Where To Sew A Ric-Rac Trim & How

The ric-rac trim is a zigzag braid trim that is usually added on fabric edges on kids wear and home decor. It is usually reversible and can be used on hems, pockets, necklines, cuffs and hems of all kinds of clothes. It can be stitched along the fabric edges or on top of the fabric. It is also a great addition along pillow edges and bedsheets.

V-neckline edged with ric-rac trim

Here is a video tutorial for sewing the ric-rac trim on a v neckline with a border.

To sew this type of neckline with the ric-rac trim acting like a sweet little embroidered scallop, here is what I did.

First cut out the neckline, with folding allowance. Cut a small slit at the base of the v neckline, so that you can fold it easily. Keep the front of the bodice up. Fold the edge. Press in place.

Make a flat fabric tube, press it flat with the seams on the side. Fold it over the neckline as in the picture below.

Pin the tube in place. As you start to sew, keep the ric-rac trim sandwiched between the border fabric and the bodice neckline. Sew along the edge.

Do the same for the other edge.

There you have it – a V-neckline with pretty scalloped edge.

2. Scalloped hem edge with the ric-rac trim

To sew the ric-rac trim on the edge of fabric with the back finished as neatly as the face, you need to follow the steps I will outline – this is the same method I use to sew lace trims on fabric edges.

Keep the ric-rac trim 1 inch inside the fabric edge. The fabric should be right side up. Fold the edge over the ric-rac trim and sew in place.

This is how it would look. The folded edge is to the right side and now it has to be turned to the back .

Turn the folded edge to the back and top stitch along the trim

3. Ric-rac trim flowers

There are many ways to stitch ric-rac flowers – this is my favourite

You can sew this by stitching the trim from the outside to the center on a circle drawn on a base fabric.

4. Top stitching the ric-rac trim on hems

Ric-rac is a very vintage trim – and ric rac on hemlines, especially top stitched – I think it can look a little old fashioned. But to each their own.