Fashion Effects with Top Stitching

1949

Top stitching is an attractive accent for tailored garments.  It accents the lines of a garment and gives additional firmness along the edge.  Top stitching can be done in matching or contrasting thread, by hand or by machine.  A single line of stitching gives a welted effect.  On lighter weight fabrics, several parallel rows of stitching accent a design line or call attention to a particular area of a garment.  Well done top stitching adds an aura of richness and exclusivity, as it is a technique used by designers and couturiers.

Top stitching was popular in the 1940s, as it added style to a garment without using extra fabric, which was important during wartime restrictions. 

1947

In the 1960s, top stitching became popular again as a way to accent the geometric seaming that was used on Mod era garments.

1967

Detail of a 1960s coat I sold several years ago.