Picot Tape

Definition and Overview

Picot tape is a garment supply with continuous small loops or scalloped decorations along the edge of the tape. Picot refers to the small raised decorative details that appear along the edge, adding a light and delicate look to straight cut edges and seam lines.

For apparel use, it is often narrow and may be sewn on as a visible decoration, or used to finish an edge. However, it does not always fully prevent fraying, so finishing should be done according to the specification.

Materials and Structure

Materials include polyester, nylon, and cotton, and the sheen, softness, dyeability, and dimensional change after washing vary. The way the picot stands out and how it feels against the skin also vary depending on the thread type and processing.

The structure is not limited to woven fabrics; it is also made by knitting, braiding, and other methods. The way the tape body and picots are connected, as well as the density of the selvedge, affects stretch, fraying at the cut edge, and ease of handling during sewing.

How to Read the Width and Main Applications

Width is generally indicated from one edge of the tape to the other, but in some cases it is shown as the width of the body only. Whether the protruding picot dimension is included depends on the standard, so check the actual sample or specification sheet when ordering.

It is used for decoration on necklines, cuffs, hems, plackets, and ribbon ends for underwear, lingerie, nightwear, children's clothing, blouses, and dresses. It is also suitable for applications combined with gathering or lace to create soft decorative effects.

• For straight sections, a tape with little stretch is easier to sew.
• For curved sections, check the tape's flexibility and the direction of the picots.
• Where it touches the skin, also check the firmness of the thread ends and picots.

How to Choose and Handling Notes

When selecting, check the overall width, body width, picot size, material, thickness, sheen, stretch, and compatibility with the textile to which it will be sewn. For thin textiles, choose a light type; for firm textiles, choose one that holds its shape well, which makes it easier to balance the finished look.

If a stretch type is sewn on while stretched, waviness or shrinkage may occur after sewing. Check the stretch of the tape before sewing, and if necessary, handle it in the same state as the textile. It is important to confirm shrinkage from washing or steam, color fading, and fraying at the picot edges through advance testing.

Differences from Similar Terms

Picot tape refers broadly to narrow tape with a picot design. Picot lace often refers to lace material or lace tape with openwork patterns, and its structure and appearance differ.

Braid is a broad term for decorative tapes and does not specify whether picots are present. Bias tape is used to bind fabric edges, and its purpose differs from picot tape, which is mainly used for edge decoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does picot tape stretch?

It depends on the type. Woven structures that include elastic yarn tend to stretch more easily, while woven structures tend to stretch less. Even if the appearance is similar, the stretch can differ, so it is important to pull and check it for each intended direction of use and make a test sample before sewing.

Where do you measure the width of picot tape?

In many cases, the overall width including the picot protrusion is measured, but in some cases only the width of the body is shown. To avoid misunderstandings, it is helpful to list the overall width, body width, and picot projection separately in the specification sheet.

Can picot tape be used to finish edges?

It is suitable for decorative edging, but the tape itself does not always stop fraying at a cut edge. Please confirm whether it should be used together with other finishing methods suited to the textile and design, such as folding the edge inward or overlocking it.