How to Sew TrimsLearning how to sew trims to your garments or home decor items is not hard to do. For most trims, it's easy as 1, 2, 3! (Well, almost!) Below, I'll show you one method. However, first, let's take a look at trims in general.
The Scoop on TrimsPeople have been sewing trims to their garments and accessories since sewing was invented! Really! In caveman times they would add pieces of bone, shells and teeth to their skin coverings. Ok, maybe not that far back, but close. As time went by, clothing and trims got a whole lot prettier and oftentimes extremely elaborate depending on the particular time in history and what someone's social status was. Want to see some elaborate trims? Pick up a history book or costume book and look at what the Europeans used to wear. American high society wasn't too shoddy either back in the 19th century. If you want to see some real flashy trims in our times, just catch a show in Las Vegas or at the theaters on Broadway. Their costume designers are some of the best.
To put it bluntly, trims are a form of social plummage which say a lot about our personalities, lifestyles and jobs.
Trims come in many forms: Lace, Ruffles, Cording, Fringe, and Binding. I have probably left a few out. They also come in a huge variety of styles, colors and sizes from plain to extravagant. You could spend hours in specialty stores or on the web looking at all the sewing trims available. You can buy trims ready made (in all price ranges) or you can make your own. You can sew them on using basic hand sewing stitches (used for adding trim to the outside of a finished project) or by machine as the project is being constructed. The actual project you are making, as well as your skill level, will determine the method you use. Here's one technique showing how to sew trim for a professional edge, using simple rick rack. Piping, cording and other finishes can be applied using a variation of this same technique.
Edging with Rick Rack TrimFor this example, I'm adding rick rack to a simple top and enclosing it between the fabric and the lining material. I have cut out my pattern pieces and have also cut lining fabric to match them.
When I was in the process of sewing the above top, I didn't like the basic stitch it on method suggested by the pattern maker, so I used this application technique instead. My point is, don't be afraid to experiment with various methods for different or unique looks when applying trims. Also, have fun looking for and using all the different trim types! Let your imagination go!
Trims which sit on top of the fabric, (such as fringe, pom-pom, tassels, etc.) are sewn on using a zipper foot. If your zipper foot is too wide and gets in the way of the decoration, you may want to go shopping for a narrower foot. Yes, many machine manufacturers make a narrow zipper foot and these narrower feet will make the job a lot easier.
If you are feeling expressive (brave?) and want to try attaching rows of pearls or cording to the outside of your project, look for special feet designed for these trims as well. Can't find or don't want to invest in special feet? Except for the pearls, decorative cording and ribbons can be attached by "couching" using your machine's widest zig-zag foot. Couching is a method where you enclose the trim within a zig-zag stitch by making the stitch a little wider than what you are attaching. Now break into your stash or scrap drawer and experiment!
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