All About Trims

At Mary Jo’s you will find all kinds of trims, trims and more trims!  From fringe to banding, braid and decorative cord, there are many different types of trim to choose from.

This is just one section of the trim area in the home decorating department.  Any decorating project can use a little trim: draperies, valances, pillows, upholstery and bedding.

Shopping for the perfect trim can be a little overwhelming!  Here is a look at the most common types, and a few tips for applying trim. To learn more, visit Mary Jo’s on February 8, 2014, 10:00 – 11:00 am for a free workshop about trims with Susan Woodcock. Even more exciting, enjoy 10% off all trims throughout the day! 

Tassel Fringe

Usually constructed of a braid with attached tassels, this trim is available in solid or mixed color combinations.  Tassel fringe can be adorned with crystal, metal or wood accents.  A variety of methods can be used to apply tassel fringe.  The braid edging can be sewn by hand, machine or applied with hot melt glue, or fabric glue, letting the tassels hang free.  Tassel trim is beautiful on drapery panels, across the bottom of valances, and on decorator pillows.  

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Bullion Fringe

This heavy trim is woven with long cords.  It comes in a variety of sizes and in solid or combined colors.   Bullion fringe is most often applied with glues or hand stitching. Look for bullion fringe along the bottom of  sofas, chairs and ottomans.

Brush Fringe

This trim is machine sewn in seams of pillows and cushions for a soft edging.  When you purchase brush fringe it has a chain stitch holding all the threads together.  Leave this stitching in place until all sewing is finished, and then pull the threads away and fluff up the fringe.

 

Bead Trim

Trims with pearl, glass, acrylic, wood and metal beads are very popular and an alternative to tassels.  Most have a simple tape across the top, which is usually hidden in a seam, or under edges. Bead trims can be sewn by hand, machine or applied with hot melt glue, or fabric glue.  Use bead trims on draperies, window valances, or around lampshades.

Gimp Braid

This small braid is so versatile and commonly used because it turn curves and corners easily, and lays flat without any pleats or puckers.  Gimp is used in upholstery to cover tacks and staples, and is often combined with other trims for creative pillow styles.

Flat Banding

Clean and neat, flat banding has a classic look that can blend well with contemporary décor.    Flat banding can be solid, or woven with patterns.  The Greek Key design, shown in the pillow above is a current trend.  Add flat banding to draperies, framed around pillow fronts and on duvets and bed skirts.  Flat bandings can be machine stitched, or glued in place.

Twist Cord

Decorative cords come in many styles and diameters.  The most common is twist cord, which has individual cords wound together to create one cord, in solid or variegated colors.  Twist cord with an attached lip, as shown above is machine sewn into the seam of pillows or cushions.  You can also find twist cord without a lip, which is used for tiebacks, formed into decorative knots or as an edging along interior moldings.

When sewing twist cord around a pillow or cushion, there is a trick to making a seamless join.  This will be one of the professional techniques Susan Woodcock will share in her workshop at Mary Jo’s on February 8, 2014, 10:00 – 11:00 am.  We hope to see you there!