Sewing Tapes & Trims Glossary
Keep forgetting the difference between a middy and soutache braid? It’s happened to the best of us! This tapes and trims glossary makes it easy to quickly check what the difference between specific tapes and trims are and how you can use them in your projects.
Twill Tape
Polyester trim with distinct diagonal rib and exceptional strength.
Uses:
Seam or roll line stay, Seam finish, Top trim, Casings, Ties, Drawstrings.
Application:
Apply by machine, as directed for end use, either stitching through center or both edges.
Rick Rack
Polyester flat braid with uniform zig zag shape.
Uses:
Accent trim, Edging, May be inserted in seam.
Application:
To apply as top trim, stitch through center or hand tack at points. To insert at seam, place under edge at center and edge stitch.
Loop Braid
Cotton, novelty decorative edging.
Uses:
Accent trim, Lacing loops for closures.
Application:
Machine stitch in place.
Middy Braid
Rayon narrow flat braid.
Uses:
Accent trim, Ties, Drawstring.
Application:
Apply by hand tacking in place or by machine stitching through center ditch.
Soutache Braid
Rayon narrow rounded braid with center sewing ditch.
Uses:
Accent trim, Ties, Scroll motifs, Draw strings, Button loops, Lacing.
Application:
Apply by hand tacking in place or by machine stitching through center ditch.
Flexi-Lace Hem Facing
100% nylon decorative lace hem finish for all fabrics.
Uses:
Hem finish, Casing facing, Lace insertion, Lengthen hems, Decorative face lace.
Application:
To finish hem, position lace 1/4" from edge of fabric (right side). Machine stitch in place. Hand stitch free edge to garment.
Flexi-Lace Hem Tape
100% nylon decorative lace hem finish for all fabrics.
Uses:
Hem finish, Casing facing, Lace insertion, Lengthen hems, Decorative face lace.
Application:
To finish hem, position lace 1/4" from edge of fabric (right side). Machine stitch in place. Turn up, press. Hand stitch free edge to garment.
Iron On Hem Tape
Polyester narrow fabric with two narrow adhesive strips for easy application.
Uses:
Hem finish.
Application:
Apply tape in place adhesive side down. Iron with firm pressure for 10 seconds (wool setting with steam).
Soft & Easy Hem Tape
Polyester narrow fabric with sewing guidelines woven in.
Uses:
Seam stay, Hem finish, Reinforcement strips.
Application:
Application: Lap tape 1/2" over fabric edge and stitch together close to edge (right side). Turn up, press. Hem stitch free edge to garment.
Blanket Binding
100% Polyester woven edge satin. Folded in half. Straight weave - not on bias.
Uses:
Binding blankets.
Application:
Slip over blanket edge, extending 1" beyond blanket. Run two rows of stitching 1/4" apart, close to edge through all thicknesses. Fold in ends and hand tack.
Maxi Piping
Cording encased in fabric bias strip.
Uses:
Accent trim.
Application:
Insert in seam to define edges.
Hem Facing
Fabric cut on bias (45% Angle) with raw edges folded under.
Uses:
Facing, Casing.
Application:
Open one fold and stitch to right side of fabric. Press and hand tack free edge.
Double Fold Quilt Binding
Fabric cut on bias (45% Angle) with raw edges folded under. Tape is then folded in half slightly off center. Quilt binding is folded wider for binding quilted and bulky fabrics.
Uses:
Binding heavy fabrics.
Application:
Apply over edges with wide side of tape on underside to ensure both edges are caught when top stitching on right side.
Wide Single Fold Bias Tape
Fabric cut on bias (45% Angle) with raw edges folded under.
Uses:
Facing, Casing, Accent Trim.
Application:
Top Stitch done at folded edge on both side
Extra Wide Double Fold Bias Tape
Fabric cut on bias (45% Angle) with raw edges folded under. Tape is then folded in half slightly off center.
Uses:
Binding, Facing, Accent trim, Ties.
Application:
Apply over edges with wide side of tape on underside to ensure both edges are caught when top stitching on right side.
Double Fold Bias Tape
Fabric cut on bias (45% Angle) with raw edges folded under. Tape is then folded in half slightly off center.
Uses:
Binding, Facing, Accent trim, Ties.
Application:
Apply over edges with wide side of tape on underside to ensure both edges are caught when top stitching on right side.
Single Fold Bias Tape
Fabric cut on bias (45% Angle) with raw edges folded under.
Uses:
Facing, Casing, Accent trim.
Application:
Top Stitch done at folded edge on both sides.
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