I love rick rack!

Rick rack with modern fabrics? Rick rack on handcrafted cards? Yes and yes! Rick rack is sturdy, doesn’t fray, and can be easily added to any design or pattern. And it has a certain whimsy like no other trim.

Rick rack adds a special cuteness to fabric patterns, especially on children’s and kitchen items. It can create a vintage feel but can also become updated when added to modern fabrics.

I keep a stash of different bright colors and like to stitch it inside seams so only one half is sticking out. This adds dainty little scallops to the edges of a final piece.

To attach rick rack to a seam, start by sewing it down the middle exactly at the seam line of one piece of fabric. Then add the second fabric under the first, right sides together as usual, and sew along the same stitching line. Then turn right sides out and press the seam, gently pulling to expose the rick rack scallops.

Rick rack can also be sewn directly onto the surface of fabric for a cute little trim. For example rick rack added a fun little detail to these cute dollies. (For the dolly pattern, visit makeitloveit.com)

I also love rick rack as a dimensional embellishment on my handmade cards and journal covers. It’s so easy to attach with regular glue and is still flat enough for the mail. The rick rack can simply be a fun wavy line, or it can be part of an image such as frosting or a flower stem. (See my post about cupcake cards here.)

To attach to any paper crafts, rub one side with a glue stick, making sure glue is on the entire surface. Also, rub a little glue on each cut end of the rick rack to avoid fraying. Place onto the paper, smooth with a finger, and let dry.

Rick rack is one of my favorite embellishments, and I hope these examples inspire you to add some to your next crafty project – add a little whimsy!