Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Herringbone tape drawstrings are a flat, sturdy alternative to cords for trousers, shorts, pajamas, bags and hoodies. Typically, widths of 10–15 mm are chosen. The tape is threaded through a tunnel and tied in a bow. It does not twist or stretch, ties and unties easily, and gives the item a natural, casual look.
Flat tape drawstrings or cords
There are two main types of material used for drawstrings – round or flat cords and woven tape. Each has its advantages:
| Criterion | Herringbone Tape | Cord |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Flat, matte, natural look | Round or flat, sporty |
| Knot | Flat, easy to untie | Bulkier, can be tightened firmly |
| Comfort against skin | Does not press, lies flat | May feel tight when pulled |
| Edge finishing | Hem, heat seal or aglet | Aglet, knot or heat seal |
| Typical use | Linen trousers, pajamas, bags, aprons | Tracksuits, sweatshirts, jackets, sports bags |
If the item is sporty and requires stronger tightening with a stopper, cords are more suitable – see the cords category. For a light, natural look and a flat knot, herringbone tape is the better choice.
Drawstring tape – width by product
- Gift, jewellery and sample bags: 6–10 mm.
- Pajamas, children’s trousers, shorts: 10–12 mm.
- Linen and cotton adult trousers: 12–20 mm.
- Shoe bags, sports drawstring bags: 15–20 mm.
- Hoodies and collars: 8–12 mm.
The tunnel should be at least 5–8 mm wider than the tape to allow free movement and even gathering of the fabric. All widths are available in the herringbone tape collection.
How long should the drawstring be?
For trousers, the drawstring length should equal the tunnel circumference plus about 30–40 cm on each side for tying a bow. For a drawstring bag that tightens from both sides, usually two tapes are used – each about twice the bag’s width plus 15–20 cm for the knot. For bulk production, drawstrings are cut and finished in advance to save time on the sewing line.
How to prevent fraying at the ends
The tape’s end is the first place to wear out during washing and use. Here are several finishing methods:
- Hem: fold the end twice by 5 mm and stitch across. Suitable for cotton tape.
- Heat sealing: polyester tape is cut with a hot knife that simultaneously melts and seals the edge.
- Knot: a simple knot at the end – a quick fix for bags but adds bulk.
- Aglet: metal or plastic aglet for flat tape gives a finished, branded look. See the aglets category.
- Stitched tip: fold the tape lengthwise at the end and stitch – creates a narrow, firm tip that passes easily through the tunnel.
How to thread the tape through a tunnel
- Attach a safety pin to one end of the tape.
- Push it through the tunnel, holding the other end to prevent it from slipping inside.
- Distribute the gathers evenly and check that the tape is not twisted.
- Secure the tape with a few stitches at the centre back – this prevents it from pulling out during washing.
The last step is especially important for children’s clothes and pajamas: the secured tape cannot be pulled out completely and won’t get lost in the washing machine.
Drawstrings on children’s clothes – safety
Drawstrings around the head, neck and long hanging cords at the waist pose risks for children and are subject to European safety requirements (standard EN 14682). If you manufacture children’s clothing, check the standard for the relevant age group – in many cases, drawstrings on hoods for small children are not allowed, and the length of free waist ends is limited. Flat tape secured in the middle is safer because it cannot be pulled out from one side.
Material and colour
- Cotton – natural look, soft knot, suitable for linen and cotton garments. Pre-soak if the item will be washed at high temperature.
- Polyester – stronger, colourfast, suitable for heat sealing the edges.
- Colour – tone-on-tone with fabric for a discreet look or contrasting for a visible detail.
Common mistakes
- Tunnel too narrow for the tape. The tape bunches, gathers unevenly and is hard to tighten.
- Drawstring too short. After washing and shrinking, the ends do not reach to tie a bow.
- Unreinforced drawstring openings. Eyelets or metal grommets must be placed on reinforced fabric, otherwise they tear.
- Unfinished ends. The tape starts to fray after the first wash and is hard to thread back.
- Tape without centre securing. It pulls out of the tunnel and gets lost.
Drawstrings in home textiles
Besides clothing, herringbone tape is used for drawstrings on pillowcases, chair cushions, curtains and covers. It holds the fabric in place without stretching and gives a natural look. Usually, widths of 12–20 mm are chosen and the ends are hemmed or sealed. For outdoor items, polyester is more suitable as it resists moisture.
Drawstrings and tapes from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of haberdashery for clothing. We supply herringbone tape drawstrings and cords in narrow and medium widths, made of cotton and polyester, in Pantone colours, as well as aglets to complete your product. We work with brands and factories across the EU. Minimum order quantities depend on the item. For samples and quotes, contact us via the contact page.
