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Give a simple pair of jeans or a little black dress eye-catching details by adding some fabric trim. If you’ve passed by the rows of colorful trims at your local fabric store and can’t wait to start adding fun details to your clothes and accessories, then you’ll love our round-up of different types of fabric trims. From playful pom poms to trendy ric rac, our quick guide to fabric trims will help you choose the best trim to make your thrifted blazer or handmade sundress stand out.
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Different Types of Fabric Trims
- Buttons – While buttons are one of the most common types of clothing fasteners, they’re also often used decoratively as well. Whether featured on a faux button placket (a strip of fabric that features non-functional buttons) or as embellishment in creative designs, buttons are a budget-friendly fabric trim that can be a stylish way to finish your sewn garments. Add large buttons to the waist of wide-leg pants for a sailor-inspired look or empty out your fabric stash by covering a simple canvas tote bag with any button you can find.
- Zippers – Similar to buttons, zippers double-dip into the realms of functionality and style. While zippers are mostly used as clothing fasteners, using zippers in bold, contrasting colors can also add an exciting finish to sewn garments, such as adding an exposed zipper on a dress or simple top. Decorative zippers can also be added to tops or skirts to give a punk feel inspired by ‘80s fashions.
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- Bias Tape – Often used to finish quilts and home décor projects, bias tape (a strip of fabric that has been cut on the bias) is used to cover raw edges. You can also use bias tape to finish garments like dresses and tops, as it can protect and cover raw edges while adding a contrasting color. Use black bias tape as piping on a white dress for a sharp and chic look or add bias tape to pajamas in a coordinating color.
- Ribbon – One of the most popular types of fabric trim, ribbon comes in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and textures. Grosgrain ribbon is often used in crafting projects as well as trim for hats, children’s clothing, and hair accessories. Velvet ribbon trim has recently been popular due to the ‘90s revival of the past few years and has been seen on jewelry like chokers and on lingerie. Satin ribbon is also similarly found as a trim on lingerie and loungewear, as well as formal wear like prom and wedding dresses. Ribbon trim adds a luxurious feel to any garment, so if you’ve been wanting to dress up a thrift store find, try adding ribbon. And speaking of ribbon…
- Ric Rac – A playful trim that’s seen increasing popularity in the past few years, ric rac is classified as a type of ribbon trim and is easy to spot due to its signature wavy look. Available in different widths and colors, ric rac trim gives any garment a retro look, making it a wonderful choice for hemlines on skirts and sundresses.
- Lace Trim – If you want to add a delicate, antique-inspired touch to your sewn tops and dresses, lace trim is an excellent choice. Available in multiple styles of lace design, this trim is most commonly found in shades of white and off-white, although colorful options are also available. Add lace trim to a breezy summer top to combine vintage and modern style or choose a colorful lace trim for handsewn lingerie for a gorgeous finish.
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- Braid – Braid trim is often found in metallic colors like gold and silver and is not only used on clothing and home décor projects but can also be seen on military uniforms as well. This woven trim is available in different widths and styles, such as gimp braid, commonly used as an upholstery trim. Add braid trim to a plain blazer for eye-catching contrast, or to a coat or jacket for a Chanel-inspired finish.
- Sequins – A delightful way to add movement and color to any garment or accessory, sequin trim is an instantly recognizable fabric trim that features a gorgeous shine. You can purchase sequin fabric if you want to make an entire garment out of sequins but if you prefer a more minimal sparkle, add sequin trim to a simple headband or the neckline of a plain sweatshirt. Similarly, large paillettes can add a major style statement to any accessory.
- Pom Pom Trim – Inject some pure fun into your sewing projects by finishing them with colorful pom pom trim! A trim that saw a major rise in popularity in the mid-2010s, this trim can easily add a beachy or preppy vibe to your home décor, clothing, and accessories. Finish your beach caftan or cover-up with pom pom trim or give a simple bag a fresh, summery look.
- Fringe Trim – Similar to pom pom trim, fringe (also trending within the past few years) adds movement to your clothing and accessories. Fringe trim can be added in real or faux leather as a finish to bags and coats or jackets, or silky tassel trim can be added to garments like skirts or pants, as well as décor. Fringe trim is available in a wide variety of colors and materials, so be sure to play around with different options.
- Applique – Used as a decorative element to finish accessories and garments, applique shows up in a multitude of ways ranging from sparkling sequins, delicate lace, or scrap fabric patches. Applique can transform an old denim jacket into trendy outerwear or be used to update a pair of jeans with a pop of color. Pre-made applique patches can also easily be sewn or ironed onto hats or denim and can be cheaply found at garage sales or online on Etsy. For tips on how to sew patches onto denim jackets, don’t miss this article from Stephanie Woodson.
- Fur/Faux Fur – If you love the look of elegant vintage outerwear, you may want to try adding faux fur trim. Available in both natural and bright colors, faux fur trim can be added to sweaters like cardigans and outerwear for a luxurious finish. If you’re interested in making your own detachable faux fur collar, be sure to check out this tutorial from Don Morin.
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- Rhinestones – Don’t be afraid to sparkle! Rhinestones, crystals, and faux gems can be made from glass or plastic and add shine to bags, hair accessories, and clothing. Some faux stones can be applied with glue, while rhinestones can also be applied with specific tools for a sturdier application. You can also add rhinestones to other types of trim like ribbon for even more embellishments.
What types of trims do you love working with? What are some of your favorite ways to add a fun finishing touch to a garment? We’d love to hear your ideas below in the comments!