Posted on April 20 2016
The edge of a blanket, throw or garment is an important determining factor, signifying the creative thinking, quality of handwork, and quantity of handwork involved in its manufacture. Hand twisted fringe, hems that are hand-turned, corners mitered, decorative stitching; this is just a glance at the design features of different types of edge treatment.
Aesthetics At The Edge Of A Fabric
The edge treatment on fabric is the defining finishing touch, as well as a critical aspect of a textile that is properly finished. Whether utilitarian or highly decorative, all fabrics have some form of edge treatment. Some effects can be achieved during manufacturing, yielding a fabric with an edge that is self-sealing, not going to unravel. There are various techniques, it’s an opportunity for technical and creative inventiveness.
A designer will focus specific attention to strategically placing color and pattern to the selvedge area of a flat fabric like a blanket or throw, and to the collars and cuffs of a garment. Upholsterers use gimps and braids to enhance the edge where seams join – where wood meets fabric. Brahms Mount has a variety of edge treatments guided by tradition and intuition.
Many of our blanket designs call for our simple hand-turned hems. Depending on the design, corners are either mitered or squarely turned. The pattern itself can dictate which will be the most appropriate, as the scale of a design can affect the size and style of the hem. A recognized signature of a Brahms Mount is our Hand-Twisted and Hand-Knotted fringe. Thick and graphic, these edge treatments have intention and volume. They are as much a part of the design, as the color and pattern, adding texture and complimenting the weave in the throw.
Innovative edge treatment can have dynamic effect. Simple edge-treatment is the discreet work of fine tailoring. Consider the edge! It’s where the action is.
