Rickrack is Back

Crazy Quilting

Adapt crazy quilting's stitch-and-flip technique by adding rickrack in the seamline. Use in a yoke, handbag or tote.



Cut foundation fabric 1" larger than the pattern piece. Position one fashion fabric straight edge across one foundation fabric corner, right side up.

Sandwich rickrack along the cut edge between the first and second fabric pieces, placed right sides together with cut edges aligned. Stitch with 1/4" seam allowance.

Fold back the second fabric and press. Continue adding rickrack and fashion fabric, trimming excess fabric and rickrack, until the foundation piece is covered (9).

Place the pattern piece over the new fabric and cut to the correct size.

Surface Applications

Braid (intertwine) two rickrack colors of the same size to create trim to match your project. Interlock the two colors at the inside points for a braided effect. Press flat. Apply by straight stitching down the center using clear nylon or multicolor thread (10).

To stabilize the braid for use as a purse handle, press it flat, then edgestitch to grosgrain ribbon.

Layer rickrack with other trims. Test first: Loosen the machine upper tension, and use a specialty thread or presser foot, such as a piping or pearl foot. Adjust stitch width or length depending on trims chosen (11). For best results, stitch one trim at a time.

Create a three-dimensional, six-petal daisy from any width of rickrack by counting 13 outer points. Cut the rickrack outside the first and 13th points. Baste through the outer points along one edge; gather; secure thread. Stitch the raw ends together. Add a button in the center, and hand stitch the flower to your project (12).


For more inspiration, visit rickrack manufacturers' Web sites, such as www.wrights.com.

From the June 2005 issue of Sew News magazine.