How I Work With Stripes // Making Another Wrap Top

I get a lot of comments about my stripe matching abilities, but it is easier than it perhaps appears! Today I'm making a new striped top and talking through how I work with striped fabrics, how I line up stripes for this front mirrored effect, and what I look for in a striped fabric.
For skirts: I often use the same idea, except instead of lining up the v-neckline with a stripe, I line up the side seam of an A-line skirt-- boom you have perfect center front chevroning again!
Fabric from Mood (not sponsored): www.moodfabric...
Music and Sound Effects from Epidemic Sound.
Thank you Patrons!
Need to make a block pattern? There are many options, and I talk about several in this playlist! : • Making a Bodice Block ...
Where I get my pattern drafting paper: atlaslevy.com/P... (not sponsored)
More from me?
Want to help me continue making more videos? Listen to me ramble on in a monthly podcast? Watch an additional project video each month? Peruse my Patreon here: / theclosethistorian
Blog: theclosethistor...
Instagram: / theclosethistorian
Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/s...
Pinterest: / bmesposito
Tumblr: / theclosethistorian
Beauty Instagram: / thehistoriansvanity
Beauty Channel: / thehistoriansvanity
But wait there's more! A PO BOX finally wahoo!
First, a disclaimer: So many of you have kindly offered to send me things, including vintage items you may have inherited, and I am so honored you would think of me and of course I do adore vintage treasures, however, unfortunately I only have so much storage space currently! So there is a chance that if something just wont work for me, or doesn't fit me etc, that I may not be able to keep all of your lovely things. Please only send things if you are okay with the possibility that I may donate items I just cannot keep. If you would prefer I put things that I can't keep into the TCH Etsy shop to help raise funds for me and the channel, please specify this in a note or letter in your parcel. Thank you so much!
Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!

[@phranerphamily]

You have some of the best one-liners ever I nearly fell off my couch when you said as "practical as a ball gown can be during a plague..." 😊

[@Eloraurora]

_Stripes!_ Honestly, one of the things repro brands don't often do (even though you see it fairly often in true vintage) is the pattern play, and I love it so much

[@kathyjohnson2043]

For shops, trying to align strips slow them down and usually require a bit more fabric, most costing them more

[@Eloraurora]

@@kathyjohnson2043 I know. I've had some hiccups with pattern matching myself (even on something as simple as a cloth face mask), so I understand the logistical reasons why you don't see designs that depend on pattern matching to look good in most commercial clothing. It just makes me sad, like fake pockets and facings that flip up all the time. There are so many clever construction details that have fallen by the wayside due to fast fashion. And the taste/talent gap being what it is, it can take a *long* time to get from "I want _x_ and no one is making it," to "I have the skills to make _x_ to my own satisfaction."

[@asherxslasher]

I've never don't this kind of pattern matching because it seemed so intimidating. This video is giving me confidence to try, thank you!

[@waterbitten]

The optical illusion when you place the first piece to get the second was so satisfying

[@rabbitlovesraven]

a now you see it now you don't kind of moment, was truely satisfying.

[@janevacani6789]

There are a few vintage Singer engineers around that can service your motor, if you wanted to keep it original. Or replacement motors are easy to get, although not as pretty! Your Singer will last forever!! 🥰💗💗💗

[@davidbayley4441]

The main thing that wares on the motor is the bushes, and they are easy enough to change yourself, just 2 flat head screws and pop them out

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

I've never even tried wearing stripes, but this top is encouraging me to give them a go!

[@hesperheart6622]

Not to be overly sentimental, but thank you for being my anchor to the world I want to live in.

[@Elsa75054]

Love the dress! Burnley and Trowbridge has a bunch of silk taffeta striped fabrics right now.

[@rd6203]

Oh no! There goes a paycheck 😅

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Janet!

[@lindak8664]

Oh, i love that! I love working with stripes. That percular excitement you get deciding which direction to have them going, lol!

[@sandihj]

The bow is Life!

[@Voirreydirector]

My dear I honestly think you have been underestimating this design, it has the authenticity of true art.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Susan!

[@chaeburger]

You were right! I can't believe it was that easy!

[@coreygilles847]

Resisting beautiful fabric is so difficult so I am super proud of you!

[@judyharter8265]

Beautiful blouse! That sash gives the top some va-va-va-voom. Definitely worthy of evening wear or a fancy day top.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Judy!

[@TheMsTrotter]

I hope one day you are able to host pattern drafting workshops and classes. I enjoy looking at 40s-50s sewing patterns envelopes, but get overwhelmed by the ironing and tracing of the pattern that I lose interest in making said garments. I don’t know how I stumbled on your channel months ago, but I’m thankful I did. Because of you, I have learned so much about sewing. I look at clothes differently now. Thank you and I wish nothing but success for you. As long as you have Patreon, I’ll always be a member. 😍😍😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you so much Dani! ❤

[@cathypickard4615]

Nice! Chef's kiss on your chevrons matching up along the front and shoulders. Love that floofy bow with the long tails! Cathy from Alabama 🥰😘🥰😘

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cathy!

