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Sewing Bias Binding, Rickrack & Top Stitching 

The finishing and decorating of any project is important and home sewing projects are no different. Bias binding, rickrack and top stitching can make the difference between an ordinary looking pillow or a piece of work with that WOW factor.

You already know the various hemming techniques and now we will explain the use of trimmings such as bias binding, rickrack and top stitching. Two important things to remember when using trimmings:

1. Trimmings must be suitable to the fabric, the sewing project or garment and of course the way it is cut.
2. Don’t over trim. Too much decoration is often in poor taste.

Bias bindings and facings   

Bias may be applied with various designs and motifs. Bias strips folded through the center lengthwise may be fagoted together for edgings. They are used as trims, and are also turned completely to the inside and slip stitched to position so that they are not visible on the right side. 

Rickrack 

Rickrack comes in an assortment of colors and sizes. It will launder and iron more easily if stitched twice (prevent curling). To join rickrack strips, match the scallops in a hem felled seam.  Four ways of applying rickrack are described below: 

 Turn edge of fabric under, twice with very light weight fabrics, and baste rickrack to wrong side so that half extends beyond fold. Stitch close to fold on right side, and, if desired, stitch again below first line close enough to catch inside edge of trim. 

Apply rickrack to right side with tips of scallops beyond raw edge. Stitch through center and turn on line of stitching to wrong side. Stitch lower edge of rickrack. 

 Turn in narrow hem and baste. Apply rickrack to the right side so that half extends beyond edge and stitch through center. Various decorative stitches may be used in place of machine stitching. 

 Where rickrack is not applied to edge, baste it to a marked line and stitch it through the center with one or more rows. 

Top stitching 

Top stitch a finished edge by machine, in contrasting thread if desired. Hand done saddle stitching or other decorative stitching may be used, particularly on heavier fabric and on sports clothing. 

So far you have discovered how to use bias, rickrack and top stitching. Next you will find out how to apply bands and embroidery edging to make a difference to your home sewing projects.