English embroidery is what one could call a timeless piece of the summer wardrobe. Originally white but nowadays also available in many colors, it is found in women's, children's, and even baby clothing!
If not long ago, English embroidery could still give a "granny-ish" vibe... today it is trendy!
You don't dare go for the full look, so why not add English embroidery to your creations in small touches? For that, there are English embroidery trims, let's dive into discovering them!
Top made by Céline - House Pattern
What are English embroidery trims?
The English embroidery was originally intended to decorate clothing. Women embroidered floral and/or geometric designs on their clothes but also on children's clothing. Gradually, English embroidery fell out of favor until the 1950s when it experienced a revival. In the 1970s, Vivienne Westwood brought English embroidery back into the spotlight with her punk style, which borrows heavily from Victorian style characteristics! English embroidery made a strong comeback with blouses featuring high collars brightening up tartan suits. These collars are made from English embroidery trims, that is, embroidered fabric strips. Often, these are less than 15cm wide and sold by the cut (usually by the meter). They are often scalloped on one side or sometimes on both sides when intended to be used within a garment itself.
What are their uses?
1. Create a collar, a ruffle
I love the look of adding English embroidery trims to clothing. I find it very chic as well as very punk (one will remember the outfits of the late Vivienne Westwood).
In this case, the trim is sewn in place of a ruffle or a collar made of classic fabric.
2. Lengthen a garment
Maybe you have already wanted to add a few centimeters to a dress or skirt? Or maybe to add them to a garment of a little girl who is growing fast? Then English embroidery trims can save an outfit!
For this, simply sew them at the bottom of the garment to gain a few precious centimeters and feel more comfortable.
3. Hide, suggest without revealing
Sometimes you may have had a blouse that is too low-cut, a backless top that is too deep... so you can add a small embroidery trim along the collar or simply as a band to form a "triangle" of English embroidery in the neckline. Moreover, the embroidered side of the trim adds a little "precious lingerie" touch that highlights the neckline without revealing it. Do you know what this strip of fabric used to hide a bit of intimacy is called? I'll give you a hint, it's the opposite of pretentious, haughty, arrogant... I love the name given to this little piece of fabric. Have you found it? It's called a modesty!
4. Decorate a garment
It is possible to use an English embroidery trim by applying it onto an existing garment or by inserting it into a cut when creating a garment yourself.
You can insert it at the waist, in a cut on the bodice or on the sleeves, at the bottom of a skirt...
In this case, the trim can also hide stains, imperfections, or small holes in an outfit... this allows you to upcycle your outfit and not discard it immediately.
The beautiful Jeanne dress from Atelier Bernie with these English embroidery trims
Details of inserting English embroidery trims at the bottom of the dress
How to use them?
1. To lengthen a garment that is too short
You just need to unpick the hem of the garment. Once this step is done, you can sew your English embroidery trim right sides together. Finally, open the seams and flip the trim so that it sits at the bottom of the garment. Topstitch it 2-3mm from the seam to secure it well.
2. To create a ruffle or a collar
In this case, you will need to gather the English embroidery trim to create pretty gathers and volume (otherwise your ruffle will be stiff and flat).
I advise you to measure the length of the ruffle on the corresponding pattern piece and multiply by at least 1.5 to calculate the required trim length.
Cut the corresponding length of trim, gather it. Then all that’s left is to sew it!
3. To insert it into a garment
- if the garment already exists: choose a thin trim that is well finished on both sides. Place it and pin it at the chosen spot. Stitch as close as possible to the edge of the trim on both sides.
- if the garment is "under construction": choose your trim and measure it. Modify the pattern so you can insert the width of the trim (without deforming the garment). Position the trim right sides together and stitch on both sides of the piece. Then just continue assembling your garment.
I advise you to insert the English embroidery trims before starting to assemble the garment. It will be much easier than doing it afterwards!
Cuff details of the pretty Eugénie blouse from Atelier Bernie
Back details of the Eugénie blouse made by Morgane, the creator of Atelier Bernie
I confess I’m completely hooked on the pretty trims. I know I’ll be using some very soon to make a few outfits.
At the shop, you will find English embroidery trims in several widths, white of course but also colored ones! Can't find exactly the same color as your project? Don’t hesitate to mix it up, it will highlight your pretty trim.
So, are you tempted to create pretty models? Well, I’ll leave you now, I already have plenty of ideas!
Get your needles ready!