[@cynthiadugan858]

I love how the sash looks with the stripes going in different directions!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cynthia!

[@BeverleyButterfly]

As someone new to sewing I literally just shared me making my first dress on my channel, I always learn so much from your videos thank you so much for sharing this process xx

[@tuutikki5700]

Your timing was perfect with this one! I cut long pair of striped pants into a pair of summer shorts and have enough leftovers from the cuts to make a matching top. There's not much but I think it would be fun challenge to try to play with the striping directions with it. I will keep these tips in mind when I am ready to cut my pieces out! The top came out beautifully! Thank you for sharing your skills and beautiful fabrics with us 💛

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@thelmadelyte5890]

I'm so very pleased to see this! I actually just ordered a striped poly taffeta online two nights ago in plum and gold, and was hoping to do this exact sort of thing with it, so this is -awfully- timely. Thank you!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I wouldn't have ever thought to cut the first side and use it to cut the second. Thank you!

[@lelaniadam]

This top is soo pretty, they bow does add something special. 🎀

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lèlani!

[@aprildriesslein5034]

Ooh, I love the dramatic look with the stripes 'chevroned'! Thanks for the tips on pattern matching. I usually avoid it, but it can look so good when done well, and I should probably get over my phobia. 😄

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you April!

[@apollonianeumer3094]

Great timing, I'll be making an all in one sleeve striped summer dress soon!

[@michellecornum5856]

It all looks so darn easy when you do it, like, SUURE, why not give it a try! I LOVE all these stripes I'm always afraid that things will go wrong when it comes time to sew. That sewing at the distance of the seam allowance is going to throw everything off. Part of my brain is very convinced that this is the case. I love these tutorials! You make me want to try all of the things!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Michelle!

[@ThimblewolfArt]

Thank you. This makes stripes seem much less scary.

[@alexandraleigh]

Well, Stripe matching is another thing I did not feel confident with now making so much sense following your process Thank you!!

[@MysteryMommy1]

How is it that you look stunning in EVERY COLOR???

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Not pink, trust me 🤣 Thank you Liz!

[@JannaVervecken]

How can it be that I never thought of using one side as a template for the other side. That’s genious!

[@dianavoermans]

Of course you need more of those 💛🖤💛🖤💛 stripes! A matching skirt would make it so versitile 😜 And teal 🤤 and black, yes please! If you have a favorite fabric, you never have enough of it. And sewing and fabric buying are two separate things 😂😂

[@kathyjohnson2043]

I think it would also look great with black pants, wide or tapered

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Diana! I'm pretty much out of room for fabric at present though eek! 🤣

[@anitaturner2999]

Beautiful job on matching the stripes and a fantastic finish. And I will add that you look stunning.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Anita!

[@trudicole3520]

I am going to get some fabric like that to make myself a top you have given me chevron envy

[@annholmes9650]

Love, love, love this top! What fabulous "pattern" matching - amazing! X x x

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ann!

[@lfitz3545]

B. Beautifully explained. Looks quite fabulous. Chartreuse and black, a marriage made in your heaven, and mine! Lois from London x

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lois!

[@crystilmurch5659]

That sash is such a perfect feature. It really gives the top a touch of attitude. :) Thank you for sharing this technique. It has simplified the idea of pattern matching a ridiculous amount. I am no longer afraid to try these things now. I will just keep in mind that extra fabric will be necessary. :)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Crystil!

[@chermarano]

Beautifully done. I just got a 99k, and I can't wait for my first project. I just have to decide what it is.

[@marjoleinsmolders1630]

I was staring at my 2 striped fabrics that I had summer dresses planned for last summer. But I was too scared to cut the pattern because of matching etc. But this video is amazing, just what I needed, thank you Bianca!! 🌈 P.s. my stripe obsession began with that striped top from queens gambit!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marjolein!

[@alexandrawellington8028]

Truly stunning....you NEED all the stripes!!!! xxxxxxxx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alexandra!

[@katecapek3116]

Re the 99k from the '50's: if you keep her clean and oiled that motor may last a loooong time. I have a 1940 201-2 and the original motor is still going very strong.

[@maclindy]

I accidentally matched up stripes years ago and love it it was my favorite top

[@christikaboom]

Well now I need several of these immediately!

[@KimmiMorningstar]

I thought I was out of black thread but then I found my spool of it behind my cats litter robot when cleaning today 😆

[@Iarasilv]

Beautiful matching stripes! Amazing fabric! Enjoy your writing time!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Iara!

