Thursday, May 23, 2013

A new favorite detail.

Remember my pretty green skirt?  Well, as is often the case, once I took the pictures, I realized I'd forgotten something!  I was so intent on how to arrange the patch pockets against the fullness of the skirt that I forgot to sew down the fold at the top of the pocket, and it took seeing my photos to make me realize it!  All I can say is, I'm glad I figured it out before I washed the skirt!

I got it out the other day to fix it, and decided I'd like to try using pick stitch to make the top edge of the pocket a tiny bit decorative.  And OMG - I love it!  It's very subtle, but it adds a tiny bit of texture.


I really enjoy hand stitching, and this stitch was so fun to do.  I can see now why people are so crazy about doing hand-picked zippers.  I've never done one because I prefer the look of an invisible zipper to a lapped one about 99% of the time, but now I really want to try it out.


Before starting, I used my water soluble marking pencil and a ruler to trace a stitching line so it was easy keep everything straight.  I used my thread doubled, and twisted the two strands together a little bit so that the pick stitches came out like tiny knots.  They look like itty bitty studs to me.  I kept running my fingers over them to feel the texture.  That's not weird, right?

And now that I see these photos, I'm thinking about going back and doing this all along the two edges of the waistband and at the hemline!  What do you guys think?

21 comments:

  1. I love it! I love hand work as well. I often hand sew down all my bindings at neckline and armholes and such. I never mind hand sewing a hem down as well. This is lovely. Go for the hemline for sure!

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  2. Love the hand stitching. I always try to incorporate some hand-stitching on my garments, stitching down bias binding, hem lines are a given. But I also like to do some decorative stitching too.

    If your waistband incorporates a thick fusible interface then you might want to think twice but it will be great for the hemline.

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  3. I think yes! I adore hand stitching and the embellishment it adds... I really must do it more! I've never done pick stitches but now I need to try it immediately. I love the subtle texture it adds to your pocket.

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  4. This is cute! I've never seen this stitch before, it's a lovely decorative detail, good thinking!

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  5. The pick stitching looks great on those pockets! I love hand stitching featured on garments - it's something you wouldn't see on affordable RTW, but we can do it easily.

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  6. do it! i LOVE pick stitching. i also do it on the inside of necklines when understitching is difficult.

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  7. I'm a recent convert to pick stitching so it is no wonder I love this! It would look fabulous on the hem.

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  8. I've been picking for years!!! It's a wonderful detail and I love the idea of using it on a pocket.

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  9. I love tiny little details, even though tiny, they add so much!

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  10. It's super cute and dainty. I really like the look of it.

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  11. that's a nice little touch! my handsewing in garments is usually hidden and I always feel a little disappointed about that

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  12. What a brilliant solution!! I think I might be stealing this myself.

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  13. What a lovely touch. It really does look pretty, and finishes the pockets off beautifully.

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  14. This is new to me and so pretty. (I had to look up pick stitching to see what it was!)

    ;-)

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  15. Such a small detail for a wonderful effect. I never would have thought to do that, you are so clever!

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  16. So pretty! I love the texture it gives your pockets.

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  17. Ooh, I love how this looks! I've never pick stitched before, but this is really pretty!

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  18. Wow, what a great detail! Definitely add it elsewhere too! :D

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  19. This is such a great detail! I'm a big fan of textures, and I love the subtle texture that the stitches give your pocket.

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  20. Such a subtle, sweet look, I love it!

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  21. That is such a cute detail! Love the Kelly green.

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