Sewing trims or fabric trims are decorative pieces or embellishments added to the fabric edge and used to make your sewing projects unique. When you sew trims, you add that extra special touch to something you have made. This tutorial will discuss the different types of trims to add to your clothing and home decor.
Sewing Trims Tutorial
What is a Fabric Trim?
Fabric trims are embellishments added to the edge of fabrics. They include ribbons, tassels, pom pom trim and more. Sewing trims can be added into seams or sewn at the end on top of the fabric.
Generally, trims are there to add interest to the edges of an item you have made.They lend themselves to scarves, skirt hems, sleeves, headbands, veils, shawls, hats, and bags - in fact, the list is endless.
Sewing trims can come in many different styles and colors.They can be shiny, wavy, lacy, or just dazzling with tassels and bobbles.
Haberdashery stores are overflowing with a huge variety of trims.Once you have chosen a trim, the sewing process will vary depending on the trim on hand.
16 Types of Sewing Trims
Here is a list of trims and how best to sew them onto your ‘to be trimmed’ item.
1. Ribbon Sewing Trims
Ribbons come in all sorts of colors, widths, and textures.They are very popular as trim because they can add a flash of color or detail very easily.
Nylon ribbons are usually broader than their narrow satin counterparts.Ribbons are available in most haberdashery stores, and you can buy what you need to trim your garment.
There are many ways to use ribbons.They can be sewn on plain or ruched and even made into flowers or bows.The beauty of working with ribbons as trim is they are neatened on both sides of the ribbon.Stitch the ribbon on both sides if it is broad, or use a zigzag stitch down the middle.A ribbon can be slotted into a seam or on a cuff, and naturally, the ribbon looks lovely on a hem.
FURTHER READING:
- How to Stop Ribbon Fraying
- Edge Stitch (Perfect for sewing ribbon trims)
- Types of Ribbon
- How to Sew Ribbon
2. Braid Trims
Braids are thicker woven ribbons that come in different materials ranging from cotton to metallic and other threads that can be plaited.Fabric trim braids may be designed to create the slotted space for a drawstring or made into loops for novelty edging.
Sewing on the braids will depend on where they are to be placed and their function.Thicker braids may require a special needle, such as a denim needle, and a longer stitch length. It is best to practice first before sewing on the braid.
3. Lace Sewing Trim
Lace, in all its different shades, fabrics, and designs, is decidedly one of the best sewing trims.Lace comes in cotton, polyester, nylon, silk, and even elastic varieties.Lace adds an element of beauty, and sewing it will depend on the type of lace and its purpose.
It may be used to trim and edge or elasticated some undies, but you can be sure lace will need a delicate stitch and careful handling.
FURTHER READING:
- Types of Lace
- Sewing Lace
- How to Sew Lace Trim
- How to Wash Lace
- What is Lace
4. Pom Pom Trim
Pom Poms can be found as part of a braid or individually made. Handmade or store-bought, these additions to a garment or a hat make a great statement. Individually, a pom pom is best sewn by hand.Pom poms in a braid will be easy to sew by machine.
FURTHER READING:
- How to Sew Pom Pom Trim
- DIY Pom Pom Pillow
- How to Make Pom Poms
5. Fringing Trims
Fringe trims come in all sorts of different lengths.They can be made of cotton, wool, satin, and sometimes leather or faux leather.They all have a base or header, which is the part that secures the fringe to the fabric.
The adventurous creative sewer may enjoy making their own fringing.It is easy to do this with fabric that does not fray.Snip into the pre-cut strip of fabric and stop the cut before reaching the top to have the base or header sew to your garment.
6. Cord, String, or Rope
Cords and strings have a variety of uses.They are usually twists of cotton fibers and do the job of making drawstrings, piping fillers, ties, and straps. They may be considered for decoration and are used in home decor but sewing them by machine is a challenge because they are not flat.
As a decorative enhancement, a zigzag is probably the easiest way to machine-stitch the cord or string.Couching the cord would be another way to attach the cord or the thicker version, rope.