[@Saxinful]

You always gave me tall girl energy! Only 5'5"? There we go. Our measurements are similar, but I'm 5 inches taller; now I realise why your outfits look so different to mine in a way I couldn't place 🤔 Always thought it was your undies.

[@kimberlywest7839]

You’re a fabric wizard!

[@lydiahiri1853]

The highlight of my day is watching your videos, thank you for such great content 😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lydia!!

[@eva-ef9uu]

I discovered your channel recently and I love your way of sewing. I'd love to see you make a wrap dress if that's something you consider your style at all. Love watching anything you make, greetings from Slovenia.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Eva!

[@Christine-vu4ej]

Beautiful, thank you for sharing your tips and tricks working with stripes 😍

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Christine!

[@TheOctopusandfriends]

I did this top just last month using a white and rainbow stripe fabric! I wish I had your tutorial then because it took ages to figure out the stripes for the same pattern... thank you so much for all of your tutorials, you have become my favorite!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! 💚

[@petapendlebury9024]

Used bemberg rayon in a fabulous cobalt blue as a jacket lining......you turn your back and the slippery little...... moves! So worth the enormous amount of basting (or tacking as we say here in the UK) for the most delectable feeling lining ever through 😍 Pattern matching is lovely but that sash..... stunning BTW.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Just so slippery 😩💚

[@peggyriordan9857]

This top came out beautifully. The sash takes this to the next level and I love it! Very sophisticated and chic. I don't often sew with stripes or plaids as I get very fearful of not being able to match them at the seams. Your way of matching them up, I think for me, will make things easier. Just my own self doubt is getting in the way. So happy you have been getting some more writing time in! I remember that makes you very happy and is calming for you. Congrats on both!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Peggy!

[@leanneedwards3595]

The concenpt of how you match stripes is so simple yet so brilliant! Thank you for this!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Leanne!

[@leslikuyweski4576]

You make it looks easy! Now if I can do it myself, I'll be happy!!

[@doloresgreen1563]

Exquisite Job !!! 💖 Love the stripes on you. 💖

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Dolores!

[@sarahlongshore2605]

See now you have t do a striped ball gown in black and white!!! Black and white stripes on a dress are beautiful. I used to make paper dolls and making ball gowns was my favorite ones to do!! Nobody needs one. But everybody wants one!!! LoL. I love this top!! And the ties are just gorgeous!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sarah!

[@killamoosdraree730]

I love how you pointed out that the all-in-one sleeve helps visually minimize the waist. Your input is always on point!

[@artoftheroses]

i love this blue and white top you made

[@TheClosetHistorian]

😂

[@cypriennezed5640]

I just bought my first Mood order, si excited aaaahhhhh!!!!

[@gabbylowry9482]

Love the big bow!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Gabby!

[@gingersnaps997]

It is so beautiful and stylish. I love the entire look.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

I picked up something with a stripe not long ago, although it is digitally printed, but I should have enough for similar wrap top. I really need to play with this pattern some!

[@quazylade90]

I love those colors. Looks so great on you.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Vicky!

[@amyh6936]

This is so helpful. I've been struggling to get my very non-mathematical brain around stripe chevrons and I think I understand how to place my pattern pieces now. If the motor on your 99k eventually dies it can be replaced with a new motor. My sewing machine tech fitted a new motor onto my belt driven Singer 201.

[@AntiqueAgenda]

I love that top Bianca!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@guineverecassidy4855]

OUtstanding make!!! 3 is totally not enough!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Guinevere!

[@KatherineYoung]

Oh this was so lovely! I want to make one out of a ridiculous vintage loud Kaftan type material for summer!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Katherine!

[@joellewatkins5528]

Once again you giving me courage to sew something awesome. That I thought too hard to do. If you need that beautiful 99k repaired get in touch with Cow Country vintage sewing machines and restorations. He is on you tube and what Scott dose to machines it like just came off the assembly line.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Joelle!

[@blktauna]

Great style on you. Awesome as always!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@geriattrique7141]

Another amazing tutorial! 🖤💚🖤💛🖤💚🖤💛🖤💚🖤💛🖤💚🖤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Geri!

[@beyondapolloslyre]

This turned out so beautifully, I want to give stripes a go in my own sewing. By the way, it's a different shade of green, but Renaissance Fabrics has a gorgeous emerald and black silk taffeta that is to die for

[@TheClosetHistorian]

That silk is soooo gorgeous, I'd love some ha!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@EdenYell]

I have the fabric picked out and prepped for a dress like this for literally 2 years. More projects keep getting in the way

[@sewitseams7832]

I just went on the Mood website (and YAY! looks like they deliver to Australia) and guess what comes up under "currently trending"?? Black/Magenta Awning Striped Polyester Taffeta !!! Can't think why... :D

[@sherrysenf-mcginn7693]

Normally I am not a huge fan of stripes. I'm a very busty and curvy. Stripes have not been my friend unless I can find them made into chevron stripes. I love the top. My favorite part is the long, big bow with the stripes going in different directions. With the colors it is having off a serious Alice in Wonderland and Haunted Mansion vibe. It is perfect.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sherry!

