Rickrack (alsoricrac and variants of both with a space or hyphen) is a flat piece of braidedtrim, shaped like azigzag. It is used as a decorative element in clothes or curtains.[2] Before the prevalence of sewing machines andoverlockers, rickrack was used to provide a finished edge to fabric,[3] and its popularity was in part due to its sturdiness and ability to stand up to harsh washing conditions.[4] Rickrack is produced using a variety of fibers, includingcotton,polyester,wool, and metallic fibers, and is sold in a variety of sizes and colors.[4]
Invented in the mid-19th century, it took its modern form and current name around 1880.[5] Rickrack's popularity peaked in the 1970s and is associated with theLittle House on the Prairie. Several designs of formal and up-market girls' dresses with it on as a decoration became popular in the 1950s and 1960s.[citation needed]
Some modernsewing machine companies use the name "rickrack stitch" for a heavy decorativezigzag stitch, from its resemblance to the trim.[6]
In the 1860s, rickrack was known aswaved crochet braid orwaved lacet braid.[7]
During the 1890s, American home sewists used imported European rickrack as decorative edgings for dresses, aprons, andlingerie. Rickrack was also stitched into lace elements, which were then used to decorate bedding and other home linens. Between the 1890s and 1910s, rickrack experienced a decrease in popularity.[8]
During the 1910s, rickrack experienced a resurgence in popularity, and American manufacturers began producing rickrack to supply to the domestic market. Among other uses, this rickrack was incorporated intocrocheted lace. Books of designs, such asNufashond Rick Rack Book, helped to popularize the craft.[8]
In rural America in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, rickrack was used to decoratefeed sack dresses. These dresses were worn as everyday attire, and were constructed from the large cotton bags that flour,chicken feed, and other goods were shipped in.[9] Since the food had to be shipped in fabric bags anyway, the flour mills competed with each other by using attractive, colorful fabrics that the buyer could either resell orupcycle into dresses, aprons, nightgowns, dishtowels, and other clothing and household items.[10] Adding trim like rickrack was a way to reduce the stigma around needing to use whatever fabric was available, rather than buying it from a store.[10]
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