EXECUTIVE PAGESsubstitute for other closure in home decorating, as
with upholstery. These tapes come in sew-on, iron-
on and stick-on forms. These are usually made of
Nylon and are available in yards or metres.
Buckles: These are available in a wide variety of
shapes, sizes, and materials (Plastic, Iron, Brass,
Steel, etc.). However, there are only two types of
buckles-buckles with prongs and buckles without
prongs. For a buckle with a prong, eyelets must be
used. Ready-made metal eyelets can be applied
with special plier or attaching tool, or eyelets can
be hand sewn using a buttonhole stitch. Buckles
can be purchased separately or in kits.
Conventional zipper: These zippers, whether made
with exposed teeth (chain) or coil, open at the top and
are held together at the bottom. They come in more
different styles than any other zipper type. Depend-
ing upon ;the garment design, application may be by
the centered, lapped, exposed, or fly method.Tapes and cords: Tapes and cords can be func-
tional or decorative. They can be used to reinforce
a seam, cover a fabric edge, or create a special
design on the outside of a garment. Tapes and cords
are available in variety of types, widths and col-
ors. The Tapes may be made out of silk, cotton
and other synthetic fibers. These may be thin or
thick. Some are slightly stretchable others are not.
They may be woven, knitted, braided or made of
lace. The choice of which type of tape or trim to
use depends upon how it will be used in a gar-
ment. For areas where you want to prevent stretch-
ing, select a firm, non-stretchable tape or cord.Separating zipper: Separating zippers are made to
open at both top and bottom, permitting the zipper
opening to separate completely. Although used main-
ly on jackets, they can really be applied to any gar-
ment with a completely opened front. Also, dual re-
versible and two-way zippers that zip from the top
and from the bottom are aailable for jumpsuits and
Some of the common tapes and cords are:
similar garments. A centered application is the meth-
Seam Tape: Woven tape or lace used to finish hemod generally used.
and facing edges.
Invisible zipper: These zippers are the newest type
of zipper. As the name implies, they are structured Bias Tape: This is single or double-fold tape used
differently from other zippers and are in a special way for binding curved or straight edges & for casings.
so that they disappear into a seam. When properly Twill Tape: This is firmly woven tape used for rein-
applied, neither the stitching nor the zipper teeth or forcing seams.
coil is visible on the outside of the garment. Invisible
zippers are used principally in skirts and dresses but Piping: A narrow, corded bias strip of fabric that is
they can go, in general, wherever a conventional zip- inserted into a seam for a decorative trim.
per might be used, except in a trousers. Other types Hem facing: Wide bias tape or lace used for fac-
of zipper include 2-way zipper, trouser zipper and dec- ing hems and binding edges.
orative zipper with large teeth and a pull ring.
Ribbing Tape: A stretchable knitted band used to
Velcro: These have two tape strips, one with a looped finish a neckline, armhole, sleeve, leg or waistline
nap surface and the other with a hooked nap. When
Elastics: Elastic is available in several different
pressed together, surfaces grip and remain locked
types and widths. The type of elastic to choose
until pulled apart. These are used on cuffs, plackets,
will depend on whether it will be used in a casing
mosquito nets and other such items. This is a good
or stitched directly to a garment.
Braided elastic: This is recommended only for cas-
ing because it narrows when stretched.
Woven elastic: It stays the same width when
stretched. Thus it can be stitched directly to a gar-
ment or used in a casing.
Elastic thread: This is very thin covered elastic
core used for shirring. Since it is wound in bobbin
for shirring it is called bobbin elastic.
Special purpose elastic: These are available for
pyamas, lungies and swim-wear.
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