding an applique or embroidery design to the front, trim along the border or just plain. Great for warm summer days like we are having here in Louisiana or with a top underneath for cooler seasons.
Thanks to my model, I had lots of pictures to choose from for the cover. She loves dresses and was so great trying all of them on and letting us take pictures. Thanks to the precious model for being so easy to work with and to her parents for letting me borrow her for the photos.

Ava Sundress Tester Pictures

These are the pictures from testers of the Ava Sundress Pattern. It's fun to see the color choices and ideas customers and testers use.


Two of my testers have little girls as you can see by the pictures. The other two are like me and don't have little ones but love to sew for them.


You won't believe how fast this pattern is to make. You can make several for everyday without the bow or make one bow that coordinates with several. Add an applique or embroidery design on the front. Even add a top underneath for cooler weather.

I have to make changes, create the cover and put it all together. I am shooting for getting it out this weekend.

Betsey/Joey Shorts Pattern Customer Creations

Some customer creations I recently received made from Betsey/Joey Shorts Pattern.

She said, "Here are 2 of the betsy/joey shorts I have made. So easy to make and I love them!!"

Isn't he precious. Now that I have an embroidery machine, I can appreciate the cute matching applique on the shirt. What a cute outfit.

Thanks K for sharing these pictures.