The Return of the Ripple: Creative Ways to Use Ric Rac Trim

There is something instantly nostalgic about Ric Rac. With its iconic zig-zag shape and playful wavy edges, this classic trim has been a staple in sewing baskets for generations. But don’t let its vintage reputation fool you—ric rac is making a massive comeback in modern crafts, from Scandi-style home décor to contemporary children’s clothing.

At thecraftshop.net, we believe no craft stash is complete without a few rolls of this "wiggly" wonder. Whether you prefer the tiny "baby" widths or the bold "giant" waves, here is how to make the most of this versatile trim.

Fun & Functional Uses for Ric Rac

1. "Peek-a-Boo" Edging One of the most stylish ways to use ric rac is to sew it to the underside of a hem or a neckline so that only half of the "waves" peek out. This creates a delicate, scalloped edge that looks much more complex than it actually is.

2. Decorative Topstitching Give a plain denim skirt or a canvas tote bag an instant facelift by sewing rows of contrasting ric rac across the surface. You can mix different colors and sizes to create a vibrant, striped "wave" effect.

3. Handmade Stationery & Scrapbooking Because ric rac is flat and easy to glue, it is perfect for paper crafts. Use it to create "grass" at the bottom of a handmade card, borders for photos, or even as a textured ribbon for gift wrapping.

4. Quilt Binding & Borders Add a whimsical touch to your next quilting project by tucking ric rac into the binding. It adds a pop of color and a tactile element that is particularly lovely on baby quilts.

Pro Tips for Working with Ric Rac

Ric rac is fun to work with, but it can be a bit "shifty" under the sewing machine. Use these tips to keep your ripples in check:

• Tame it with Wash-Away Tape: Ric rac loves to wiggle while you sew. Instead of using pins (which can distort the waves), use a thin strip of double-sided wash-away quilting tape to hold it perfectly in place before you head to the machine.

• The "Center Stitch" Secret: For a secure and professional look, sew a straight stitch directly down the center of the trim. If you use a matching thread, the stitch will "sink" into the valley of the weave and become nearly invisible.

• Prevent Fraying: Like most woven trims, ric rac can fray at the ends. When finishing a seam, fold the end over itself and tuck it into the seam allowance, or use a tiny dab of fray-check glue on the raw edges.

• Pre-Shrink if Needed: If you are sewing 100% cotton ric rac onto a garment that will be washed frequently, give the trim a quick steam with your iron before sewing. This prevents the trim from shrinking and "puckering" your fabric later.

• The Interlocking Trick: For a unique look, take two different colors of the same size ric rac and twist them together. The waves will nest into each other, creating a two-tone "braid" effect!

Ready to Wiggle?

From bright primaries to soft pastels, ric rac is the easiest way to add a bit of personality and "handmade heart" to your projects.

Explore the Collection: Shop our full range of ric rac trims in every size and color at thecraftshop.net and start adding some waves to your work!