Soutache

Soutache (/suːˈtæʃ/, soo-TASH), also known as Russia braid,^[1]: 209 is a narrow flat decorative braid, a type of galloon, used in the trimming of drapery or clothing. Soutache is created by weaving a decorative thread around and between two parallel cords and completely covering the cores; this produces a piece of trim with a braided or herringbone pattern.^[2] Often woven of metallic bullion thread, silk, or a blend of silk and wool,^[1]: 239 soutache began to be made of rayon and other synthetic fibers in the 20th century.^{[citation needed]}

Uses

Soutache is used in passementerie to add decorations to textiles.^[3] In clothing soutache is used to conceal seams or add embroidered decorations.

Tracing braid is narrow soutache trim used for decorating uniforms.^{[1] : 298} In military uniforms, edgings or loops of soutache in different widths and colors are used to indicate rank, particularly in hats.^{[1]: 112–113 [4]} In athletic uniforms, a contrasting soutache is sometimes used to trim the placket and outline numbers or players' names.^[5]

The term is also used in bookbinding, where a narrow soutache is applied at the top and bottom of a book back to reinforce the spine and provide a barrier to keep dust out of the binding.^{[citation needed]}

Soutache is incorporated into standalone accessories like jewelry, typically with beads.^[2]

History

Soutache originated in France in the 15th century, and was used to trim clothing for the aristocracy and create jewelry. By the 17th century, it joined other trimmings such as ribbon and lace that were key elements of the fashions of the upper class, in France and beyond.^[8]

Soutache braid began to be used on uniforms in France under Napoleon in the early 19th century.^[8] It was also used on Ottoman military and bureaucratic dress during the 19th century, and this use spread to other countries under Ottoman rule in the Levant and North Africa.^[9]

With the Industrial Revolution and the increased availability of less expensive clothing and decorative trims, soutache began to be found on ready-to-wear clothing, making it within the reach of a wider range of people. Soutache came into its own with more elaborate Victorian clothing.^[8]

An attachment known as an underbraider was made available for domestic sewing machines. This would feed soutache directly under the needle on the reverse side of the fabric so that designs could be stitched by machine. Manuals and reference books from the middle of the twentieth century indicate that it was very popular at that time, such as Singer Sewing Skills Reference Book (1957).^[10]

References

Continue reading

• Pegler, Martin M. (1983). The Dictionary of Interior Design. New York: Fairchild Publications. ISBN 0870054473.