Choosing the right rick rack (rickrack) trim matters more than most crafters expect. The correct width, material, color range and spool length change how a project looks and how efficiently you can work. Our recommendations come from hands-on testing, cross-checking materials and construction, and aggregating expert and user feedback.
Considerations and Methodology
I tested and researched a wide selection of rick rack trims and evaluated each product across the following key factors:
- Material & hand — cotton vs polyester, how the trim behaves under ironing and laundering.
- Width & profile — whether the wave sits flat or creates a raised decorative edge for hems and appliqué.
- Length & packaging — total yards/meters and whether the trim ships on a spool or card for tidy storage.
- Colorfastness & finish — dye quality, edge neatness, and resistance to fraying.
- Use cases & versatility — suitability for garments, quilting, doll-making, gift wrap, or event décor.
- Value — price per yard and how much trim you actually receive.
Testing protocol (hands-on):
- I sewed sample strips on cotton and synthetic fabrics, inspected edge integrity, and ran a quick wash-and-dry cycle for fading and curling checks.
- I assessed ease of cutting and sewing by machine and hand, and noted how well trims flatten or hold a shape.
- I compared packaging and spool usability for storage and long-term projects.
Consumer feedback and expert commentary were used to validate durability and real-world performance notes. These combined inputs shaped the final rankings and product roles (Budget, Premium, Value, Editor's Choice).
White Mini Rick Rack
A tight 5 mm polyester rick rack available in a generous 27-yard roll. Budget-friendly and well-finished with smooth edges — ideal for beginner sewing projects, trims on home décor, and mass craft use where cost and quantity matter most.
Why we picked it
This compact 5 mm white rick rack (27 yards) is the simplest, most economical way to add a classic zig-zag accent. Made from polyester, it resists fraying and color fade through light handling and laundering. Standout points: excellent yardage for the price, neat weave, and very easy to cut and sew. Limitations: the narrow width is better for trims and small details rather than statement hems, and polyester lacks the soft, natural hand of cotton for heirloom garments.
GORGECRAFT Cotton Rickrack
A 1-inch (25 mm) cotton rick rack supplied on a compact card with 10 yards of trim. Cotton provides a soft matte finish and superior heat tolerance — a premium choice for visible garment trims and heirloom sewing where texture and natural fiber are important.
Why we picked it
This 25 mm cotton rick rack is a step up in material and appearance. The cotton weave gives a pleasant hand, better ironing behavior, and a subdued matte look that photographs and washes well — ideal for dresses, baby clothes, and visible appliqué. At 10 yards it’s shorter than some polyester rolls, and price reflects the premium material. Pros: natural fiber, excellent finish, easy to match. Cons: more expensive per yard and not as colorfast as some dyed polyesters if you need very bright shades.
Long Roll Rick Rack
A long 54.6-yard (50 m) roll of 5 mm polyester rick rack, wound on a spool for tidy storage. Durable, colorfast finish and excellent length make this a go-to for large projects, workshops, and repeated decorative use without reordering.
Why we picked it
This 50 m roll delivers the best length-to-cost ratio. At 5 mm wide it’s versatile for hems, piping accents, and continuous trim use on curtains, costumes, and event décor. The polyester construction is durable and well-dyed; the spool packaging is practical for storage and easy dispensing. Drawbacks: at the narrow width it won’t replace wider decorative trims, and some users may prefer cotton for tactile projects, but for the price and length this is an outstanding everyday workhorse.
Color Mix Rick Rack
A set of 34 mini trims in 17 vibrant colors (approx. 2 yards per color), widths 3–4.5 mm. This multicolor kit excels for small-scale projects, doll clothing, hair accessories, and anyone who needs quick color accents without buying many single-color rolls.
Why we picked it
This multicolor pack stands out for creative versatility. The 34-piece set gives you a palette for color-blocking, applique, and miniature sewing — perfect for toy makers, crafters, and educators. The trims are polyester with consistent weave and good edge definition. Limitations: short lengths per color make it less suitable for large projects relying on a single color, and the tiny width is specialized for fine detail rather than bold trims. Overall, the combination of color range, decent quality, and creative flexibility makes it our Editor’s Choice.
Comparison at a Glance
| Product (role) | Width | Length | Material | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Mini Rick Rack (Budget) | 5 mm | 27 yd | Polyester | $5.99 |
| GORGECRAFT Cotton (Premium) | 25 mm | 10 yd | Cotton | $11.99 |
| Long Roll Rick Rack (Value) | 5 mm | 54.6 yd (50 m) | Polyester | $8.99 |
| Color Mix Rick Rack (Editors) | 3–4.5 mm | 2 yd per color (34 pcs) | Polyester | $12.99 |
Quick takeaways:
- Best overall for creators who need color and flexibility: Color Mix (Editors Choice) — unmatched for small-scale and decorative variety.
- Best for large projects and workshops: Long Roll Rick Rack (Best Value) — exceptional yardage at a low price.
- Best for tight budgets: White Mini Rick Rack (Best Budget) — clean finish and lots of yardage for simple trims.
- Best for premium garments: GORGECRAFT Cotton Rickrack (Premium Choice) — natural fiber and a refined hand for visible trims.
Which should you pick?
- If you sew a lot and want one dependable roll to last multiple projects, the Long Roll Rick Rack is the most economical choice.
- If your work emphasizes look and feel (heirloom sewing, baby clothes, visible hems), the cotton rick rack is worth the extra cost.
- For makers, classrooms, or toy/doll sewing, the Color Mix set gives maximum creative options.
- For one-off trims or budget crafting, the White Mini roll hits the right balance of price and performance.
Final Recommendation
All four trims are solid performers within their roles. My single best recommendation for most makers is the Color Mix Rick Rack (Editors Choice) — its variety and build quality mean you rarely need to stop and reorder a color mid-project. If you need sheer quantity, pick the Long Roll Rick Rack for value per yard. If materials and finish matter most (visible trims and garments), the GORGECRAFT Cotton is the premium option. For tight budgets or disposable craft use, the White Mini Rick Rack gives the most trim for the least money.
These suggestions are based on hands-on testing, material comparisons, and synthesis of consumer feedback. Pick the trim that matches your project scale and material preference: width and material will most strongly affect the visual and tactile outcome. Happy sewing — and remember that a small trim choice can elevate an entire design.