Pattern Play Wearing print-on-print based on a set colour scheme can actually work. Brazilian-born sewing blogger, Rachel Pinheiro, shares how she made it work on the Ulysses Trench Coat from Victory Patterns
T HE T REND:
MIXING PRINTS
Accordingly to Vogue magazine, “Prints should be worn all-over, clashed merrily and madly with little concern for what goes with what”. I love mixing and matching patterns, colours, and prints in my handmade outfits – it’s fun and liberating to wear beautiful fabrics all at once. Putting different prints together can be intimidating, but with these tips, you’ll get it in no time at all.
Picking fabrics
A plan of action
Choose the same fabric types as they will behave as one. The rayon I used was a delight to sew. Make sure the prints have a unifying element such as fabric colour, print style, density or scale. They can be the same, opposite or complementary. Play with size and density of pattern. Match big and bold prints with smaller and subtler designs. A fail-safe way to start is with bolder prints and pick out just one colour from its pattern. For the second print, opt for a more delicate design that utilises just that one shade. Eye-catching prints in vivid colours will make the boldest of outfits.
There are a few ways to apply this trend: Pick a sewing pattern that allows the use of different fabrics on areas such as yokes and seams. Hack a pattern to create extra seams. Patchwork your fabric first and then cut the sewing pattern out.
Project thoughts I opted to make the Ulysses Trench Coat from Victory Patterns as I felt the relaxed nature of this sewing pattern would work with my concept of creating a patchwork textile print. I tested a few ideas on how to maximise the impact and scale of mixing the prints by experimenting with different sizes of stripes and geometric shapes. By creating an uneven spontaneous design – this would suit my vision best, as I want people to see the different fabrics as one digital print. Construction wise, I wanted the inside to be neat as the outside but didn’t wnat to lined it fully so I used a combination of seam finishes such as French and Flat Felled.
The fabric I chose came from the Heritage Collection by Art Gallery Fabrics, which has been designed by pattern designer, April Rhodes (Treasured Kermes and Mountain Mirror in rayon). To view the Heritage fabric collection – click here To find out more about the Ulysses Trench Coat from Victory Patterns – click here
