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The ever popular buzz of Chanel Jackets keeps reverberating in the fashionable circles. You can have a chance to brag about your way of beautifying your Chanel Jacket by different ways of creating decorative trims. While it is common for many women to think of decorative braids as the only or most commonly used Chanel trims, a variety of other trims are also used for decorating Chanel suits. These include bindings, top stitching, ribbons, pipings, selvedges, linings, contrast fabric, and self-fabric bands. All these go into making a classic Chanel suit. More interesting is the fact that many decorative braids are actually several different trims that are sewn together. Braids and ribbons are used to construct some of the most elegant trims for Chanel Jackets. The following tips will tell you how to catch the eyes with decorative trims on your Chanel Jacket.

Selecting and Experimenting

While you start selecting trims, do consider those that were originally designed for home furnishing. In creating the trims, do not suppress your adventurous spirit from experimenting. Try different color combinations to come up with the best one. You will see that more often your favorites will turn out some of the unusual color combinations.

Pinning

When you are thinking of trying several combinations, pin a piece of the jacket fabric to a bulletin board. This will allow you to view the trims as they will be worn. Also, pin several different combinations; stand back and cast a glance from a distance for comparison. Now start removing the combinations that you like the least. Leave the right ones for making the final choice. In case you do not have a bulletin board, use a coat-hanger for pinning the fabrics.

Ribbons and Braids

It is more convenient to apply a combination of several ribbons and braids rather than using one wide trim. Use a base of a ribbon or solid fabric for showcasing a narrow braid and making a wider trim. You can center braids on a ribbon base, set off-center to one side, or just set on each side to frame the ribbon in the center.

Trimming the Edges

Many women of style dote on creating an illusion of height and slimness. The simplest way to do this is by not trimming the lower edge of the jacket. For the other edge, decide on the braid/ribbon trim combination. Measure the edges and sleeve vents. Add about 30 cm (12 inches) to determine the total length required. Now you can apply trims in three ways: (1) aligning the finished trim with the edge, (2) lapping the edge a greater amount, or (3) setting back from the edge. In case you lap the edge, the trim can extend 2 mm to 1 cm (up to 3/8 inches). Shape the ribbon to fit curved edges before sewing it in place.

Pinning and Basting

When you come to pin and baste the trim to the jacket, lay the jacket flat on the table. Take care that the trim taken for pinning and basting is exactly the same length as the jacket's edge.

Handling the Folds

You can make the folds of pleats and miters less noticeable when the garment is worn. For this, turn folds on the neckline toward the center back. At the corners of the neckline, turn the folds so that the visible edges are folded downward.

Avoiding Miters at Corners

To avoid miters at corners, round the corners at the neckline. Trace around the rim of a glass so that all curves are the same.

Thread and Stitch

When you baste the trims in place, it is best to use matching thread and a short running stitch. By doing this you will not need to remove it.

Folding for Miters

When both the braid and ribbon have miters, try to fold them in opposite directions.

Pressing

For pressing the trimmed jacket, place it, lining side up, on a softly padded pressing board. Now press lightly.

Pinning Darts

If you pinned small darts at the neck edge, machine-stitch them permanently and press well. If the darts are bulky, slash them open and overcast the edges.

Braids that Flare

If you are working with a braid that flares after trimming, machine-stitch across the end edge cutting it so it will maintain the desired width. It is recommended to stitch two rows about 6 mm (1/4 inch) apart and then cut between the rows.

Patterning the Ribbon

Press and shape the ribbon with steam and it will follow the neckline pattern.