JUNE 2026
How-To: Work with Stripes
Working with striped fabric can be a fun way to
add interesting details to your garment. Experiment with using stripes in different ways, learn how to lay out and cut your fabric, plus top tips for keeping stripes matched while sewing!
Experiment with Using Stripes in Different Ways
✂ Some striped garments require all the pieces to be cut in the same direction.
✂ Some intentionally have pieces cut in different directions, such as a dress with a horizontally striped bodice and vertically striped skirt, or panels that change direction.
✂ Other times there may be a plan for a stripe to be mirrored or mitered, or a combination of these design details. This will be indicated by the layplans. Or you can create one yourself.
Shopping for Fabric
When shopping for fabric, keep in mind that matching stripes may require extra yardage; how much extra will depend on whether the design was intended for stripes, as well as the size and the repeat of the stripes. For small stripes estimate ¼ - ½ yard (0.25m – 0.5m) extra, for bold stripes estimate ½ - 1 yard (0.5m - 1m) extra.
Review the Suggested Fabrics - sometimes a design requires a specific type of striped fabric to achieve the look, for example S3131 specifies 1” Vertical Stripes. If you make this garment using something other than a 1” vertical stripe, you will end up with a different aesthetic from what is shown, which you may be fine with but, if you want your garment to look exactly like the example, follow the fabric and cutting layouts. (See more in the next section.)
Cutting Layouts
Of course we recommend always follow the fabric suggestions and cutting layouts provided. However, because stripes require special planning this is extra important.
When working with striped fabric you will need to pay close attention to the direction in which each pattern piece is placed on the fabric. Including any pieces cut on the bias to create a diagonal stripe effect.
Use the “with nap” section of the cutting layouts and, follow our tips to be able to match the stripes precisely.
"Nap" is used in sewing to refer to a directional texture, sheen, or print on the fabric.
There are several reasons to factor in the nap of fabric:
Visual Consistency: Cutting pattern pieces in different directions can cause the fabric to reflect light unevenly, making the finished garment appear as though it was made from slightly mismatched shades.
Layout Constraints: Pattern guides often include a “with nap” layout, where all pieces face the same direction, and a “without nap” layout, where pieces may be rotated to conserve fabric.
Yardage Requirements: Since pattern pieces cannot be turned upside down or sideways to maximize space, extra fabric is usually needed as indicated by the yardage chart.
Cutting & Sewing Stripes Guide
In our stripe matching overview download you will learn why we match stripes in different places around the garment, and how to lay out your fabric ready for pinning and cutting your pattern.
The guide covers vertical and horizontal stripes, as well as even and uneven stripes. Plus, there is a section on creating bias stripes.
Pattern Inspiration
We love using stripes in our patterns and you'll often find the main model image showcases a striped version of the design. But don't forget the additional views on the pattern, we often illustrate these with stripes to indicate the garment will also work in striped fabric.