Peek-a-boo lacework tutorial

Ever wondered how they get that gorgeous peek-a-boo effect with lace? It's a kind of applique, traditionally done as part of French hand sewing. But guess what? The options go far beyond heirloom sewing --- and even better, it's really easy!

For this tutorial I'm adding lace down the shoulder of a tee. This technique is super versatile though -- you could do it around the hem of a sleeve, make reverse 'patches' on the knees of jeans, or use it to make polka dots or stripes on an overskirt. So many options... so let's get started!

We're building this tee from scratch, once again using our trusty, free Liberty Jane trendy tee. But you can use this technique on already-finished clothes, provided you can lay the area to be embellished out flat.

Here, I've stopped sewing just before getting to the underarm and side seams. See how the embellishment area is laid out flat?

Pin your lace where you want it to go.

Next, set your sewing machine to a narrow, closely-spaced zig zag stitch. Practice first on a scrap of fabric to be sure you get the stitch set up just the way you want it, and use a thread color to match the lace. Here I'm using black.

Zig zag over the edges of the lace to attach it permanently to the fabric. (For this project, that means sewing down both sides of the lace strip. If you were using a round motif, you'd just zig-zag around the whole thing.)

Flip your garment over, and carefully cut away the fabric from behind the lace. Sharp scissors help!

And that's it! (well, except for finishing up the garment.... unless of course you're using a pre-made garment :D )

 

 

--Melinda


15 Comments

Aime
Aime

July 17, 2017

Beautiful.

Norma
Norma

February 21, 2017

So so cute I will be making this.

nolina
nolina

July 28, 2016

I am so fascinated by this idea, can’t wait to try it. However, i think a smooth finish is needed.

Nancyb
Nancyb

June 01, 2014

What a sownderful idea this is. However, I do have to agree with some of the ladies who say the look is too ragged. There are a few options to deal with that. If you are using a ready made shirt after you trim away the fabric, trim the netting close to the design on the lace and apply the fray check. That would give you a much more finished look. Or if you are making your own shirt, before you turn under the neck and sleeves make your lace long enough that when you turn under it will be the same lengh and just hem it all. I personally like to do a double fold on my hems as it makes it look much more finished. Another option here is to use bias binding. But it’s a great idea for embelishment. I might give that a try on one of my tee shirts or blouses. Thanks for sharing a great tut.

marsha
marsha

September 12, 2013

I would place the flower of the lace as close to the edge as possible and then trim around the flower. I tried this on something else, and I think it could work. Otherwise, I’d want to put some black1/4-inch bias tape around the neck and around the sleeve.This would change the look somewhat but it would be more finished. I appreciate this tutorial. I recently purchased some wide lace to use for long sleeves, but the lace will go around the arm, instead of down the arm. I will have the ends of it in the seam line.

Linda W
Linda W

August 26, 2013

I agree with the ladies who wanted to reinforce the ends of the lace. It looks to ragged and would tend to unravel. I would leave the faric or fold over the lace. Great minds think alike!

kathy Osterby
kathy Osterby

August 24, 2013

Very cute idea and I can’t wait to try it.

Bev
Bev

August 24, 2013

Cute idea. but I would have to turn under the lace at the top and bottom. It looks to ragged.

Bev
Bev

August 24, 2013

Cute idea. but I would have to turn under the lace at the top and bottom. It looks to ragged.

Gwen F
Gwen F

August 17, 2013

Use Dritz Fray Check on the ends of the lace or anything that you don’t want to fray.

Jane Martinez
Jane Martinez

August 02, 2013

I think I would NOT cut away the fabric that hems the neck and the sleeve. It would leave the lace more secure and less likely to unravel .

Monya Duvall
Monya Duvall

July 28, 2013

This is absolutely adorable and so easy! Only question I have is do you think that the lace at the top and bottom of sleeve might fray? I have used fray check before and I can usually see where I put it after it dries. Any ideas?

Marge
Marge

July 27, 2013

What a sweet idea — thanks so much for the great tutorial and excellent photos.

linda
linda

July 27, 2013

doing the lace that way makes it easier to do than cutting the material first as i dont think that would work as well well done its a great way to do things thank you

Carol Johnson
Carol Johnson

July 26, 2013

Easy, peasie! Too cute! Thanks for the tutorial!!

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