All about reps tapes
Materials for needlework are offered in a wide range, each with its own characteristics and purpose. One of the decorative elements is a rep ribbon, which is in great demand. We would like to draw your attention to a detailed acquaintance with this product, material of manufacture and fields of application.
What it is?
Everyone who is engaged in needlework is familiar with a reps ribbon, it is one of the important elements of decor. If you want to do something with your own hands, you cannot do without different devices and materials. You can create masterpieces using tools and fabrics. Rep tape is a thin flat strip that can be glossy or matte. A characteristic feature is the presence of a transverse scar on one or both sides.
A wide range of this product is offered on the market, models with a printed pattern are in special demand, as they are presented in different styles. The width of the tape can be up to 6 cm. The density is influenced by the type of thread that is used. The edges of the tape are fitted with an edge.
The main advantages include good rigidity, resistance to deformation, as well as the ability to keep the shape that was set during sewing or needlework. This product can be used for various purposes.
Manufacturing materials
If earlier the composition of rep ribbons included only silk twisted fiber, today the range of materials used has expanded. Initially, only rich people could afford such a product. Modern rep ribbons, which can be found in many textile stores, are made not only from silk, the composition may include cotton and synthetic yarn, which affects performance. Some manufacturers use polyester, which has a high density, but such products are not very popular.
The rigid ribbed structure allows for shape retention and ventilation. If the rib is longitudinal, it visually stretches the silhouette; if it is necessary to reduce the waist, seamstresses often choose this option. The material has excellent strength, density and wear resistance. The fabric is almost impossible to wrinkle and requires little maintenance. Due to the increased hygroscopicity, the body will breathe, so it is safe to say that the tape is a practical element.
What are they?
Products with a width of 15 mm to 4 cm are in great demand, which are most often chosen based on the scope of application. As for the shape, the parameter is stable, however, on the market sometimes there are products with perforations that resemble lace patterns. The colors are so diverse that the ribbon can be chosen for almost every taste, but blue, beige and black are considered classics, therefore they are most popular. The stiffness is indicated by the density of the threads, often the manufacturer indicates this parameter, it can be medium, low and high. Soft elements are used as decorations for albums and printed products, others are more suitable for decorating shoes with clothes.
As mentioned above, the ribbon can be white or multi-colored, with lurex, lettering, checkered, with a logo, floral or other design. You can make spirals from narrow products.
The texture depends on the frequency and size of the scar.
How do I work with the ribbon?
It should be noted that one of the biggest advantages of this decorative element is its ease of use. Rep ribbon is a versatile decorative element that is in great demand. From it, you can create beautiful jewelry, give them the desired shape in order to embody various creative ideas. The material is easy to work with while sewing and cutting. When working with braid, one of the main rules must be remembered - the edge must always be fixed, correct processing of the edges is very important in order to prevent unraveling. Otherwise, the material will bloom and will no longer be suitable.
And also, over time, the tapes wear out and can crumble, so the first thing to do is to process them. You can use one of the following options. First of all, you need to cut the fabric at an angle of 45 degrees, so you can avoid shedding the edges. Next, you will need a high-quality, persistent, colorless nail polish; along the edge of the incision, you need to coat with varnish on both sides with a thin layer. To improve the effect, it is better to repeat the procedure twice. Do not protrude over the edges so that the tape does not look untidy.
For the second method, you need a specialized tool, which is often used by craftsmen and seamstresses. There are various liquids and sprays on the market to prevent fraying of these fabrics. It is enough to study the instructions and follow the manufacturer's recommendations. If you find transparent glue in your home, use a cotton swab, soak it in liquid and process the edges, then remove the excess.
If the braid is synthetic, wool or silk, you can use a lighter or matches. This option is not suitable for melting cotton fabric. The procedure is as follows. The edges must be sharp, they must be secured, and then brought to the fire. It only takes a split second to melt the fabric. Wait for the tape to cool, and if the edges are hard, everything went well.
Application
In needlework
This is the area where braid has found the widest application and is in great demand. You can make original jewelry from it, flowers, for example, using the kanzashi or camellia technique. And also tape is often used in the design of postcards, suitable for framing book covers. With a child, you can make a beautiful hair clip or decorate a photo album together. If you like to create decor with your own hands, you can make your favorite flowers or snowflakes with stars that will decorate your child's room. The braid is suitable for caskets, pillows.
Thanks to the weaving technique, you can make a lampshade, an original belt or bracelet. Ribbon souvenirs always attract attention, so you can make a voluminous Christmas tree or a flower card for a close friend who will definitely appreciate the handmade work. Thanks to a wide variety of shades and prints from the braid, whole bouquets are created, gift wrapping, dishes and much more are made out.
In children's art, one cannot do without various types of rep ribbons. From this material, you can make a three-dimensional picture, the child will be delighted with the opportunity to translate his own ideas.
In the finishing of clothes and accessories
Rep ribbon is an excellent decoration element for different types of clothing. It can be seen on collars, on stripes of tracksuits, it is used to process the neck of blouses, belts, and bow ties for men and boys are made with it. The production of stylish hats is almost never complete without braid. She acts as an assistant when you need to create a stylish hat or other similar product. Decorating with a ribbon can be in the form of a bow, flower or other original detail that will show off on the hat. In addition to hats, the tape is suitable for stiffening shoes and bags that are made of soft materials. It should be noted that you can also decorate shoes, bags and haberdashery with braid.
Since the product is durable and tough, it is often combined with various types of leather and dense cloth. The braid looks beautiful on suede products and jeans. Additional decorations are created from it, experienced craftswomen can make a complex figure or an original flower that is attached to clothes. Theatrical and fancy dress costumes need such an element, from which you can get a stand-up collar or huge sleeves that will keep their shape. The production of ribbons of various colors and sizes allows them to be used in a wide variety of areas where high-quality materials for the decoration of certain products are required.
In interior design
The use of material when creating original things will become more diverse if you include creative thinking and do not be afraid to experiment. Craftsmen can make something beautiful for the interior, be it framing a flower vase, finishing a picture frame or a mirror. It should be noted that the tape performs not only a decorative function, it is suitable for sewing curtains and curtains, when light material needs to be compacted from one edge in order to increase strength before loading. For the New Year holidays, I would like to decorate the apartment in order to create the appropriate atmosphere. Reps tape will help to solve the problem, because you can make a garland out of it by cutting it into small pieces, fastening it in the center to get pom-poms as a result. And also the braid is suitable as a material for creating Christmas tree decorations.
On the textile market, you can find a wide variety of raw materials for creativity. And if you work in the sewing industry or plan to do needlework, you cannot do without such a product as a rep ribbon. She is a versatile assistant that can serve as a decoration not only for clothes or shoes, but even for an interior. Having at our disposal such materials, it is possible to embody any ideas, because the braid can be of all colors and shades, if you wish, you can find options with a pattern and different patterns.
Another advantage of the product is its affordable cost. It is enough just to start, and ideas will begin to come one after another, the main thing is to stock up on braid.