7. Embroidered Tape Sewing Trim
The embroidered tape has embroidery in the weave and often has sequins or beads to decorate the tape.It has many uses in the home decor line and in embellishing bridal gowns and items needing to look flashy or exotic.Embroidered tape can be stitched along the edge with care, avoiding the beads and sequins.
8. Ric Rac Sewing Trims
Ric rac is one of the best trims around.It is easy to sew by machine and comes in different widths, from narrow to jumbo.Ric rac can be sewn on top of the fabric by sewing down the middle in a straight line.
It can be stitched into a seam with half the ric rac in the seam and the other half showing.This creates a shell or wavy edge and is a lovely way to trim a collar or a cuff.Ric rac can decorate the edge piece of an item like a pocket by being sewn at the back with part of the ric rac showing over the edge.
Marking a line down the center of the ric rac with a marking pen helps to keep the stitching straight if you decide to sew this sewing trim onto a garment.Ric rac is a little stretchy and can be maneuvered around corners.
Undoubtedly, when it comes to sewing trims, ric rac is a winner for adding color and texture to your chosen item.
FURTHER READING:' Sewing Ric Rac
9. Sewing Trims - Bias Tape
Bias tape is another of those colorful wonder trims.You can use store-bought tape or make your own by cutting fabric along the bias at a 45-degree angle.Cut the tape to the width of your choice.
The bias tape will always be stretchy because of the cross-grain fibers. Once you have chosen or made your tape, there are different ways to use bias tape and different decoration ideas.
Bias tape can be a single or double-fold variety.This refers to the number of folds after the tape has been cut.Double fold is great for neatening edges and can be used to trim a seam or neaten a raw edge.
Sewing bias tape simply requires a straight sewing stitch or a zig-zag to catch the edges. The tape itself decorates as a border or an edge neatener.It is a good idea to pin and tack over long areas because of the stretch element.
Getting the length of bias tape fitting accurately before you start ensures there will be no pulling or puckers.This pre-tack or pin process will enable you to be sure you have the right amount of tape for the length you plan to cover.
FURTHER READING ON BIAS TAPE:
- How to Make Bias Tape
- Types of Bias Tape
- How to Sew Bias Tape
- How to Sew Double Fold Bias Tape
- Sewing Bias Tape
- How to Make Continuous Bias Tape
- How to Sew Bias Tape Corners
- Bias Bound Seam
- Hong Kong Finish
- How to Sew a V Neck with Bias Tape
- How to Make Piping
- Sewing Piping
- How to Bind a Quilt
- How to Use a Bias Tape Maker
- What is Bias Tape
10. Sewing Trims - Fabric Tubes
Fabric tubes, once they have been made, are very useful for making straps, loops, and drawstrings.Fabric tubes may also be known as rouleau loops.These very thin tubes are best made of fine soft fabrics.
They are made with fabric strips cut on the bias, stitched along the edge, and then pulled through the tube made by the bias. It is best to join the fabric to get the right length before sewing the tube and turning it.
The fabric tube used as a drawstring needs a stopper to prevent it from pulling through the casing and out the other side.A button or a bead sewn on the end is ideal for this purpose.
FURTHER READING: How to Make a Spaghetti Strap
11. Sewing Trims - Rhinestone Trim
Rhinestones and crystals can be sewn onto some ribbon in a pattern, and then the ribbon is attached to the garment.It is also possible to sew them directly onto the fabric.Each rhinestone design you make yourself is individualized and will have to be stitched according to your pattern and the size of the rhinestones.
It is possible to set the stones in place with a bit of fabric glue just to get the design right.Then stitch over the stones with a hand stitch.Couching is probably the best suggestion.
Rhinestone trims may also be patterned together to make an applique trim.Rhinestones may come as open clasps.They are pressed onto the fabric with little soft pins or clips that mesh together with the pressure once they have been placed on the fabric.
Attaching this kind of rhinestone to a piece of fabric ribbon makes sewing the string of rhinestones easier because you will not spoil your fabric, and essentially you are sewing the ribbon decorated with rhinestones.
