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Category: Sewing Tips and Techniques

Sewing enthusiasts, both beginners and experienced seamstresses, sewing tips and techniques are necessary to learn to create beautiful and long-lasting pieces. Choosing the right fabric is a key part of sewing that can influence the outcome of any project. Therefore, sewers must consider durability, weight, texture, and color when selecting fabrics. Furthermore, accurately interpreting sewing patterns is also essential to ensure proper sizing and fit.

Anyone in the sewing industry should acquire sewing techniques.  Another thing to consider when sewing is to learn sewing tips and techniques. Also in measuring and cutting, pressing, and finishing seams to take their sewing skills to the next level. Basic stitches such as the straight stitch, zigzag stitch, and buttonhole stitch are also essential to learn.

In addition, having the right tools and equipment is very important for learning sewing techniques. A good sewing machine, quality scissors, a variety of needles, and thread are necessary for achieving the best results. Staying organized and keeping a clean workspace can be very helpful to the sewing process and make it more enjoyable.

Explore the possibility of Ecclesiastical Sewing if you enjoy sewing and are seeking a way to use your abilities to make lovely and meaningful liturgical projects. Making altar hangings, paraments, altar cloths, liturgical vestments, and other items for use in churches and other religious organizations. With dedication and a passion for sewing, you can able to create stunning pieces that not only showcase your skills but also add beauty and meaning to religious services.

Thus, sewing is really an enjoyable and fulfilling activity that can result in beautiful and durable objects. To create something special, it’s important to choose the right fabric, learn how to sew, have the necessary tools, and maintain order. By learning these aspects, anyone can create amazing and unique pieces that reflect their creativity and skill.

Deacon Stole Patterns | Deacon Stole Sewing Patterns | Deacon Stoles

Final Pattern: A Stole for Our Deacons

The deacon stole pattern is no more difficult to make than a pastoral or clergy stole. The deacon stole sewing pattern has mitered seams at the shoulder and waist. It uses two pattern pieces: one for the top and one for the bottom of the stole. There are also separate pattern pieces for the interfacing and lining. The pattern allows for a 5/8” seam. A variety of cross appliques can be used on the shoulder seam. Whichever cross is chosen, will have a prominent display when the vestment is worn. Tassels or fringe may be applied at the bottom of the deacon stole, just as with the clergy stoles

V-Neck pastor or priest stole sewing pattern on white paper - create your own stole

On point with a V-Neck Stole Pattern

The V-Neck stole sewing pattern has become a favorite, a wider stole and can be made long enough to complement height requirements. This V-neck stole pattern is not any more difficult to make than a curved neck stole. There are points marked on the pattern to stitch so that the point will come out correctly. The pattern allows for a 5/8” seam. A variety of cross appliques can be used on the back neck seam.

tapered stole large

A Tapered Stole

Our tapered stole pattern is one of the patterns that work with only the size “B” kits–this is the Silk Dupioni stole kit. It has cutting lines for a 43″ and 52″ finished length. The narrower width at the back neckline fits securely while the stole then tapers to a wider width at the lower end.  This creates a unique look that complements fabrics without distractions. A plain silk dupioni–which can come in almost any color shade–will look natural through the width changes.

Silk dupioni Fabric in an array of colors

The First Pattern to go with Silk Dupioni: 5 inch stole

The First Pattern to go with Silk Dupioni: 5-inch stole kits which include–face fabric, canvas, and lining–for making your own stole, but only one stole kit–Silk Dupioni–comes in both sizes online. Our 5”clergy stole pattern is one of the patterns that work with size “B” kits–this one will only work with Silk Dupioni stole kits. Each of our stole patterns has the option for different lengths of hem, which is perfect for sewing for different heights.

The 4.5 inch Stole pattern

The 4.5 inch pattern; Our Tried & True Stole

Our 4.5” stole pattern is the second of the two patterns that work with size “A” cut kits–this one works with all of the kit sizes. This stole pattern is also our standard. this 4.5” stole is the “go to” stole design. 4.5 inches means the finished width of the stole. It is a great one-size-fits-all and this allows for the flexibility of use.

