When I suggested adding “ric rac” to the apron a student was making in class, I was met with the most incredulous look only a teenager can give. Ric Rac? Surely I was making that word up! None of the students recognized the name of a trim they might have seen once. Gleefully, I introduced the class to one of my favorite trims. In fact, I created an entire bulletin board to show off the versatility of ric rac. I am not sure I made any converts, but I still a fan of this trim with the funny name.
According to the internet and Google, ric rac was originally called “flat woven braid”–very descriptive! Ric rac is a flat woven braid in a zigzag shape and used as a decorative trim on clothing and household items. Originally made of cotton, most is made from polyester fiber now. It came about in the 1860’s and was used to finish hems due to its stability and durability but became popular as a decorative trim. In the depression era, ric rac dressed up garments made from feed sacks. But it’s heyday was the 1970’s.
Today we can purchase several different widths from tiny to jumbo.
Wrights and Offray are the most common brand names and usually comes in packages containing 2.5 to 4 yards depending on the width. These two packages were rescued from my mother in laws sewing basket. Notice the prices! Today at a nation wide chain, a package is $2.99. The package in avocado gives you a hint of its age. Also notice that switch has been made from 100% cotton to polyester.
Where do I get my ric rac? Since I sew for charity-all my sewing/quilting friends that no longer do much sewing besides piecing or quilting have given me their stash. Friends are on the look out at garage sales, estate sales and in thrift shops for ric rac. Without their generosity, I couldn’t be able to add that final touch!
Presently ric rac is not used on clothing for anyone over the age of 6 years! But it is used on aprons….
Ric rac is a fun trim to add to hot pads…
Even a utilitarian towel for the kitchen looks better with ric rac…..
When I make pennants or banners for a holiday or season, ric rac just adds something….
When you are typing ric rac, be prepared— your computer will change the words over and over. Nevertheless, I liked using ric rac so much that I made the words into part of an account password once!
Come to the Quilts Etc. Sale in October and see how many items you can find with ric rac trim! The sale is October 21 and 22 at First United Methodist Church, Wichita, KS, and for all of you that are not ric rac enthusiasts, the vast majority of items won’t have any ric rac!
Quilts, Etc. 