How To Get Those Wrinkles Near Topstitching?

[PUFFYsanjo]

How are the wrinkles near the topstitching on some ready-to-made clothing made? Is it an effect of washing the garment after construction and having the fabric shrink? It'd be neat to get a similar effect at home.

Here's an example of what I mean:


The fabric ripples near the topstitching, whether it's a single or double line of stitching.

[Bionic Dingo]

from what I've done with things I've made, it just happens on it's own after a few washes. Only seen denim do it, though.

[PUFFYsanjo]

I thought that more people would have had experience with this occurrence.

[amazing_784]

I thought that more people would have had experience with this occurrence.

Bionic Dingo answered your question...it has to do with shrinkage of denim and the thickness of the seams.  If you're working with denim, then it's likely to happen on your finished piece.  If you're not, then it won't be nearly as noticeable and probably not as clean looking.  Other fabrics shrink differently, and they don't all have the body/thickness to get the desired effect.

[PUFFYsanjo]

Bionic Dingo answered your question...

I certainly hope that you weren't being passive-aggressive. That's what it comes off as. I hope that you understand that I cannot take just one person's word or advice. It is better to get more than one person to give input on a technique or subject.

[amazing_784]

Nope, just trying to give you more advice.  It did seem that you got a little frustrated that no one was answering differently.

[smarmyclothes]

I've had this happen sometimes when I didn't prewash a shrinkable fabric (like any cotton woven fabric). Topstitch, and then spray with some water and press with a hot iron. 

[PUFFYsanjo]

smarmyclothes, that's what I was thinking. If I do that, how much will average cotton fabric (like denim) shrink? If I make something, say pants, should I make one size larger, or would it be fine to use my regular size?

[smarmyclothes]

There are so many different fabric blends, I would wash a test piece to be sure. Cut a measured square (say 5" x 5") and then wash and dry it. Measure the dimensions afterward and figure out the percentage of shrinkage, and then apply that to your measurements.

[PUFFYsanjo]

Thank you for the advice, smarmyclothes!