Sewing ric rac on by hand takes about five minutes per yard and needs only a needle, thread, and pins

Ric rac is a flat, zigzag trim that sits on top of fabric rather than replacing an edge. You sew it down the center with a straight stitch — either by hand or machine — and the zigzag points stick out on both sides. Hand sewing works best on curves and small projects; machine sewing is faster for long straight runs and heavier fabrics.

The thread color matters more than the stitch itself. Match it to the ric rac, not the fabric, or the stitches will show. A single line of stitching down the middle is all that holds it; a second line on each edge makes it more durable but is not necessary unless the trim will take hard wear.

Key Takeaways

  • Pin ric rac in place before sewing, keeping the center line straight and the zigzag points free on both sides.
  • Hand sewing uses a straightforward running stitch or backstitch down the center and works on any fabric weight.
  • Machine sewing with a straight stitch is faster and stronger, but requires a presser foot that clears the raised zigzag.
  • Thread color should match the ric rac itself, not the background fabric, to keep stitches invisible.
  • Test your stitch on scrap fabric first if you are using a machine, because thick ric rac can jam under a standard presser foot.

Hand sewing ric rac with a running stitch or backstitch

Thread a needle with a single strand about 18 inches long and knot the end. Pin the ric rac to your fabric in a straight line, keeping the zigzag points free on both sides. Start at one end by pushing the needle up through the fabric and ric rac together, coming out at the center line of the trim.

For a running stitch, push the needle down through both layers about one-eighth inch forward, then back up one-eighth inch ahead of that. Keep the stitches small and even. A running stitch is fast but less strong; use it on lightweight fabrics and decorative trim that will not take stress.

For a backstitch, push the needle down through both layers, then bring it back up one-eighth inch ahead. Push the needle back down into the hole you just came out of, then forward again one-eighth inch. A backstitch is slower but much stronger and will not come loose if the trim gets pulled. Use it on items that will be washed or worn.

When you reach the end, push the needle to the back of the fabric, wrap the thread around the needle twice, and pull tight to lock the knot. Trim the thread close to the fabric.

Machine sewing ric rac with a straight stitch

Set your machine to a straight stitch with a stitch length of 2.0 to 2.5 millimeters. Use a presser foot that sits flat and does not have a high dome — a standard foot works on thin ric rac, but a walking foot or open-toe foot clears thicker trim better. Test on scrap fabric first; if the foot catches the zigzag and jams, switch to a walking foot or hand sew instead.

Pin the ric rac down the center line, keeping the zigzag points free on both sides. Place the fabric under the presser foot so the needle will enter the center of the trim. Lower the foot and sew forward slowly, guiding the trim straight. Stop and pivot at corners by leaving the needle down, lifting the foot, turning the fabric, and lowering the foot again.

Machine stitching is strong enough that a single line down the center will hold through washing and wear. If you want extra durability, sew a second line one-eighth inch to the left of the first, then a third line one-eighth inch to the right. This takes longer but locks the trim in place completely.

Sewing ric rac on curves and corners

Curves are easier by hand because you can stop and adjust the trim as you go. Pin the ric rac in place and use a backstitch, taking smaller stitches on tight curves — one-sixteenth inch instead of one-eighth inch — so the trim does not pucker or pull away from the fabric.

For corners, pin the ric rac so the point of the zigzag sits exactly at the corner. Hand sew up to the corner, then pivot the fabric 90 degrees, adjust the trim so it follows the new direction, and continue sewing. If you are using a machine, stop with the needle down at the corner point, lift the presser foot, pivot the fabric, lower the foot, and sew forward.

Choosing thread color and weight

Match your thread to the ric rac color, not the background fabric. If the ric rac is red and the fabric is white, use red thread. The stitches will disappear into the trim and the edge will look clean. Contrasting thread will show every stitch and draw the eye to the seam.

Use all-purpose polyester thread for most projects — it is strong, does not tangle, and works on all fabric weights. For delicate fabrics like silk or linen, use a finer thread like 60-weight cotton. For heavy fabrics like denim or canvas, polyester is fine, but make sure your needle is size 80 or 90 so it does not bend under the pressure.

Fixing ric rac that comes loose

If ric rac pulls away from the fabric after washing or wear, the stitches were too far apart or the thread was too weak. Reattach it by hand using a backstitch and matching thread, sewing as close as possible to the old stitch line. If the old stitches are still visible, sew directly over them.

If the ric rac itself is torn or frayed, trim the damaged section with sharp scissors and overlap a new piece of ric rac by one inch. Sew both pieces down at the overlap so they lock together. The overlap will be slightly thicker but will not show from the front if you match the thread color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sew ric rac on a curved edge like a neckline?

Yes, but hand sewing works better than a machine because you can adjust the trim as you go and take smaller stitches on tight curves. Pin it in place first and use a backstitch with stitches one-sixteenth inch apart on curves tighter than a gentle arc.

What if my machine presser foot catches the ric rac?

Switch to a walking foot, which has teeth that grip the fabric and trim together and sits higher than a standard foot. If you do not have one, hand sew instead. Trying to force a standard foot over thick ric rac will jam the needle and break it.

Do I need to sew both sides of the ric rac or just the center?

One line down the center is enough for light wear and decoration. Sew both edges only if the trim will take stress — on a baby blanket that gets washed often, or on a bag strap that carries weight. A single centered line is standard and looks cleaner.

Can I use a serger to attach ric rac?

A serger will cut the ric rac as it sews, which ruins it. Use a straight stitch on a regular machine or hand sew instead. If you want a decorative serged edge, sew the ric rac on first, then serge the fabric edge separately.