Rouleaux trim started

I'm copying this gorgeous spencer from the Chertsey Museum in the UK. I was lucky to inspect it in detail on a previous visit and hope to visit it again in 2017 to get better quality photos.

Preparing to transfer the design, and while I'm sewing I've worked out how it might have been sewn in period - not the way I've prepared it, and possibly would save a lot of time in the whole process.

Techniques as well as step-by-step how-to will be discussed in greater detail in my Kickstarter book at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1245085016/trims-frills-and-furbelows

2021 Update: I am working on a tutorial for a different way to make Rouleaux Trim - or, the way that trim was made for this particular garment. 




























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Rouleaux

In preparation for making a copy of a regency gown I studied in the UK I am trialling rouleaux making methods before making over 80 metres of rouleau.

I cut a piece of prepared bias edging to test the following method and pressed it to remove the prepared fold.

I folded the piece in half with right sides facing and pressed to make a crease. 

I pulled both threads from the machine out so they were longer than the piece of fabric. I placed the threads inside the crease and sewed 1/4" from the edge, backstitching at the beginning and end.

Then I gently pulled the thread, massaged the end of the fabric so it turned in on itself, and gently pulled. Once it started it went so fast I was amazed - you can see in the video below. [please note that the video below is not visible if viewing this blog entry in google reader.]

CREDITS: I'd like to credit http://3hourspast.com/2011/11/29/how-to-sew-rouleau-ties-with-no-special-tools/ for sharing their rouleau technique.