Confused by all the names and types of packaged sewing and decorating trims on the market? Then check below for definitions, uses, and application tips. And if you need trims, I hope you'll stop by DoveOriginalsTrims for the best trims at the best prices!

Single Fold Bias Tape: Fabric cut on the bias (at a 45 degree angle) with the raw edges folded under. Used for facings, casings, accent trim. To apply: stitch down at the folded edge on both sides.

Double Fold Bias Tape: Fabric cut on the bias (at a 45 degree angle) with the raw edges folded under. The tape is then folded in half slightly off center. Used for binding, facing, accent trim, ties. To apply: fold the tape over the raw edges of your fabric or quilt with the wide side of tape on underside to ensure both edges are caught when top stitching on right side.

Extra Wide Double Fold Bias Tape: Fabric cut on the bias (45 degree angle) with the raw edges folded under. The tape is then folded in half slightly off center. Used for binding, facing, accent trim, ties. To apply: fold over the raw edges of your fabric or quilt with the wide side of tape on underside to ensure both edges are caught when top stitching on right side.

Wide Single Fold Bias Tape: Fabric cut on the bias (45 degree angle) with the raw edges folded under. Used for facings, casings, accents. To apply: top stitch down at the folded edge on both sides.

Double Fold Quilt Binding: Fabric cut on bias (45 degree angle) with raw edges folded under. Tape is then folded in half slightly off center. Quilt binding is folded wider for binding quilted and bulky fabrics. Used for binding heavy fabrics and quilts. To apply: Fold over edge of your fabric or quilt with the wide side of tape on underside to ensure both edges are caught when top stitching on right side

Hem Facing: Fabric cut on the bias (45 degree angle) with raw edges folded under. Used for facings and casings. To apply: open one fold and stitch to right side of fabric. Press and hand tack free edge.

Maxi Piping: Cording encased in a fabric bias strip. Used for accent trim. To apply: insert in seam to define edges.

Blanket Binding: 100% polyester woven edge satin, folded in half. Blanket binding is made on the straight weave, not on a bias. Used to bind blankets and quilts. To apply: slip over the quilt or blanket edge, extending 1" beyond blanket. Run two rows of stitching 1/4" apart close to edge through all thicknesses. Fold in ends and hand tack.

Soft & Easy Hem Tape: Narrow polyester fabric with sewing guidelines woven in. Used as seam stay, hem finish, reinforcement.
To apply: Lap the tape 1/2" over fabric edge and stitch together close to edge (right side). Turn up, press. Hem stitch free edge to garment.

Iron On Hem Tape: Narrow polyester fabric with two narrow adhesive strips for easy application. Used for finishing a hem.
To apply: place the tape over the hem with the adhesive side down. Iron with firm pressure for 10 seconds (wool setting with steam).

Flexi-Lace Hem Tape: A 100% nylon decorative lace hem finish for all fabrics. Used for hem finishing, casings, facings, lace insertions, decorative accents. To apply: finish hem, position lace 1/4" from edge of fabric (right side). Machine stitch in place. Turn up, press. Hand stitch free edge to garment.

Soutache Braid: A narrow rounded braid with center sewing ditch.
Used for accents, ties, scroll motifs, draw strings, button loops, lacing. To apply: hand tack in place or machine stitch through the center ditch.

Middy Braid: A narrow flat braid used for an accent trim, ties, drawstrings. To apply: hand tack in place or machine stitch through the center ditch.

Loop Braid: A novelty decorative edging, usually in cotton.
Used for accents and lacing loops for closures. To apply: machine stitch in place.

Rick Rack: A flat braid with uniform zig zag shape. Used for accents, edging, insertion in a seam. To apply as top trim, stitch through center or hand tack at points. To insert at seam, place under edge at center and edge stitch.

Twill Tape: A polyester trim with distinct diagonal rib and exceptional strength. Used as a seam or roll line stay, seam finish, top trim, and for casings, ties, drawstrings. Apply by machine, as directed for end use, either stitching through center or both edges.

Monofilament thread (a.k.a. “invisible” thread) is similar in composition to extremely fine fishing line. It comes in clear and smoke, the clear for use on light fabrics and the smoke for use on dark fabrics. Monofilament thread is strong and not difficult to use; however, there are a few tips and cautions I’d like to pass along.

I generally use monofilament thread in the top of my sewing machine and regular thread in the bobbin. If you use monofilament in your bobbin, wind the bobbin slowly as the winding process will generate heat with this thread. For the same reason you should sew more slowly when using this thread. Loosen the top tension and sew a test piece to check the stitch prior to sewing on your project.

If you do decide to wind a bobbin with invisible thread, you may need to loosen the tension on the bobbin case. You must be VERY careful if you do this, as it can be difficult to reset the bobbin tension. I have an extra bobbin case for just this purpose. I do not change the settings on the bobbin that came with my sewing machine.

Cautions: You should not use invisible thread on any item intended for a child under the age of three. If used in a quilt, for example, it’s possible that a small child could wrap a loose thread around his finger and cut off circulation. It’s very difficult to see on a little finger.

Also, you must be very careful with this thread around pets who can easily swallow it. Cats are especially susceptible. Invisible thread will not show up on an x-ray and can cause a section of the animal’s intestine to become blocked. If your pet swallows this thread and begins to pass it in a BM, DO NOT attempt to pull the thread out of the rectum as it can knot around the intestine or bowel. Instead, simply snip off the end as it passes out the rectum. If your pet seems in distress, be sure to contact your vet.

Don't miss it! Starting August 3rd through August 10th!

Spring is here and with it Dove Originals Trims has added a number of new sewing and craft trim items all in gorgeous spring colors such as sunny yellow, apricot, lime green, coral pink, soft blue, and more! Check out: