If you’ve ever browsed through the colorful waves of Ric Rac trim at Trimplace, you know how exciting it can be to choose the perfect one. That signature zigzag braid has been loved since the 1800s — used on everything from vintage dresses to modern quilts — but what really makes a difference is the fiber.
Each material Cotton, Rayon and Polyester gives Ric Rac its own look, texture, and performance. Knowing how they differ will help you pick the right one for your project so it looks great and lasts beautifully.
Let’s explore how these four materials compare in feel, strength, washability, and color retention and when each one shines brightest.
Cotton Ric Rac: The Classic Natural Choice
At Trimplace, our 100% Cotton Ric Rac is colorfast, soft, and available in over 30 vivid shades. Cotton Ric Rac is the original, timeless favorite — perfect for traditional sewing, quilting, and handmade crafts.
Strengths
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Natural fiber: Breathable, soft, and easy to sew.
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Colorfast: Resists fading when washed properly.
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Matte finish: Gives a classic, hand-crafted aesthetic.
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Machine washable & iron-safe: Great for everyday projects.
Feel & Look
Cotton Ric Rac has a soft, crisp feel and a natural texture. It’s ideal when you want your trim to look authentic and vintage, especially on cotton or linen fabrics.
Best Uses
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Quilts and table linens
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Baby clothing and accessories
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Vintage-inspired dresses and aprons
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Handcrafted gifts
Care Tips
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Wash in cool or warm water.
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Tumble dry low or air dry.
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Press with a warm iron.
Trimplace Tip: Cotton Ric Rac ages gracefully. It’s your best friend for handmade pieces meant to be washed, loved, and passed down.

Rayon Ric Rac: The Elegant Shine
If cotton is the classic, Rayon Ric Rac is the showstopper. Soft, shiny, and rich in color, it instantly adds sophistication to any design.
At Trimplace, our Rayon Ric Rac comes in 14 stunning colors, perfect for adding movement and luster to garments or stage costumes.
Strengths
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Beautiful sheen: Has a luxurious, silky appearance.
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Soft drape: Lays beautifully along curves and seams.
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Rich color absorption: Holds dye deeply for vibrant tones.
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Flexible: Easy to shape for appliqué or curved seams.
Feel & Look
Rayon Ric Rac is smooth, shiny, and elegant — ideal for projects where you want a little extra drama or depth. It’s especially great for fashion and performance wear.
Best Uses
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Costumes and formalwear
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Special occasion décor
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Appliqués and detailed sewing
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Holiday or event fashion pieces
Care Tips
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Hand wash or use a delicate cycle.
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Air dry flat to maintain shape.
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Iron on low heat with a pressing cloth.
Trimplace Tip: Layer Rayon over Cotton Ric Rac for a dimensional look — the mix of matte and shine adds subtle luxury.
Polyester Ric Rac: The Durable All-Rounder
If you need a trim that can handle anything, Polyester Ric Rac is the perfect choice. It’s durable, colorfast, and easy-care — great for garments or décor that need to be washed frequently.
Strengths
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Tough and flexible: Resists stretching and fraying.
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Wrinkle and shrink-resistant: Keeps its shape through wear and washing.
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Excellent color retention: Bright tones stay strong over time.
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Affordable and versatile: Professional results at great value.
Feel & Look
Polyester Ric Rac has a subtle sheen, smoother than cotton but not as glossy as rayon. It’s slightly firmer, which makes it easy to sew and ideal for crafts, apparel, and home décor.
Best Uses
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Everyday apparel and uniforms
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Pillows, curtains, and runners
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Holiday décor and crafts
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Costumes that need durability
Care Tips
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Machine wash cold or warm.
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Tumble dry low or air dry.
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Press on low heat if needed.
Trimplace Tip: Polyester Ric Rac is your practical go-to. It’s strong, washable, and ready for busy, high-use projects.

| Feature | Cotton Ric Rac | Rayon Ric Rac | Polyester Ric Rac |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber Type | Natural cotton | Regenerated cellulose | Synthetic polyester |
| Finish | Matte | Glossy sheen | Slight sheen |
| Feel | Soft, crisp | Smooth, silky | Smooth, firm |
| Durability | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent |
| Washability | Machine washable | Hand wash preferred | Machine washable |
| Color Retention | High (Colorfast) | Very high | Excellent |
| Flexibility | Moderate | Very flexible | Moderate |
| Best For | Quilts, babywear, vintage styles | Costumes, formalwear | Apparel, décor, crafts |
How to Choose the Right Ric Rac for Your Project
When choosing Ric Rac, think about how your project will be used:
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Cotton Ric Rac – Best for natural, soft, washable projects like quilts, aprons, or kids’ wear.
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Rayon Ric Rac – Perfect when you want luxury and shine — ideal for special occasions or performance outfits.
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Polyester Ric Rac – Great for everyday, washable projects that need durability and vibrant color.
And of course, don’t hesitate to mix materials! Combining Cotton with Rayon or Polyester can create amazing contrasts in both texture and finish.
At Trimplace, we’re passionate about giving your creativity the quality it deserves. That’s why we hand-select trims for color richness, texture, and durability — so every roll you buy inspires confidence and joy.
From Cotton’s softness to Rayon’s elegance and Polyester’s strength, every Ric Rac in our collection is made to bring your imagination to life — one perfect wave at a time.
Explore our complete Ric Rac collection here.

