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How to Make Cord Loops for Lacing

A garment with crisscrossed cord lacings has an old-fashioned look. Bodices that are laced up the front evoke European folk costumes, while lacing up the back of a garment gives the effect of a Victorian-era corset. The cords can be run through grommets, buttonholes or loops of cord. Loops of cord that match the lacing cord are a particularly attractive option. Cord loops are best for decorative lacing. They are not strong enough for lacing a garment tightly.

Things You'll Need

Cord
Ruler
Scissors
Pins
Cut-out garment pieces
Sewing machine
Thread
Lining fabric pieces

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a 2 1/2-inch length of 1/4-inch-diameter cord for each loop.
- 2
  Fold the loops in half and pin them along the edge of the fabric where the garment will be laced. Place the top of the first loop 9/16-inches below the top edge of the fabric. This will place the loop slightly below the top edge of the garment. Place the loops so that the fold points away from the opening and the ends of the cords are even with the edge of the fabric. Space the loops 1/2 inch apart.
- 3
  Set a sewing machine to sew a straight stitch with a standard stitch length. Sew the loops to the fabric by stitching through the fabric and the loops, 1/2 inch from the edge.
- 4
  Place the lining over the loops with the edges of the lining piece even with the fabric edges. Sew the lining in place following the pattern instructions and stitching over the first seam. Clip corners and curves and finish any seams as instructed. Add loops to the other side of the opening in the same way.
- 5
  Turn the garment right-side out. Pull the loops slightly to shape the edge of the garment. Top stitch along the edges of the garment with the loops by stitching 1/8 inch from the edges on the outside of the garment. Pull the lining gently away from the seam as you sew.

Sewing