Add Flat Trims to In-the-Hoop Projects

Want to jazz up an in-the-hoop purse or quilt block? Add decorative trim in the seam!

In-the-hoop (ITH) projects have revolutionized the way we embroider. You can construct a finished project, sometimes completely in the hoop. Whether it is a zippered bag, purse, or pieced quilt block, I will show you how easy it is to add flat trims like ric rac, lace, piping, or eyelet to any project that has joining seams.

Just like applique, in-the-hoop designs rely on thread color stops for removing the hoop, positioning fabric, and joining individual pieces. The sequence will vary depending on your design, but the technique to insert trim is essentially the same.

Projects generally use stitching to show where pieces should be placed. The yellow dashed line above shows placement stitches for positioning the accent fabric in this particular project. When the fabric is placed along this line, it is attached to the base fabric by another color stop, in this case, the red dashed seam line.

By stitching the placement and seam lines before adding accent fabric, you can see exactly where to position the ric rac or other decorative trim.

Remove the hoop. Cut one side of the rickrack so that it is flat along one edge and add fusible tape to the back. Line up the valleys of the ric rac so that they just cover the red seam line and fuse it in place.

Position the accent fabric face down against the placement line, tape it down, place the hoop back on the machine, and run the stitches to sew the seam again.

After stitching, open the accent fabric to the right and press. Continue with your project, according to the directions.

Debbie Henry
Sew Inspired by Bonnie