A few years ago I found an interesting braid, and how-to instructions in the Australian magazine Stitches. I needed to make a simple outfit for something, so a short, fitted, navy frock was the answer, trimmed with this handmade 'braid'. I also thought a small cocktail style hat covered, and trimmed with the braid might work for the function. I am not sure if you can actually see it in the photograph, but the pink fabric has silver flecks in it. The navy is just a blotchy, unevenly dyed fabric. I used to do a little bit of hat making when I was sewing wedding outfits [well, technically not hat making, more covering/decorating buckram shapes]. I have included a shot in the collage showing the inside lining in the hat. The braid on the hat has been made using smaller cord, with some fine millinery wire inserted inside with the piping cord, so I could bend the trim and have it sit up where I wanted it to.
Sadly, I don't have the instructions anymore, but I thought I might try to replicate what I had done. It's a simple matter of making two lengths of piping, in different colours. Then one is placed on top of the other, and the two are stitched together along the extended edge. You then trim away three of the edge fabrics, leaving just the one. Trim it back, and then turn under and wrap it tightly across the back of the double cording. It is blind stitched so it is not seen from the front. The double corded length is then overstitched with a length of metallic cord. To achieve the twisted effect, you need two identical lengths - stitched together at one end, and then twisting each length. It is quite firm, and rather fiddly if using small cord. Placing some invisible stitches along the twisted length will ensure stability. I didn't really plan to make anything, but after I'd finished the twisting, I decided to cover the ends with jewellery bell caps, and attach a toggle clasp. It's seems to have made quite a nice little Christmas bracelet.
I hope this little trim is of interest to some readers. Sometimes it's difficult to buy a trim that suits your fabric, and making something simple might be the answer.
