Some may have an affinity for florals, some for abstracts, and some for graphic designs. But for me, the best printed fabrics are — all the printed fabrics! Border prints, in particular, look especially stunning to me
Border prints are fabrics where the design is mostly concentrated on one edge – usually the selvage side. It may appear on both the sides too. This is unlike other prints where the pattern repeats are evenly distributed.
Sometimes they may have a demarcation separating the fabric from the border. Sometimes no such separation will be there.
You can also stitch a border print from one fabric to another.
Watch the video to know how this is stitched
The border prints can be added along the hems, necklines, or other edges of garments like the edge of sleeves, collars etc.
For blouses, border print is placed along the bottom hem for a striking finish, or they are used around the neckline for a bold focal point.
On pants, border prints are usually placed across both pant leg hems.
They are usually added to kids’ clothing.
On skirts and dresses, the border prints are used along the hemline. When cutting the fabric, align the bottom edge of the garment with the border design. For gathered or pleated skirts, ensure the border remains visible after the fabric is gathered.
Usually, they are added by cutting the fabric so that the prints, which run perpendicular to the selvage (on the cross grain), are positioned where you want them on the garment
Clothes with a simple design elements are best for using fabrics with these prints, as the placement of the prints will not be interrupted by seams, pockets, darts etc.
When you layout a pattern with the border print, you get it right by placing the pattern along the crosswise grain of the fabric – and this may be a problem. Especially if you want very good drape. Fabric do not fall well in the crosswise direction as it does in the lengthwise direction (or the bias direction). It is also not very stable.
There is a scientific or logical explanation for this- “The straight grain (parallel to the selvage) aligns with the warp threads, which are tightly woven and provide the most stability. This alignment supports a fabric’s natural drape and flow.The cross grain follows the weft threads, which are looser and less tightly woven. As a result, the fabric can feel stiffer in this direction, reducing its ability to drape smoothly.” So if you want a garment with soft, flowing movement placing the border print on the hemline edge may not be the ideal position.
