Fabric Manipulation

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This book is an in-depth exploration of a wide range of fabric manipulation techniques used for decorative effects which can be applied to fashion or interior projects, or incorporated into embroidery, quilting and other decorative textile projects. Fabric manipulation is my speciality and I uses many of the techniques shown to create my own exhibition and commission work. Many of the techniques are inspired by historical examples and show my fascination and understanding of historical and contemporary techniques.

The book is divided into three sections:
• Pleat and Fold
• Stitch and Gather
• Apply and Layer

Pleat and Fold covers decorative box pleating as shown on the cover, with numerous variations, tucks and folds, ribbon folding, folded shapes and much more.
Stitch and Gather looks at how simple stitching can be used to manipulate fabric into gather shapes, including ruffles and frills, smocking, Suffolk puffs and shirring.
Apply and Layer includes many variations on appliqué, quilting, reverse appliqué, stitch and slash and more.
Nine finished projects are included in the book with basic instructions on how to make them, rather than step-by-step directions, so you can be inspired and create your own versions.

Reviews from Mr X Stitch, Scrapiana, The Sewing Directory & Gillian Cooper

Additional resources

A short history of trapunto quilting

A short history of English Smocking

Historical and contemporary techniques of Stitch and Slash

Artists and designers using fabric manipulation

Blog posts relating to fabric manipulation here.

Pinterest boards on Fabric Manipulation, smocking, trapunto, folding and pleating, gathering, appliqué and scalloped edges.

The pattern and instructions for the apron on p169 are here.