Sew-Along - Create Custom Couture Trim with Mary Funt 22nd September 2021

We are very happy to welcome back Mary Funt who will be giving a second presentation on creating custom trim.

Mary's presentation was very popular earlier this year so we decided to arrange a second one - there will be a recap of some of the techniques from last time plus some new ones to learn.

Mary has worked up several new samples and has been playing with bias strips of fabric for the crochet as well as a five-strand flat braid. Mary will share her decision-making process in deciding what materials to use and how to combine them into a complementary trim.

Mary has been writing her blog Cloning Couture since 2014 which explores the world of Couture Sewing.

After finding that the ready-made trim which is available to buy lacks the softness and quality found in couture garments Mary has developed several methods to enable you to create your own trim to match your fabric. 

Using different techniques such as crochet, weaving and beading you will be able to use your imagination to create beautiful original trim for your couture garments.

If you would like to make a sample along with Mary here is a list of materials that you can gather together beforehand.  Please Note: you will need a basic knowledge of crochet for some of the trims as this will not be taught during the presentation but there will be other trims as well.  You don't even have to Sew Along - you can just watch and get inspired to make your own trims

An assortment of yarns in colours that compliment your fabric. Chunky weight (suitable for 5-7 mm knitting needles) is used to crochet the base of the trim. If you want to make thin knitted cords using an I-Cord knitter fingering or lace weight yarn works best. Bulky/Super Chunky weight yarn makes a good filler to give I-cord and fabric tubes more volume.

Crochet hooks: Sizes US C (2.75mm), US D (3.25mm), US E (3.5mm) and US F (3.75mm). If you’re unfamiliar with crochet stitches, then a large hook such as a 6mm, and worsted yarn are good for practice. It’s easier to see the larger stitches and a non-textured yarn works better when learning. When you’re comfortable with making the crochet stitches, experiment with finer, textured yarns.

Device for knitting narrow tubing. Embellish Knitter or I-Cord knitter available on Amazon. The device comes with a clip-on weight. Additional weights such as large metal washers are helpful with some yarns.

Mary will demonstrate how to make narrow bias tubes of fabric and fill them with chunky yarn but for your sample, it will be easier to practice with yarn.

Mary will also demonstrate turning and filling fabric tubes with brass trim tubes. The tubes are a set of 8 graduated sizes of 12 inch long hollow brass tubes. They also help when inserting filler into the knitted cord. You will not need these for this presentation, they are available from Mary's shop - if you would like some it might be an idea if we place an order for several sets together to combine the postage.

The pictures show examples of the trim you could make 

1 - The black with multi colours has multiple variations. Mary often makes multiple versions before deciding on one.

2 - The grey trim was created by unweaving the boucle and using the threads for trim. 

6 - Cream Linton tweed using a combination of yarns from the fabric and other coordinating yarns.

7 - Trim created using only crochet stitches

8 - Two versions of trim for this black & white Linton tweed fabric

9 - Trims created using knitted cord

10 - The Embellish Knit device is shown with examples of knitted tubing. The tubing can be used as-is or filled with thick yarn.

This sew-along will take place on Zoom, once you book I will send you a link and more information

Let's have fun and make some custom trim :)

Materials Needed:  as listed above

Level: Intermediate, you will need a basic understanding of simple crochet stitches if you wish to make the sample during the presentation.

Venue: Your Own Home

Date: Wednesday 22nd September 2021

Workshop Start/End time:  6pm - 8pm BST

Workshop Duration: 1 evening

Workshop Tutor: Mary Funt