Doina Alexei
  • Blog
  • Learn To Sew Box
  • Custom Apparel
    • Custom Bridal
  • About
    • The Brand
    • The Designer
    • Lookbooks >
      • Fall/Winter 2016
      • Spring/Summer 2016
      • Fall/Winter 2015
      • Spring/Summer 2015

The Charm of the Simple, Straight Stitch.

9/1/2016

0 Comments

 
In the fashion industry, we often have the perception that the more busy elements and "craziness" we add to a clothing item, the more unique it becomes. There's a misconception that a garment has to be overly embellished with bulky bows, beads or sparkles or over-pleated, ruffled and over-embellished with complicated trims in order to be labeled as one-of-a-kind. Although these can be a great addition to a garment meant for a specific occasion or be used cleverly on a well balanced outfit, they do not necessarily represent what makes a garment truly unique. After all, clothing is what we wear and need every single day, and it is important to pay attention to its functionality. That being said, design is just as important and should never be put on the back burner. 
The reality is, as it's true for many things, we focus so much on the complicated and forget to notice the obvious right in front of our eyes. We are talking about the simple straight stitch- the one that serves as the only (efficient) means to bind seams and keeps a garment together physically. We often don't give it enough credit in design. It is this simple tool that offers unlimited design options but also one that can make or break a garment. Yes, a simple straight stitch can actually ruin or completely change a style. For example, have you ever wondered why women's business suits (and especially men's) don't have top stitching anywhere on the surface? Well, it's both a design and technical issue. Adding top-stitching on a suit not only changes it's look from business to casual, but it also causes it to loose it's tailored aspect creating a less smooth surface and wrinkly seams. 
After playing with complicated draping and pleating techniques for years, we've come to the conclusion that using the simple straight stitch is actually a more powerful tool for design. It does not jeopardize functionality, it is not bulky or overstated but it makes a big difference both visually and technically. As far as design is concerned, this simple line can take a garment from simple to unique in an infinite amount of ways- Your creativity is the limit.
Picture
Our teal ponte knit dress is creatively designed using diagonal straight-stitch lines across the front, creating a clean yet very unique look. 
Picture
This asymmetric (already uniquely cut) Xandu navy tunic top is kicked up a notch with the addition of white top-stitching on the front, creating an original plaid-like print. 
Picture
3 vertical top-stitch lines bring the white diagonal lines together creating a well balanced composition.
Picture
A subtle yet one-of-a-kind addition to a simple white blouse, this thin black stitching creates a beautiful organic print of intersecting lines. 
Picture

Looking for more unique stuff? Check out our 11:11 Jacket, the magical jacket that transforms into a bag! 

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    The Blog: 

    A journey into our design process, sewing tutorials, fashion tips, and all the inspiring people and things we love.


    Picture

    Doina Alexei 

    Designer by trade and dressmaker at heart.  I spend most of my days obsessing over new fabrics and daydreaming new ideas. 

    Picture
    Sadie
    Executive Assistant &
    Client Relations Manager

    Archives

    November 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016

    Categories

    All
    Fashion
    Ideas & Inspiration
    Inspiration
    Pattern Making
    Pattern-Making
    Sewing
    Textiles

    RSS Feed




      Inspiring stories and sewing tutorials directly to your inbox! 
      ​

    Subscribe

    Picture
       LEARN TO SEW BOX 
    Explore
    Shop

    Picture
         SARONG-TO-COVER UP
    Picture
    explore
    Shop

    Picture
    MICROFIBER BEACH TOWEL 
    explore
    shop

    Picture
    11:11 JACKET CONVERTIBLE TO BAG
    Picture
    eXPLORE
    SHOP

    Picture

Products

Learn To Sew Box
​Sarong-to-Cover Up
​Microfiber Beach Towel
The Alex Cardigan
​The Tango Jacket
The 11:11 Jacket
​Custom Made Apparel
Lookbooks
Shop
​

Company

The Brand
The Designer

Blog

Support

Contact
Terms of Service
Return & Exchange Policy
© COPYRIGHT 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Blog
  • Learn To Sew Box
  • Custom Apparel
    • Custom Bridal
  • About
    • The Brand
    • The Designer
    • Lookbooks >
      • Fall/Winter 2016
      • Spring/Summer 2016
      • Fall/Winter 2015
      • Spring/Summer 2015