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.
I use it as a quick way to create fake scalloped edges on embroidered handkerchiefs. To each their own way of using it. It is also quite easy to sew. The fact that it comes in many widths and a variety of colors adds to its appeal. The ones I have must be a polyester blend as the edges melt with flame (my way to finish the edge). If you want all cotton, they are a plenty available too.
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.
Checkout this video for making this ric rac flower:
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.
Ric-rac trivia
Ric-rac trim dates back to the 19th century. It was used as a decorative trim back in the late 1800s in Europe. It was called the wavy braid. Today you will hear it called rickrack, ricrack, and even snake braid.
After sewing this trim you will come to realise that the zigzag shape of the ric-rac is not just purely decorative. It can bend to the shape of your garment because of this shape. It is also less prone to fraying because of its braided structure – more durable than other laces.
Related posts : Other ways to decorate fabric surface ; Using zippers to decorate clothes
