Rickrack

Rickrack (sometimes spelled ricrac) is a "flat narrow braid woven in zigzag form, used as a trimming for clothing or curtains."^[1] Before the prevalence of sewing machines and sergers, rickrack was used to provide a finished edge to fabric.^[2]

Made of cotton or polyester, rickrack is stitched or glued to the edges of an item. Its zig-zag configuration repeats every third of an inch (about one centimeter) and is sold in multiple colors and textures. Rickrack's popularity peaked in the 1970s and is associated with the Little House on the Prairie and the pioneer sentiment brought about by the 1976 American bicentennial.

Red and Cream color rickrack embellish this handmade country style half-apron made from cotton calico prints.

References

1. Pickett, Joseph P.; et al., eds. (2000). "rickrack". The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (Fourth ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0-395-82517-2. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
2. Linda Lee (2000). Sewing Edges and Corners: Decorative Techniques for Your Home and Wardrobe. Taunton. p. 121. ISBN 978-1-56158-418-5.