Light up in the dark ✨

The autumn dark is settling in, and it's time to dig out the reflectors again. Are you the type who isn't too keen on wearing reflectors? Here are a few tips that might help 😊

My favourite is reflective sheets you can cut your own shapes from. They come both as self-adhesive (great for synthetic fabrics, like an outdoor jacket) and as iron-on. In my experience they stay on best when ironed on. I've cut out dots and leopard-print 'blobs' and put them on jackets and hats. You can see how below ✨

Here's a hat made from the Harald pattern, made last winter, and here's my old puffer jacket after it got self-adhesive reflectors a few years ago.

Another recommendation is reflective piping, which can be inserted between panel seams when you sew an outer garment. I haven't tested it myself yet, but I've seen it on finished garments and know it's a discreet, pretty way to add reflection without it being too much. For example, it works around the edge and at the waist of the Ingvild coat. Sewn with a collar, it makes an extra-nice detail along the outer edge.

If you want something quick, you can also buy ordinary reflective ribbon, tie a pretty bow and attach it with a safety pin, or tie it to a zipper pull. This works well on shoes too — together with, or instead of, your laces.

I hope you'll try some of these ideas, and do share other tips with me at @melilotpatterns on Instagram or Facebook.

The most important thing is that you use reflectors in the dark.

💕 from Mari and the Melilot crew