Stripe
A stripe is a striped pattern made by arranging lines or bands of two or more colors at regular or varying intervals, and its impression and appearance change depending on the width, color combination, and direction of the lines.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Stripe is a pattern made by repeating linear differences in color, weave, or texture against the ground color. It generally refers to vertical stripes, but it is also used for horizontal stripes, and the direction on a garment is determined by the fabric grain and the placement of the pattern.
The pattern can be expressed by weaving or knitting with yarn dyed in advance, or it can also be created by printing on No pattern textile. In woven patterns, the combination of yarns and the structure may create a three-dimensional feel, while printing makes it easier to achieve greater freedom in color and line expression.
How the Pattern Is Formed and Named
The name of a stripe changes depending on the line width, spacing, number of colors, and contrast in light and dark. However, because naming conventions and width standards vary by industry and by project, do not judge by the name alone; check the pattern pitch, line width, and color arrangement against the swatch or specification sheet.
- Pinstripe: A stripe with thin lines placed at regular intervals, used for suits and shirts.
- Chalk stripe: A stripe with slightly softer edges that looks as if it were drawn with chalk.
- Pencil stripe: Refers to a stripe made with very thin lines like those drawn with a pencil.
- London stripe: Used for a stripe with relatively bold color lines on a white ground or similar base.
- Shadow stripe: A subtle stripe pattern created through differences in weave structure or luster.
Main Applications and Seasonality
Stripe is used for a wide range of items, including shirts, blouses, dresses, skirts, pants, jackets, and suits. Thin stripes and pale color combinations tend to give a neat and light impression, while bold stripes and high contrast tend to create a more striking look, so they are chosen according to the design concept.
The pattern itself is not seasonal, but the suitable season changes depending on the material and color. Lightweight fabrics such as lawn and broadcloth can easily create a fresh spring and summer feel, while flannel and wool can create a calm look suited to autumn and winter.
Points to Note When Selecting Fabric and Cutting
When selecting fabric, check the stripe direction, pitch, and line definition, as well as the material, sheerness, thickness, and drape. Since the visual impression and required fabric width change depending on whether it is used as vertical stripes or horizontal stripes, it is important to consider the design sketch together with the pattern.
During cutting, pattern matching, such as aligning the line positions across the front and back bodices, left and right collars, pockets, and sleeves, affects quality. Markings are made so that the lines do not shift at the center front or side seams, and if the pattern has a single direction or a top and bottom orientation, the orientation of each hardware component is unified.
Because pattern matching is required, more fabric may be needed than for a No pattern fabric. In particular, with a large pitch, bold lines, or specifications with pockets or a yoke, losses tend to increase, so confirm the cutting plan based on the actual fabric width and pattern repeat.
Differences from Similar Terms
Border often refers to horizontal stripes, while stripe is often used for vertical stripes. However, the stripe direction on the fabric and the way it appears once made into a product may differ, so specify the direction clearly to ensure a shared understanding.
Check patterns are patterns in which vertical and horizontal lines intersect to form a grid, and they differ from stripes, which are based on one direction of lines. Also, chambray is a woven fabric that expresses changes in tone with different colored warp and weft yarns, and it does not necessarily mean a clear stripe pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between stripe and border?
In general, stripes that appear vertical are called stripe, and stripes that appear horizontal are called border. However, the direction relative to the fabric selvedge may not match the direction on the finished product. In orders and specification sheets, it is safer to specify both the "grain direction" and the "vertical/horizontal direction on the product."
Does stripe fabric require more yardage?
When pattern matching is required, more yardage may be needed than for a No pattern fabric. The required amount changes depending on the pattern pitch, fabric width, size range, and attached hardware such as pockets and collars. Before mass production, lay out the pattern and determine the reference position of the pattern, then confirm the required quantity.
What points should be checked when matching stripe patterns?
Check the center front, center back, side seams, shoulder seams, underarms, collar, and pocket openings. For symmetrical designs, the line positions on the left and right are also important. If it is difficult to match everything perfectly, set the standard in the specification, such as prioritizing the visible center front and chest area.
