If you are new to the world of sewing and stitching, you must be eager to learn more about the different patterned fabrics. They’re available in so many different designs and you can use them in a number of ways.
Checkered patterns are a popular option for sewing enthusiasts as they never go out of fashion. You can also find checkered pattern fabrics for every season of the year! They are also quite versatile as you can use checkered pattern fabric to make everything from shirts, dresses, and skirts to even bags. They’re also available in different colors and combinations, which gives you a lot of room to play around with colors.
This article will explore all the various types of checkered patterns available and all their different uses. We will also be going over some unique ways in which you can use checkered patterns including mixing and matching different designs!
There are a huge variety of checkered patterns available! It would be impossible to make a comprehensive list that covers them all. However, the following are some common ones that every beginner should know about!
Gingham is a classic design and according to Wikipedia, it has been around since the 17th century! Most gingham patterns have vertical and horizontal stripes on a light or white pattern. It usually has a monochrome check pattern look and the stripes can be transparent sometimes. There is a lot of variation in the types of gingham available which means you get a lot of variety to choose from! Gingham is commonly used to make shirts, skirts, and even dresses! It leaves an elegant yet wholesome effect. It’s available in a lot of different colors!
Plaid is perhaps the most popular checkered pattern available. It’s rooted in Irish and Scottish history and its origins go as far back as the 16th century. A plaid pattern consists of crisscrossed lines of different colors. Historically, it had been made with wool and used for blankets. However, now it’s available in different materials and used to make shirts as well!
A checkerboard pattern is essentially the black and white check pattern you find on chessboards. It has a modern and sleek look and is often used to make bags and skirts.
In case you don’t like big and bold patterns, the mini checkered design is made for you! It has small checks that are similar to the gingham pattern. It has a sleek yet subtle look which makes it a good fit for office wear. It’s also used to make skirts and pants!
Pin checks essentially look like small dots! They are subtle and sophisticated which makes them a great option for both office and casual wear!
This is a unique pattern that originated in Sweden. It has special checks that have a notch and a point. It’s commonly found in a classic black and white combination but can also be found in other colors including a blue or baby pink checkered pattern!
This print is very popular in the winter/fall seasons and is also used to make scarves.
The argyle checkered patterns have overlapping diamond shapes and are usually found in dark and muted colors. This checkered pattern is often used to make socks and wool wear such as sweaters and cardigans.
The Madras checkered pattern has uneven and overlapping checks in different colors. This pattern is often made using vibrant color combinations such as yellow, blue, red, and pink. This gives a fun and vibrant look making this pattern great for casual outfits.
This pattern essentially looks like a cool version of graph paper! It has a checked pattern made of thin black lines. It’s often used to make shirts and makes for a great casual wear and office wear outfit. The best part is that it’s a simple and understated pattern.
Windowpane checks are another great option if you are looking for something that’s subtle and sleek. Windowpane checks are similar to a graph check but usually have double-lined checks.
They are often used to make shirts and jackets that are appropriate for casual outings and office wear both!
While this is not a definitive list, these are some of the most popular checkered patterns available!
If you are new to stitching then you may not be sure about the best uses of a checkered pattern fabric. You may also be confused about which checkered pattern fabric works for different occasions and types of clothes. Let’s find out!
If you want to wear checkered patterns to your office, it’s best to stick to patterns that are simple, subtle, and sleek! In this case, you can opt for graph checks, pin checks, or even mini checks. In terms of colors, it is best to opt for light colors such as baby pink or light blue. The combination of understated checkered pattern fabric and light color gives an extremely professional look.
If you want to sew something for casual wear, something you can wear during outings with family and friends, you should opt for madras checkered patterns, gingham, or even plaid! These patterns have a fun and casual vibe. They are also available in funky colors making them a joy to wear!
For winter wear, the best patterns are checkerboard, argyle checks, windowpane checks, or even graph checks! These patterns look cool and chic on scarves, coats, and sweaters! They will take your winter wardrobe to another level of sophistication.
In case you’re using checkered pattern fabric to stitch at home, make sure you have the correct equipment available, so you don’t waste or ruin the fabric!
Once you have figured out which pattern is best for your project, also pay attention to the type of material you want to use. If you’re sewing shirts or skirts for the summer, you should opt for a fresh and airy fabric like cotton!
It’s important to own scissors that are appropriate for dressmaking and stitching! You should also have a good iron at hand so your fabric is free of creases before you start the sewing process. We highly recommend the Panasonic 360 Degrees Freestyle Cordless Steam and Dry Iron as it’s highly adjustable and easy to use!
The great thing about sewing yourself is that you can easily mix and match checkered patterns and produce something that is funky and unique!
However, you want to make sure that the patterns you decide to mix do not clash too much. This can result in something haphazard that does not work!
We would recommend mixing and matching subtle patterns that do not clash! A pin-checked shirt would look great with a graph check skirt or pants! You could even make a madras checked shirt work with a graph check shirt as long as the colors don’t clash!
Below is a video review of checkered print trends 2021.
Checkered patterns come in a vast variety of designs and colors. Whether it’s subtle designs or loud and haphazard patterns, there is something for everyone!
You can easily select a checkered pattern based on your specific sewing project. Some things you should consider include what type of outfit/bag you’re sewing, what setting it is meant for (office/casual), and what weather you will need it in. Considering these aspects will help you make a good decision.
Sewing with checkered patterns can help you produce some great creations you will be proud of!
