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Trims And Tapes – Providing That Decorative Touch To A Project
Trims and tapes are considered notions and are in themselves tools to enhance a sewing project. Without these notions many sewing projects would still be nice, but somewhat dull. These notions add the fun and sometimes whimsy to a sewing project. These notions should be chosen to match the fabric that is being used.
What Are the Different Kinds of Trims and Tapes and How Are They Used?
Blanket Binding
Ready-made blanket binding makes it easy to put the finishing touches on handmade blankets, either for adults or babies. They are especially well designed to be used with those fleece panels that one can purchase in blanket size, with patterns or designs, and needing only binding. These ready-made blanket bindings come in a variety of bright colors as well as traditional colors such as black and navy. These bindings are constructed of 100% polyester.
Quilt Binding
If one just wants a solid color unobtrusive binding on a quilt, there are ready-made quilt bindings for that, and like blanket bindings, these come in a variety of colors and are even easier to apply. These quilt bindings are actually double fold bias bindings that are generally 7/8 inches in width, and is generally made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester.
Bias Tape
Bias tape comes in double fold and single fold sizes. The double fold tapes usually come in ¼ and ½ inch folded widths. The single fold tapes come in ¼, ½, and 7/8 inch widths. These tapes are used for garment facings, casings, and trims. These bindings are generally made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester.
Corded Piping
Corded piping is a good tool to use for edging or seam accents to bring definition to the seam or edge in apparel or home décor constructions. Piping comes in ½ inch wide strips, and in a variety of colors, and is generally made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester.
Hem Tape
Hem tape is generally used to finish hems and give them a more professional decorative touch than a simple stitched hem. These tapes come in both iron on and sew on types, generally ½ inches wide, and is generally made of 100% polyester.
Lace Hem Tape
Lace hem tape is an elegant decorative touch to finishing a hem, especially on more formal garments. These trims are usually ¾ inches wide, and are generally made of 100% nylon.
Twill Tape
Twill tape is generally used to bind straight edges or roll lines, and is also good for ties or drawstrings. This tape generally comes in widths of 1, ¾, ½, or ¼ inches, and is generally made of 100% polyester.
Rick Rack
Rick Rack is a decorative trim that is good for crafts and apparel. Chenille rick rack is great for garment constructed of chenille as edging and accent trim. This trim generally comes in widths of ¼, ½, and 5/8 inches, and is generally made of 100% polyester.
Elastic
Elastic is that stretchy binding that we see increasingly in ready to wear garments as we have increased our waistlines and have sought more comfort in our garments. Elastic is great for sportswear slacks and shorts, and even for the waist bands of women’s skirts. Elastic generally comes in widths of 1, ¾, ½, and ¼ inches. Elastic can be braided, knitted or woven. These elastics are generally made of polyester and rubber in various combinations, with polyester being in the highest percentage.
Cording
Decorative cording is also referred to by some as decorative braid. This trim can be used for accent trim, ties, drawstrings, and button loops. It is generally made of a combination of cotton and polyester.
For more information about these trims and tapes some good references are:
• The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing - revised and expanded edition by Singer
• The Sewing Book – by Alison Smith
For additional information about trims and tapes click here on ehow.com and for some history about trims and tapes click here on wikipedia.org
Sewing Closures
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