[@samanthastewart1860]

Beautiful, you are so talented, I love watching your videos. Could you make a dress with a big bustle, my dream dress. Lots of lace and your beautiful roses sometime please?💙

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Samantha! After making my Cicada gown and the Carmine gown I'm afraid I feel finished with bustles for a while now!

[@carolbarbee5653]

Love the material so pretty

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Carol!

[@selenka26]

enjoy the writing holidays!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Selenka!

[@xtsdagger6956]

Chevrontastic!!!

[@pameldridge984]

Love your channel keep up the great work

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Pam!

[@christinebarker9251]

That is lovely 😻

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Christine!

[@cheesecakeprincess9228]

So pretty

[@Zeppylvr]

Gorgeous as usual! Love the drape of the belt …perfect material …your amazing!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Margo!

[@jacquelinelc2843]

I so appreciate the timing of this video. I’ve ordered some silk (small) black and gold check fabric to make a walking skirt out of and want to match the side seams, so this video came along at a good time. I’m thinking of flat lining the skirt, have you flatlined a project? I really like how you made the sash. Great style on you Bianca.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jacqueline! I have flat lined things before yes, including all three of my Victorian skirts here on the channel if you would like to see me do it in motion 😅💚

[@lilayogaom]

Beautiful and very informative as always! Thanks Bianca! 🖤💛🖤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lindsey!

[@lynn858]

Awesome! I guess I was ready to attempt this. Thanks for the confidence boost!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lynn!

[@sophiemaetz4798]

Very interessant! Thank you very much

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sophie!

[@tenaoconnor7510]

😻😻😻love it

[@Siansonea]

I know that the different directions of the stripes on the sash was dictated by the fabric, but I like the way it turned out. If anything, I think the short stripes work slightly better than the long stripes, so I wouldn't mind seeing a variant of this top with all short stripes. Or all diagonal stripes on the sash, though I don't know how feasible that would be.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

All things are possible given enough fabric 😅💚

[@Rainbopagn]

Buy the blue and make the ball gown. It’ll make a lovely video 😈😉

[@raraavis7782]

Very 'Queen Bee' 👍

[@SeSeMittens]

It looks so good! Thank you for showing this :3

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@kathythielman8987]

YESSSS!!! This black and white dress is one of my favorites! I'm so happy you took the time to explain how you make the stripes looks so amazing. Do you have any suggestions for what to do when your stripes end up being off grain? That's a common problem in my stash.

[@raraavis7782]

On a structured garment, like the fitted bodice part of a dress, you can use a fusible interfacing to stabilize the fabric and prevent any 'funny business', if something is slightly off grain. It will make the fabric stiffer, of course - which may or may not a welcome effect. It also adds cost, obviously. But it's worth considering, if it's a particularly pretty fabric. With a lightweight, flowy fabric, a design with gathering rather then darts might work. That hides all kind of evils 😉

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kathy! I usually follow the pattern instead of the grain, if you can line something using the "correct" grain it shouldn't be too bad also, unless things are way way off 😅

[@margot6845]

Love it!! Does having the center front seam on the bias ever cause you problems when sewing/wearing these chevron tops and dresses?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Margot! I have never had any trouble no, but usually I use quite closely woven and stable fabrics so I don't tend to have issues 😅

[@mickibcreates]

Love it❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@mandycollins8795]

I can't remember, when you bag line blouses, do you sew each seam down, or just the seams that have openings?

[@kiarakeeper2154]

About your motor. There's a guy on fb who refurbishes these motors, I think he told me $40+shipping both ways. You can also order a new dup motor from Amazon for about $45 dollars. But the new ones I hear are not as good as the original. Idk how accurate that is, but thats what "they" say.

[@gowriwarrier2370]

That sash is gorgeous with the stripes going in opposite directions! Also, where on your Instagram is the organza top? I checked and couldn’t find it anywhere.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! It was on my story so alas it has long since disappeared! 😅

[@PolyvoreThea]

You made the Magic comprehensible- how do you do that?

[@marinalisnic2666]

Omg. I love it!!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marina!

[@darcie8560]

So cute! Do you ever have fit problems when cutting to match stripes, puts the pattern off the intended grain placement?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Darcie! Not at all, but I tend to use quite stable and closely woven fabrics, the floopier and more loosely woven something is the more trouble it gives 😂

[@darcie8560]

@@TheClosetHistorian I only really work with stiffer, woven fabrics (because stretch scare me and I can't work them out) so that's good to know :D