My latest garments made using border prints
As you can see, I've been on a border print roll lately. Why do I love border prints so much? Because of the challenge they present when using them...because of the possibility of making something different and unusual...and because they dare me to look at a piece of fabric in a new and interesting way.
I know the most common use of border prints is at the bottom of garments just like the border lays on the fabric. But I love it when you move that border around and place it in areas where you don't normally see a border. I love using garments with several pattern pieces to get the best use out of the border print. And I especially love the puzzle of fussy cutting a border print and how it causes you to think outside of the box!
Border prints aren't easy to find. You have to search for them. Recently they've become more popular but aren't still readily available. You can find them in quite a few different fabrications. I've purchased them in everything from ITY knit, silk and even wool. I've made skirts, dresses, shirts, maxidresses and jackets all using border prints.
Simple skirts ~
At the top and bottom of the dress
Running a border print down the side of a maxidress ~
I even did a series of shirts using border prints.
My collection of border prints run deep in my fabric shelves...
When I see one I like, I ALWAYS purchase it even if I have no idea what it will become. To me border prints are like 4 leaf clovers ~ magical, mystical and worth searching for. That's why right now I'm working on two more garments using border prints. They will be coming to the blog before the month's over.
So how about you? Do you like to sew with a border print? Do you look for them when fabric shopping? Or are they elusive like a fabric unicorn? Let me know. I'm interested to see if I'm the only sewist in love with the magic of a border print.
...as always more later!
I also love border prints, and own two of the group of four that you posted! (The yellow on navy and pink embroidery on grey stripe.) I can't wait to see what you do with them. The ones I particularly look for are non-directional, i.e., the print can cascade down from the shoulders as well as up from the hem.
ReplyDeleteI had never used a border print before last September! But I've been really enjoying them. I'm trying to figure out how to make a maxi skirt out of the green linen border print I got at Sew Camp in June; I used it for a simple dress, which I just finished yesterday, and love it! Your border print dresses, which you finished at Sew Camp, caused me to really think hard about how to best use the borders. And for that, I thank you.
ReplyDeleteI like them in small and specific doses. I have bought some that I did not use - I just have not been able to puzzle out a good use. Mostly I am thinking of the batik border prints bought in Indonesia many years ago where they are very common. Or he saris also bought while on business travel. I did make a lovely shirt from a Thai border print.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever made use of the border prints on saris? I would be curious to hear your experience with them, since so many saris do have double or single border prints.
More recently I have taken advantage of some of FM's many BP options. Some have come in mystery bundles, which are really fun.
R - I haven't used a border print sari. So I'm sorry have no experience to share.
DeleteAs always thanks for posting your beautifully inspiring makes. I too love boarder prints, but am very selective. Thus far only knits. I bought one even though it wasn't right for me; a wonderful sewing friend was happy to meet up with it! I have a puzzling BP to dig out and appraise with fresh eyes. It's 2 prints and I'm considering cutting apart to have more options. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the blue stripe with the pink flowers printed on top (maybe embroidered?) anyway love that one. I have always admired the creative way you use border prints. Blue and white prints are so pretty to my eye so I love the new midi length sleeveless dress too.
ReplyDeleteI love border prints because you can use that border print in numerous ways. I love the pictures of how you used them. I have to keep searching for them as you stated they are not readily available.
ReplyDeleteoooh that black maxi dress with the pink and purple paisley has always been my favorite of all your border print projects! I'm always prowling through Fabric Mart for border prints, I just love them.
ReplyDeleteI always admire your use of border prints and still never buy any. When it comes down to it I can't quite figure out what I would do with them.
ReplyDeleteI would love to try border prints. Any suggestions of where to buy online would be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteColorado gal - unfortunately no fabric site online lists a category called border prints. I usually stumble across them looking at new arrivals on most sites. I've purchased border prints at Fabric Mart, StyleMaker Fabrics and fabric.com - hope that's helpful.
DeleteI always love to see what you do with a border print!
ReplyDeleteI'd always thought they "had" to be used the way they came off the bolt as well. I was so excited by your floral shirt last year at sew camp that I've collected a couple more prints for the collection! :-D
ReplyDeleteLove your ability to use them so interestingly.... I have a few in the cupboard but the ones I have the border runs down each selvedge so length then becomes an issue. So other than a skirt I have no idea how to use them. Would appreciate an advice you have...(Would it look weird to have the border on the top and bottom of a dress???)
ReplyDeleteJoyce - I did the border on the top and bottom of the black & blue maxi pictured above. I actually love when I can split a border that way. It gives the garment even more pazzazz in my opinion!
DeleteI love them in theory and buy them when I run across one I like. But, I haven't sewn one since the 1990s. I really should fix that. I have a gorgeous floral linen border print that has been waiting to become a sundress for 5+ years.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a minimum yardage that you buy of border printed material that you don't have a specific pattern in mind?
ReplyDeleteI buy larger quantities of border prints so I have enough if I dream up some wacky idea! No less than 3 yards - typically 4-5 yards. If it's panels, 3 usually work but I have bought 4. Hope that helps.
DeleteGreat inspiration. I didn't know border prints were a thing. But I bought one in NYC last year. Made a coat out of it. Love it! IG @pawkyone and scroll down to last fall if you want to take a look.
ReplyDelete