Decorative trims give your garments style and provide a way to add your own personal touch. Some trims – like bias tape – are also helpful in construction. There are several application methods, depending on the style of the trim and the way it is used.

Hand-stitched trim: Raised trim must be attached by hand. Slipstitch the trim to the fabric with thread that is the same colour as the fabric.

Machine-stitched band trim:Secure the trim in place with basting tape or fabric adhesive. If the trim is less than 1/4″ (6mm) wide, machine-stitch down the centre. If it is wider than 1/4″ (6mm), machine-stitch both long edges in the same direction.

Bias Tape:Open the tape and, with right sides together, pin it to the fabric, matching cut edges. Stitch along the fold line closest to the raw edge.
Fold the binding up and over to encase the raw edge. On the right side of the fabric, edgestitch the binding in place. (This stitching will catch the underneath layer, which is slightly wider than the top layer.)

Insertion Trim:Pin or glue the trim to the right side of the fabric and top-stitch it along both straight edges (in the same direction). From the wrong side, cut the fabric down the center, between the two rows of stitching, to create seam allowances. Press the seam allowances away from each other, exposing the trim. Edgestitch though all layers close to the folds. Trim the seam allowances close to the edgestitching.