Narrow Stole Bands Tassel

Why the 3.5″ Stole Pattern is Extra Special

Our 3.5” stole pattern is one of the two patterns that work with size “A” cut kits–that is all the kits. So the 3.5” pattern is a safe bet for stole-making. The 3.5” stole pattern is extra special. This versatile pattern can create a stole that is worn as a deacon stole and as a priest/pastor stole later. One pattern. One stole. Two ways to wear! It is a bit narrower and this allows for the flexibility of use. Each of our stole patterns has the option for different lengths of hem, which is perfect for sewing for different heights.

Which Patterns for Which Stole Kits?

Size “A” is all that is available for all the other fabrics: Luther Rose Brocade, Evesham Lurex Brocade, Litchfield Brocade, St. Aidan Brocade, York Brocade, Cloister Brocade, Florence Brocade, Fairford Two Toned Brocade, Fairford Brocade, Ely Crown Brocade, Glastonbury Brocade, and Winchester Brocade. When you select one of these and put it in your cart for purchase, you are only purchasing enough to make a 3.5” or 4.5” stole.
Size “B” stoles– V-neck stoles, Deacon stoles, Tapered stoles, and 5” stoles. Each pattern of the brocade is different and so must be cut according to that specific pattern repeated.

Religious Fabric Wakefield violet

How to Match Patterns using Violet Ely Crown Liturgical Fabric

Violet is a favorite color that is used once or twice during the church year. The seasons of violet are Advent and Lent, the Penitential Seasons. Many other colors fall under the “umbrella” of the Penitential color Violet. These include Roman purple, rose, and blue. Black and scarlet may also be included in the group of colors. Violet has been used for a long time as a color for church vestments.

Fairford Red Gold Stole Kit large

A Stole Kit by definition is…

Ecclesiastical Sewing was centered around materials for sewing Ecclesiastical items. We have since been blessed with the ability to make finished vestments and paraments for sale. But we want to make sure we encourage inspiring seamstresses and tailors to use their talents for their churches and clergy. This art form must continue to be passed on and be available for future generations. The best way to begin the journey of ecclesiastical sewing is to make a stole. Instead of buying fabric, canvas, and lining separately, we offer the right amount of all three to create a stole.

Stole End Sewing Liturgical Fabric

Stole Ends: Quick Tips

Finishing stole ends can be done in various ways, but let’s focus on mitered corners. After folding and pressing the sides and bottoms, create a little triangle at the corner. Pin the edges at the miter and start lacing. Anchor the thread with small stitches and then take staggered stitches along the fold, ensuring edges won’t separate. Continue lacing to the end, then stitch back up. Though mitered corners can be challenging, practicing can lead to beautiful finishes.

Liturgical Arts Conference

November 10th–15th, in Canton, Mississippi, there will be a conference dedicated solely to liturgical arts. Carrie will be teaching a class on Church Vestment Making. So probably has something to do with stole-making and pulpit fall-making! That alone is worth the trip. Carrie is beyond excited to reach many people and share her love of making beautiful vestments to glorify the church. Another class that will be incredibly valuable will be the class on Keeping the Art of Needlepoint Alive

4 1/2 inch Priest sewing pattern Ecclesiastical Sewing

Pastoral Stole Sewing Patterns

The gift of a stole is always something to be appreciated. To help with that, we have developed a variety of stole patterns. There is a 3 1/2-inch stole as well as a 4 1/2-inch stole. The lines of these stoles are identical. It is the width that is different. The stoles have a gently shaped neckline that fits well and then falls from the shoulder. The stoles are adjustable in length. The short length is 51 inches, and the longest length is 55 inches. The tapered stole has the same neckline curve as our other stoles. It then falls to a wider width at the lower end. The stole is available in a short length that works with a full surplice or a longer length. And the V-neck stole a wider stole that uses the same width down the length of the entire stole.