This is a huge topic and our Trims video only scratches the surface of what is a trim and everyday trims we see in the modern world. While the video focussed on examples of trims, this blog looks at some of the ideas from the video regarding making your own trims.
Trims are not only pretty, they have great utility also. The embroidered ribbons on the left are much stronger and hardwearing than a simple ribbon made of fabric. Trims protect corners and seams - for example piping on furniture.
They make our clothes much more wearable helping us manage closures in garments, making them warmer and more durable, and providing identifiers such as coloured tags and labels.
The gorgeous ribbons in the image to the left come from a store in Norway called Van Tellingen Tekstiler. You can visit the shop online to see their complete collection of beautiful trims here https://vantellingen.no .
Look out for a couple more examples of Van Tellingen Tekstiler ribbons in our video on Trims. Absolutely stunning!
Using fabric from your stash is a great way to find ready fabric for a trim and an excellent way to use up small pieces of fabric which are leftover from bigger projects.
The pink fabric used in the video was a leftover piece from a quilting project. The 3 pieces of these remnants weren't really enough to be incorporated into another quilt but were just right to finish off a ruffle at the hemline of a dress.
A little frill on a garment is useful not just for adding a little length to the child's dress as seen in the video, but also lengthening a pair of jeans or blouse. It can be used to extend the shoulders of a tank top or help fill up a neckline which gapes or is a little exposing.
Adding a trim using a piece of jewellery is a lot of fun. It's a fantastic idea to use up a necklace with a broken clasp, or a single earring.
And it doesn't have to be permanent. The necklace on the left can be quickly stitched onto a garment then removed later.
Any garment trimmed with jewellery should be handwashed unless the jewellery is removed first. There is a risk of damage to the jewellery and possibly to your washing machine.
Take 3 ribbons we have national colours.
Take 2 colours we have sporting team colours.
Take 1 colour and we have a personal favourite.
Colour combinations add trims to Christmas tables, wedding and celebratory events and festivals. Using colour combinations is an inexpensive and quick way to add vibe and thematic interest to garments, decor and just about anything else.
Making your own trims allows you to match colours, fabric, textures and shapes to your projects. And not just a close match. Using a piece of fabric for a garment, and trimming it with the same fabric in piping, rosettes, frills etc, means that colours and textures can be exactly paired.
Mixing textures and materials can be great fun. Combine a sheer ribbon or fabric with a solid ribbon: mix a chain with a ruffled strip: or combine leather, lace and yarn.
Checking out your stash should provide a wealth of ideas and possibilities.
Watch our video on Trims - the Basics on YouTube
Look at our Trims project - Violet on YouTube
See our Trims project - Violet on our website