Inspiration: 27 Topstitched Details
Topstitching is a detail that’s so easy to apply to just about any project and can be used in several ways: to add stability, to emphasize style lines, to create new style lines, or to give a fabric texture.
Here are 27 different ideas, from vintage fashion to the runways.
images: Burberry pre-fall 2016, 1960s chocolate brown x dress from Capricorn vintage, Victorian corset detail, unknown source, 1960s Normal Wiatt dress from Afterglow vintage, Burberry pre-fall 2016
images: vintage Lilli Ann suit, Claire McCardell ensemble at The Met, Modcloth dress with rainbow topstitching, vintage rayon 1940s blouse with topstitched buttonholes and collar
images: Valentino Spring 2017
images: 1920s green silk dress from Hedonist Vintage
images: Valentino Spring 2017, instagram photo by No Accounting for Taste, in a vintage Lilli Ann, red wool Italian vintage coat, Nudie denim peacoat
images: Vintage glen plaid jacket with pocket detail, jacket from Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries
images: vintage blue dress with topstitching details, yellow Lanvin jacket from the V&A museum, 1930s peach dressing gown, pale gray wool 1960s dress, denim pocket and waistband detail, cotton corset, Schaiparelli hat with stitching details
Comments
Josie
January 26, 2017 #
I love the look of topstitching, but struggle to keep the lines completely parallel when doing it myself. Any tips? It seems like even the tiniest veer off course is glaringly obvious.
Sarai
January 27, 2017 #
We’ve got a post coming up with some tips and methods for this!
I. Dodd
January 27, 2017 #
Thank you for the inspirational pictures. Beautifully executed top stitching can really transform a garment. Perhaps a tutorial on the type of thread to use on top and in the bobbin, tension, guidelines etc would be very helpful to get a truly professional look.
Sarai
January 27, 2017 #
Here’s a post that might help you, with several tips for topstitching: https://blog.colettehq.com/tutorials/8-tricks-for-perfect-topstitching
I’m working on a project / tutorial that incorporates topstitching, so we’ll have more to share soon. :)
I.Dodd
January 27, 2017 #
Thanks for the link. Can’t wait to try some top stitching!
Anna
January 27, 2017 #
Love this!
Mertxe
January 27, 2017 #
WOW! Really inspirational! I can see how stitching can totally change the look of a piece. I am always shy with topsitching, it is difficult to make it straight and the smallest devitation ruins it all. Although with guides in the machine it can be much easier!
Aileen Vogel
January 27, 2017 #
Love this post. I’m a topstitch fan, and I loved all the great examples of this technique. So easy if we just take the time.
PsychicKathleen
January 27, 2017 #
I love these examples – it makes me think about quilting versus topstitching but what great accent it can be – those Valentino pants! Wow :)
Anne Wright
January 27, 2017 #
Do excuse me please – I have a sudden unaccountable urge to topstitch something….
Mary
January 27, 2017 #
Fine examples of “out of the box” topstitching ideas! I do wish I could have seen more of the Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries jacket. I love that program, and not only for the story lines…. Can you guess?!!!
Kath
January 27, 2017 #
Fabulous examples, topstitching takes time and concentration but edgestitch feet, or quilting feet help. Bernina feet have a hole through which a measuring rod can be inserted. Makes for easier measuring between rows.
Miriam Dema
January 27, 2017 #
I became obsessed with the Valentino jacket in this post while reading it, then realized I own that Schiaparelli hat in cream which made this post all the more satisfying. Thanks for all of that.
Carol in Denver
January 28, 2017 #
Excellent blog post with inspiring photos! I enjoyed the linked article, too. One suggestion I didn’t see posted: if you are topstitching in relationship to an edge, use a PAD of 1-1/2″ x 2″ Post-its, stuck to the bed of the machine, as the edge guide. A flat piece of tape on the bed of the sewing machine doesn’t give that ridge for the fabric to bump up against that is so useful.
Jocelyn
January 29, 2017 #
Brilliant!
Kelly
February 5, 2017 #
I’m not a big fan of black fabric with white topstitching. I think that was a trend in the late 90s – I hated it! I remember not being able to find a pair of black shoes with plain black stitching to save my life. I like seeing all these different applications, though! Especially love how much interest it adds to that green jumpsuit. Would love to have that in my closet.
Sarai
February 7, 2017 #
I remember this trend! I agree, it was one I avoided too. But those Burberry dresses may have changed my mind. I love that they incorporate different decorative stitches too.