How to Match Toile Fabric Seams

Toile fabric is very popular in today's home decor, although the fabric has a history that stretches back to the 1700s. Toile fabric is typically a black, blue or red print on a white or cream colored background. Scenes of farmers, peasants, hunters and animals in rural settings cover the surface of the fabric. Observing the pattern repeat can help you match toile seams.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Pins
• Thread
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. 

   Washing and ironing the fabric will make it easier to find the pattern repeat.

   Prewash your fabric. Most toile has a high cotton fiber content and may shrink. Iron the fabric and spread it out on a flat surface.

2. 

   Use a measuring tape for accuracy.

   Measure the toile design from the top of the design to the top of the next place the design occurs. This determines the pattern repeat. Toile has a one-way design and will usually repeat its pattern every 10 to 12 inches.

3. 

   Patterns similar to this are found in toile.

   Determine the placement of your first pattern piece. Position your pattern so you can see the toile designs near the center of the piece. For example, in a drapery panel, the designs should be visible at eye level. Place partial designs near the top and bottom of the panels, if possible. Pin the pattern in place.

4. 

   Sharp dressmaker shears will make the work easier.

   Cut the first piece of fabric, adding seam notches if not provided by the pattern. These notches will be used to match the seams of adjoining pieces of fabric.

5. 

   Careful planning and cutting can provide a continuous pattern.

   Notice where the seam notches are located in your first piece of fabric. Place and pin the second pattern piece in such a way that the seam notches will adjoin matching parts of the toile design. For example, if your seam notch measures 5 inches from the top of the pattern repeat, then the notch of the adjoining piece should also measure 5 inches down from the pattern repeat. Measuring will help match the images in toile design.

6. 

   Pin seams carefully before sewing.

   Pin the seams of adjoining pieces of fabric and stitch carefully, adjusting as you sew. The notches will help you match up the toile design. Press the seams open when you finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Toile is a busy design, which makes perfect seaming difficult. However, the busy design is also very forgiving and small mistakes are rarely noticeable.

• You will need extra fabric yardage for matching toile seams. Purchase at least 1 or 2 yards more than you think you will need. Additional fabric will not always be available if you have to return to the store.

References

• Sew 4 Home: Fabric Shower Curtain in Toile
• Alternative Windows: Matching Patterned Fabrics
• Quilters Muse: Toile de Jouy