Do you ever find the perfect lace trim for a project only to find that it is too narrow?  It has happened to me a few times now, and I wanted to share a trick with you.  Using a zigzag stitch (and a bit of patience and slow sewing) you can join strips of lace together to make a wider lace.  

For my first Knicker November project, I wanted to make a pair of Daisy Briefs to match a new bralette.  I have decided to combine both Style B & D, so I need some lace overlays for the sides.  As you can see in the photo above, my lovely coral lace is just a bit too narrow for the pattern piece.  

Here, I have laid two strips of lace side by side.  With the scallops perfectly aligned, there are big gaps at the lowest points in the lace.

But if I offset the lace, with the big scallops over the lowest points, it fills in the gaps much better.

Slightly overlap the lace.  I have it laying on my cutting mat, but you might want to do this while you are at your sewing machine.  It is a bit difficult to pin the layers, so you won't want to move very far with the lace. 

Use a medium width zigzag, centered over the overlap.  Be careful not to stretch the lace while you are sewing, so that you don't get any ripples. In the photo above you can just barely see my stitching.  A bit of steam from the iron will help the lace lay very flat; be careful not to have the temperature too high!

Here are my pattern pieces cut out.

Here it is all sewn up!  My first pair of panties for Knicker November! I think it looks good, and I don't think the join is very obvious.

Have you ever wanted to use a lace that was too narrow for a project?  How did you solve the problem?  Happy Sewing!

Have you heard about Knicker November?  I found out about it on Instagram from Kirstin @smallbobbins.  Kirstin, along with Laura @thespeckyseamstress and Romy @romy.kate are hosting a challenge to sew at least one pair of knickers (or undies, panties, underwear, whatever you call them!) during the month of November. 

I already love to sew my own undies, but there is a chance to win prizes!  As if I needed any more motivation!  You can find more info here on Kirstin's blog. 

I'm already making plans to sew up at least one new pair of Daisy Briefs.  Something fun with lace to match one of the bralettes from my upcoming pattern.

Are you going to join in on the fun?