FURTHER READING: How to Attach Rhinestones
12. Sewing Trims - Sequined Trims
Sequined trims come with all the pretty sequins threaded in a line overlapping each other and creating a bright shiny line of decoration.Sequins can be added on in their ready-made rows and machine-stitched or hand-sewn individually.
FURTHER READING:
- Sewing Sequins
- How to Sew Sequin Trim
- Sewing Sequin Fabric
If you decide to machine stitch the sequins, you need to have their raised sequin edges facing you to make the sewing process easier.The sewing process can be a straight stitch right through the sequins or a zig-zag stitch to go over the line of sequins.
If you stitch through the sequins, it is important to have a strong needle and thread to cope with the added thickness of the sequins.Choose a long stitch to sew with and try it out first on a scrap to be sure your needle and stitch are suitable for the sequins you have chosen.There are so many sequined trims available. This is a really shiny, glitz, and glam way to trim a garment.
13. Sewing Trims - Tassels
Cheap and cheerful tassels are easy to make yourself or buy and attach anywhere that takes your fancy.There is room for a single tassel at the end of a scarf or multiple tassels as a fringe effect or the edge of a cloth or hem of a dress.
Tassels can be store-bought like fringing or individually for you to sew on.The kind of tassel will determine the sewing method.Tassels on a ribbon or braid will sew on easily by machine, while individual tassels are best hand-stitched or set in a fold of the fabric.
14. Sewing Trims - Knotted Macrame Trim
There are so many macrame-related projects ranging from the easy, straightforward, simple knotted designs to more complicated bands with tassels and fringes.Sewing your finished design will largely depend on the thickness of the macrame and the place it will be stitched.
Typically an art and craft project, macrame can be seen hanging and decorating many houses. A macrame trim to sew onto a garment would need to be made of a fine thread for it to sew successfully.Sewn by hand or machine, macrame makes an interesting edging.
15. Sewing Trims - Gimp
Gimp is a specialized braid and used in upholstery projects, but it can be added as a trim to jackets and collars, or cuffs.Gimp can be used to disguise a tear or raw edge of an upholstered project or home furnishing.Gimp is often attached with glue and used to hold the fabric to the wooden edges of an upholstered chair.
16. Sewing Trims - Jacquard
Jacquard trim is a form of an ornately printed ribbon.The design is part of the fabric or printed ribbon.It is not embroidered onto the trim.Jacquard trim is ornate and classical but is easily attached as you would ribbon.
Sewing Trims - Tips
Here are some tips to help you get the best out of sewing trim.
- PREWASHING - Always pre-wash your trim, especially cotton trims, because they can shrink or color run.
- PRESSING - Press your trim so it lies flat and is easier to sew.
- STORING - Tape the ends of your trims to prevent unraveling, especially on braids.
- BASTING - Try to avoid pins because with some delicate trims, they may leave holes. Rather baste your trim in place.Press and sew.
- NEEDLES - Always look for the sharpest needle or change your needle for a new one to sew on your trim. Special care should be taken if the trim has beads or sequins.
- MACHINE SETTINGS - Check the tension of your machine before starting to sew the trim.
- SEWING - If you are sewing on both sides of the trim, remember to sew from beginning to end in the same direction, starting at the same end.Then start the second row from the same starting point to get even stitching and a parallel row of stitches.This will help you avoid puckering.
- SEWING FEET - Check the foot you use suits the trim.Open-toe feet or satin stitch feet are great for seeing the edges and sewing trims.
- HAND SEWING - If the trim is bulky or beaded, rather hand stitch to avoid snagging your machine.
Sewing Trims - In Conclusion
Sewing trims are, without a doubt, an easy way to finish off a garment or accent an item for your home.There are options to make your own trim or to use trims available from online stores or shops.
Check the basic elements before you go ahead, and always make sure you have enough and don’t go short. Adding all the trimmings to your sewing will always bring extra life and vitality to the item you are sewing.
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