Classy Crochet Edge

 

Project Overview

Add an heirloom crochet or tatted edge to collars, cuffs, necklines, ruffles and more. It took our Grandmothers days to make a project with this delicate technique. But today, thanks to Sulky threads and Heat-Away Stabilizer, and quick sewing machine techniques, we stitch it in an hour or so.

Add this designer detail to update a blouse or suit by stitching the crochet or tatted edge around a collar as I did on this washed rayon dress. Or, turn an edge and topstitch or hemstitch, then add the crochet along the finished edge. Heirloom embroideries complete the look. The beautiful bows on my dress are Martha Pullen designs from Husqvarna Viking Embroidery Card #11.

I preferred Sulky Heat-Away Stabilizer for this project because I needed crisp stability to support multiple rows of crochet stitching off the edge of the fabric. I also like how you can see the stitchig on the Heat-Away (easier than on clear Solvy) so it is easier to line up the rows of stitching.
--- Sue
Artist Information

Sue Hausmann
Hostess of the PBS-TV show
"America Sews with Sue Hausmann"

Senior Vice-President of
Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machine Co.

Sue's teaching prowess equals her sewing ability and, for more than 30 years, her profession has focused on sewing education. In presenting a variety of motivational sewing seminars, she demonstrates to retailers and consumers that sewing is fast and, above all, fun!

Sue has produced numerous instructional videos for consumers about basic sewing machine and serger operation, as well as creative options. As Senior Vice President for Husqvarna Viking, she oversees the education and training programs for consumers, as well as retail store owners and their employees. She is also intensely involved with consumer motivation programs and new product development.

With more than 100 public broadcasting programs and nine books to her credit, Sue is realizing her dream to share the joy of sewing. Her enthusiasm motivates sewers and would be sewers to complete "America Sews" projects with confidence.
Supplies
Construct It

  

  1. To make the heavier, crochet-look trim, thread the top of your sewing machine with two strands of the same color of Sulky 30 wt. Rayon thread through the eye of a topstitching neeedle. also treat the two threads as one to wind a bobbin with two strands of the same Sulky 30 wt. thread.
  2. Rotary cut strips of Heat-Away Stabilizer 3 inches wide. Snap on the edge/joining foot and baste the Heat-Away strips onto the fabric along the edge with 2 inches extending outside the fabric edge to be finished with "crochet".

     

  3. Select a stitch that sews a seam/overcast-type stitch. On a Husqvarna Viking #1+, use stitch A21, stitch length 3.0, stitch width 6.0, side-to-side mirror image, and an open-toe foot.
  4. Stitch along the edge of the collar so the side stitch catches the edge, and the rest of the stitch is on the Heat-Away. To finish the ends select a left needle (or right needle depending on which end) and straight stitch on the Heat-Away to the next row. Mirror the stitch side-to-side, turn the work around, and stitch back along the stitching. Line up the stitch with the side stitches of the first row. The stitches should look like you are laying brick. Continue to add rows as desired. The collar in the sample project has three rows.

     

  5. Trim away the excess Heat-Away outside the stitching.
  6. Place a towel or press cloth on an ironing surface amd press with a DRY iron to disintegrate the Heat-Away.
  7. Place the collar in a plastic bag and rub the stitching gently to "flake" the Heat-Away off.
You have an heirloom garment that looks like it took days to create.

Enjoy!

Sue's Hint: "I have an old travel iron, purchased at a garage sale, that is perfect for this because it has no steam holes. It turns the Heat-Away a scorched color quickly."