This season, fashion trims and special effects that add dimension are the scene-stealers! Weaving strips of fleece through the body of the garment is a simple way to achieve the look. Use one or more contrasting fleece colors; you can lace a single strip along the edge of the garment, or weave multiple strips to create an entire woven block.

Contents:

1. Classic Weaving
2. Knotted Accents
3. "Braided" Accents

Classic Weaving

• Begin by slashing the garment vertically in equal increments. Cut away seam allowances at ends of slashes, to minimize bulk at the edge of the garment once the fleece strips are woven in.
• Cut strips longer than the garment section to be woven.
• Weave the first fleece strip through the slashes, then continue with the remaining strips, alternating the under-over weaving to create a checkerboard effect.
• Baste edges of the strips to the raw edge of the garment. These will be secured when the garment seam is stitched. Cut away seam allowances at ends of slashes

Knotted Accents

The fleece strip that is woven through the slashes is also knotted at regular intervals, to create a unique textured cutwork effect.

• To prepare slash bands, cut slashes in equal increments. Cut sway the second slash band, then cut away every third band, working from the front to the back or the garment.
• Tie the end of the fleece strip into a tight knot around the center of the first two slash bands. Position the end of the knot at the back and cut off its end even with the knot.
• Continue to tie knots around pairs of slash bands until the end. Hand-sew lapped ends of fleece strips together when a new trim section is needed.

"Braided" Accents

This look takes classic weaving a step further, by twisting the slashed sections as you weave through them. The braided accent looks great when coupled with knotted fringe, and on collars, cuffs, even pocket openings.

• Begin by slashing the garment vertically in equal increments. Cut narrow fleece strips to weave through the slashes, several inches longer than the section to be woven.
• On the outside, starting at one end of the slash bands, bring the second slash behind the first. Thread the fleece strip behind the second slashing and in front of the first, centering the strip vertically between the upper and lower ends of the slashes. Continue weaving across the piece in this manner, taking care that the woven strip does not restrict the garment section.