Manufacturer · Fashion Accessories
Herringbone tape for drawstrings is a flat, dense alternative to cord for ties on trousers, shorts, pyjamas, pouches and hoods. A width of 10–15 mm is usually chosen; the tape is threaded through a casing and tied in a bow. It does not twist, does not stretch, is easy to tie and untie, and gives the product a natural, "sporty linen" look.
Flat tape or cord for drawstrings
Two main types of material are used for drawstrings – round or flat cord and woven tape. Each has its advantages:
| Criterion | Herringbone tape | Cord |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Flat, matte, natural | Round or flat, sporty |
| Knot | Flat, easy to untie | Bulkier, can be pulled very tight |
| Comfort against the skin | Does not press, lies flat | Can be felt when tightened |
| End finishing | Hem, sealing or aglet | Aglet, knot or sealing |
| Typical use | Linen trousers, pyjamas, pouches, aprons | Joggers, sweatshirts, jackets, sports bags |
If the product is sporty and stronger cinching with a cord stopper is needed, a cord is more suitable – see the cords category. If you are looking for a light, natural look and a flat knot, tape is the better choice.
Drawstring tape – width by product
- Gift, jewellery and sample pouches: 6–10 mm.
- Pyjamas, children's trousers, shorts: 10–12 mm.
- Adult linen and cotton trousers: 12–20 mm.
- Shoe bags, drawstring sports bags: 15–20 mm.
- Hoods and collars: 8–12 mm.
The casing should be at least 5–8 mm wider than the tape so it can move freely and gather the fabric evenly. You will find all widths in the herringbone tape category.
How long should the drawstring be
For trousers, the drawstring should equal the circumference of the casing plus about 30–40 cm on each side for the bow. For a pouch that closes from both sides, two tapes are usually used – each about twice the width of the pouch plus 15–20 cm for the knot. For series production orders, drawstrings are cut and finished in advance to save time on the sewing line.
How to stop the end fraying
The end of the tape is the first place to be damaged by washing and use. Here are several ways to finish it:
- Hem: fold the end over twice by 5 mm and stitch across. Suitable for cotton tape.
- Heat sealing: polyester tape is cut with a hot knife, which melts and seals the cut at the same time.
- Knot: a simple knot at the end – a quick solution for pouches, but it adds bulk.
- Aglet: a metal or plastic aglet for flat tape gives a finished, branded look. See the cord ends and aglets category.
- Stitched tip: the tape is folded lengthwise at the end and stitched – this gives a narrow, firm tip that passes easily through the casing.
How to thread the tape through a casing
- Attach a safety pin to one end of the tape.
- Thread it through the casing, holding the other end so it does not slip inside.
- Distribute the gathering evenly and check that the tape is not twisted.
- Secure the tape with a few stitches at the centre back – this way it will not pull out of the casing in the wash.
The last step is especially important for childrenswear and pyjamas: a tape secured at the centre cannot be pulled out completely and does not get lost in the washing machine.
Drawstrings on childrenswear – safety
On childrenswear, drawstrings in the head and neck area and long hanging drawstrings at the waist are a risk, and there are European safety requirements for them (standard EN 14682). If you produce children's clothing, check what the standard allows for the relevant age group – in many cases hood drawstrings are not permitted for young children, and the length of the free ends at the waist is limited. A flat tape secured at the centre is safer because it cannot be pulled out from one side.
Material and colour
- Cotton – a natural look, a soft knot, suitable for linen and cotton garments. Pre-soak it if the product will be washed at a high temperature.
- Polyester – stronger, colourfast, convenient for heat-sealing the ends.
- Colour – tone on tone with the fabric for a discreet look, or contrasting for a detail that stands out.
Common mistakes
- A casing too narrow for the tape. The tape bunches, the gathering is uneven and it is hard to tighten.
- A drawstring that is too short. After washing and shrinkage, the ends are not long enough for a bow.
- Drawstring openings without reinforcement. Buttonholes or metal eyelets for the openings must be placed on reinforced fabric, otherwise they tear.
- Unfinished ends. After the very first wash the tape starts to fray and is hard to thread back through.
- Tape not secured at the centre. It pulls out of the casing and gets lost.
Drawstring tape in home textiles
Besides clothing, herringbone tape is used for ties on pillowcases, chair pads, curtains and covers. There it holds the fabric in place without stretching and gives a natural look. A width of 12–20 mm is usually chosen, and the ends are hemmed or sealed. For outdoor products, polyester is more suitable, as it is unaffected by moisture.
Drawstrings and tapes from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer and wholesaler of clothing haberdashery. We supply herringbone tape for drawstrings and ties in narrow and medium widths, in cotton and polyester, in Pantone colours, as well as cords and aglets to finish the product. We work with brands and factories across the EU. Minimum quantities depend on the article. For samples and a quote, write to us via our contact page.
