Trims of all sorts can be used for a variety of different purposes in sewing, as you may have notices from some of my past posts. Today I'm going to briefly go over the basic types of trim, and how you might use them.
Bias Tape:
Bias is a very basic trim usually made from stiff, plain cotton. It comes in wide array of colors to match any project. Because of the way it's folded, bias is great for edging/hemming garments. On doll clothes I often use it on the armholes of a shirt, or as a decoration at the bottom of a skirt, or as a waist band. A quick google search will give you more of an idea of all the things you can do with bias tape. It's also very easy to make your own. This is especially helpful when trying to match an odd color fabric, or print. Simple cut thin strips of the fabric (about an inch thick) and fold as shown in the picture. Iron to secure it, and voila!
Ric Rac:
Ric Rac was big on folksy clothing in the seventies. We don't see it on clothing so much now-a-days, but this nostalgic look makes it perfect for doll clothes. Ric Rac is a woven trim that is wavy looking and comes in a variety of colors and sizes from tiny to jumbo! Because of it's zigzaggy shape, Ric Rac is used more for decoration than edging. Complimenting colors can be brought together on the hems of aprons, dresses, sleeves, collars, etc. Ric Rac is often used to trim other trims for a cute unique look. Do this by taking a nice thick trim you like, and sew two strips of tiny to small Ric Rac on the back running along the sides. For a more in-depth project check out
this tutorial on how to make Ric Rac flowers. These would be perfect to decorate your doll clothes!
Satin Ribbon:
Satin Ribbon is shiny, luxurious, and can add a sweet finishing touch to any piece. Ribbon can be used in a billion ways. It can sewn on the inside of clothing to hem them, and weight them down, on the outside as edging, or decoration, sewn on the cuffs of shirts, or collars, tied in the hair, turned into bows, straps, drawstrings, ties, etc. Ribbon is a wonder. Keep in mind that the cut edge of a ribbon will unravel unless it is cut on a diagonal (and even then you might want to edge it). Be creative with ribbon, it's easy to work with, and really adds to whatever you're working on.
Eyelet & Lace:
Eyelet and lace are a very traditional trim and will add romantic charm to whatever you put them on. Mostly found in shades of white and ivories, they can be found in blacks, and pastel shades as well, though brilliant colors will be harder to come by. Lace is more delicate that eyelet, but can be used for edging inside hems, as well as being decorative. I often use lace to trim the edges of doll shirts, or as waistbands on gathered skirts. Eyelet is cotton, and so can be easily gather and tacked on as ruffles. Try combining lace and ribbon by weaving a thin piece of ribbon through the holes in the lace.
Decorative:
Decorative trims are often highly embellished. They are typically woven or embroidered, and sometimes jazzed up with beads and sequins. These type of trims were traditionally very Scandinavian (Eastern Europe in general) and often featured snowflakes designs and other traditional patterns. Today they are all over the place. The decorative trims will work in the same way as all the previous types mentioned, but with a little more pizzazz! The trick with these trims, especially the crazy-embellished ones, is that you have to sew slowly and carefully to make sure you don't snag the embroidered or sew over a bead, etc.
*Tip for the Day -- Did you know that trims are sold in the store for a moderate price, not bad for all the things you can do with them. However, great trims can be purchased super cheap from Ebay! I'm always grabbing up yards of it for under fifty cents! Happy Trimming!
