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Tutorial: Triple Tuck Detail

Today we have another real-life example we tried out from Stitching for Style.

I love the way this looks, adding a bit of texture to a solid fabric. I think the thread could even be mixed up, maybe use a thicker thread such as silk and even in a different color if you like.

I can imagine this on the bodice of our Peony dress. I think that would look so pretty! What do you think?

Items Needed

  • garment
  • fabric pencil or chalk
  • ruler
  • hand sewing needle
  • thread


1. Each tuck is 1″ wide. You will need to adjust your pattern piece to reflect this before you cut the fabric for this project. For example, if you have 7 tucks then your pattern will need 7 extra inches. To do this, go ahead and add each inch where you will create the tuck on the garment. The photo above is an example of one way to do this adjustment.


2. On the wrong side of the fabric, begin marking with a ruler and fabric pencil. Draw the outline of each tuck 1″ wide.


3. Draw lines 1/4″ apart in each area for tucking.


4. Mark an interval of your desired measurement between tucks. For this project, I marked every 1 1/2″.


5. Knot the end of the thread. Pull the needle and thread through the first marked line. Then through each line, keeping it horizontal.


6. Sew over the tucks two or three times. Knot the thread in the back to secure it. Repeat these steps for each tuck.


This is what it will look like on the right side.


This is how the back will look. I think you could easily switch the way you do the stitches to create this look in the front if you prefer it.

Caitlin Clark

Caitlin is the Colette Patterns design assistant. You can follow Caitlin at her blog, the story girl.

Comments

francesca

July 24, 2012 #

Thanks so much! I really appreciate these tutorials!

Inna

July 24, 2012 #

Ohlala! What a beautiful technique to use for a plain dress or a top!

Roxy

July 24, 2012 #

So elegant. I will have to try this out! Thanks for the tutorial.

VintageAttempt

July 24, 2012 #

I would love to see what the whole top would look like!
I think I am going to try this really soon!

Holly

July 24, 2012 #

Thank you for this tutorial! I’m definitely going to try this out.

Sew Little Time

July 24, 2012 #

really lovely. i am enjoying this series and wish i could get my hands on a copy of the original book!

gabriel

July 24, 2012 #

hm..good place to add a pearl or a bead whilst stitching the tuck….

Cynthia

July 24, 2012 #

What sort of fabric pencil do you use? I’m always on the hunt for a better marking tool. Thanks

Sarai

July 24, 2012 #

I really like the clover pencils! We have them here in several colors. You can buy a multi-pack on amazon, or they seem to be available at most fabric stores.

anto

July 24, 2012 #

what a great tutorial! thank you very much for sharing.

Beth

July 24, 2012 #

Thanks for the comprehensive tutorial. It makes it easier to see it through to completion before you actually try it out for the first time. I’m not sure that I wouldn’t totally muck this up but I do want to try it at some point :)

Lisa

July 24, 2012 #

I hope this isn’t a silly question… How do you ease the extra fabric in at the seamline? I think I might get it in theory, but I’d like to see it done practically. Can you recommend anywhere I might see something like that done without having to take an entire class?

Cindy Reeves

July 25, 2012 #

What a lovely technique to add interest and a depth to a simple pattern. It makes me want to try it a.s.a.p.!

CTM

September 1, 2012 #

Thanck you for this tutorial, I very need it for my party dress!