Pintucking is Cool

Sure you can do pintucks the “hard way,” but why? Pintucks can be created using a combination of two machine accessories, the twin needle and a grooved pintucking presser foot. You frequently see the tucks in multiple parallel rows, which the grooves on the bottom of the presser foot help to align. BERNINA has a variety of Pintuck feet #30-#33 & #46C, each with a different number of indentations. The more indentations, the smaller and finer the pintuck and the narrower the twin needle you should use and vice versa.

Because you are sewing with a twin needle, you’ll need either an additional spool of thread or simply wind thread onto two bobbins, one for upper and one for lower. Slide the bobbin onto the vertical spool pin and hook through the thread guide before threading as usual.

Then separate the threads and, being mindful to keep them from twisting, thread each needle eye individually.

BurdaStyle has the Pintuck Clutch featured in 1,2,3 Sew available as a free download! The quick project is great for highlighting your chosen fabric with this simple design detail. I choose foot #30 and #46C to create substantial tucks and adjusted the outer front pattern piece to accommodate the change in pintuck depth. I also increased my upper thread tension to help bring the two rows of stitching together. You can choose either direction to press the folds or not press at all and leave them raised.

I had hoped the pintucks would compliment the ikat design on the fabric, but I’m afraid you lose some of the detail with the busy horizontal print. But I still really like it! And the fabric is available at Bolt-it’s from Amy Butler’s latest collection. While you’re there, be sure to grab the magnetic clasp for no-sew closure awesomeness.

Utilize pintucks for a new twist on home dec projects, like this fun Twisted Pintucks pillow from Daisy Janie. And be sure to devour Sarai’s beautiful tutorial on the decorative technique of corded pintucks over on the Colette blog. I was especially inspired by Gertie’s exploration of pintucks while leading a stitch-along through the new book Stitch Magic (which you’ll be able see on our bookshelf soon!)

One of our newest teachers, Elizabeth Buss, has created a class to learn about pintucking and garment construction! Join her in Pintuck Blouse and get a chance to step up your apparel sewing skills with this classic heirloom technique.

Check out the current online issue of Through the Needle, the back page has a 25% OFF coupon for ALL pintuck presser feet, good through January. Print a coupon out and get ready to pintuck your heart out!