Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Blog on Accessories for Fashion, Furniture, Footwear & Bags
Practical guides on buttons, zips, elastics, ribbons and labels – materials, sizes, uses and custom branding. From the manufacturer Polkom.
Sustainable Haberdashery – Recycled and Natural Materials for Clothing
How to choose more sustainable elastics, ribbons, cords and lace, what mono-material design means and how to avoid empty green claims.
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Replacing the Elastic in Trousers or a Skirt – Step by Step
How to replace a stretched elastic in trousers, a skirt or joggers – with elastic in a casing and with sewn-in elastic, how to choose the new elastic and how to join it.
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Herringbone Tape Drawstrings and Ties – for Trousers and Bags
How to use herringbone tape for drawstrings and ties on trousers, shorts, pouches and hoods – width, length, casing and end finishing.
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Knitted Elastic for Jackets – Rib Trims, Cuffs and Channel Elastic
What "knitted elastic for jackets" means: rib knit for cuffs and hem, or elastic tape in a channel. How to choose the right solution for jackets and sweatshirts.
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Elastic Shoelaces Instead of Laces – Types and How to Fit Them
Elastic laces instead of shoelaces – round, flat, with a cord lock or with knots: how to fit them, what length to use and what shoe and accessory manufacturers should know.
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Knitted Elastic Wholesale – Specification, Samples and Ordering
How to order knitted elastic wholesale from a manufacturer: specification parameters, Pantone colour, samples, testing and the factors that determine the price.
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Why Hook and Loop (Velcro) Stops Sticking and How to Restore the Grip
The most common reasons hook and loop tape stops sticking – lint, wear, heat and poor design – and how to clean, restore or replace the tape.
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Waxed Cord – What It Is, What It Is Made Of and Where It Is Used
What waxed cord is, how it is made, the differences between cotton and polyester, thicknesses and uses for hang tags, bags, leather goods, jewellery and packaging.
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Broken Shoelace Aglet – How to Fix It
Practical ways to fix a broken shoelace aglet at home, and how aglets that do not fall off are chosen in production.
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Grosgrain Ribbon Widths in mm and Inches – Chart and Uses
A chart of standard grosgrain ribbon widths in millimetres and inches, with practical advice on which width suits which product.
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Herringbone Tape Widths – Chart by Application
A chart of herringbone tape widths – 10, 15, 20, 25 mm and wider – and which application each suits: reinforcement, binding, ties, handles and straps.
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Elastic by the Metre and Wholesale – How It Is Bought for Production
How elastic is bought by the metre, on rolls and wholesale – when each option makes sense, which specification to prepare, samples, colour and the factors that determine the price.
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Wire Hooks and Eyes Wholesale for Garment Factories and Ateliers
A practical guide for factories and ateliers: how to order wire hooks and eyes wholesale, calculate the quantity and put together a complete set of fastenings.
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Types of Lace – How They Differ and What They Are Used For
The main types of lace – handmade and machine-made, Raschel, Chantilly, guipure, embroidered, stretch and cotton – and how to choose the right one for your product.
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Organza Ribbon with Satin Edge, Wavy Edge or Wire – Types of Edges
A comparison of organza ribbon edges: woven, heat-cut, satin-edged, wavy with monofilament and wired. How each affects the look, stability and use.
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Types of Cords by Material – Polyester, Cotton, Satin and Leather
A comparison of cords by material – polyester, cotton, satin, polyamide, leather and elastic – their properties, shrinkage in the wash and applications.
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Cotton Lace by the Metre – Types and Uses
Types of cotton lace by the metre – knitted, embroidered on batiste, macramé – how to choose by width and use, and how to wash it without shrinking.
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Cord End and Aglet Sizes According to Cord Diameter
How to determine the inner diameter and length of a cord end for your cord – correct measurement, a chart by product and common sizing mistakes.
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Knitted Elastic – What It Is, Its Properties and Where It Is Used
What knitted elastic is, how it is produced, what it is made of, why it narrows when stretched and which products it suits best – a short technical guide.
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Jacquard Ribbon – What It Is and How It Is Used in Clothing
What jacquard ribbon is, how it differs from printed ribbon, where it is used and how to order jacquard ribbon with a logo or motif.
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Reinforcing Seams with Herringbone Tape – Shoulders, Necklines, Pockets
How to reinforce shoulder seams, necklines, lapels and pocket openings with herringbone tape so that they do not stretch – width, technique and mistakes.
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Wire Hooks and Eyes – What They Are and How They Work
What wire hooks and eyes are – construction, materials, types, sizes, colours and use in dresses, lingerie and haute couture.
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Sew-On or Self-Adhesive Hook and Loop – Which to Choose When
A comparison of sew-on and self-adhesive hook and loop tape: where each holds, washing, temperature, and why you should not sew through the adhesive.
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Satin Ribbon Colours – Burgundy, Ecru, White, Green and Pantone Matching
How to choose a satin ribbon colour – burgundy, ecru, white, green, dusty rose – and how to match a fabric or corporate colour to Pantone.
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Ribbed Ribbon, Grosgrain and Petersham – What Is the Difference
Ribbed ribbon, grosgrain and petersham are often confused. We explain how they differ, which ribbon can be steam-shaped into a curve and which is better for edging or a waistband.
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Satin Ribbon Chair Bows and Wedding Décor – How to Choose and Calculate the Ribbon
How to choose satin chair bows and wedding decorations – widths, colours, ribbon needed per chair and table, and tips for decorators and venues.
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Jacquard Logo Elastic for Underwear and Sportswear
How jacquard logo elastic is made, which designs work well, how to prepare the file and what to check in the sample.
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Face Mask Elastic – Type, Thickness and Loop Length
Which face mask elastic to choose – round or flat, what thickness, how long an ear loop or head strap should be, how it is adjusted and how it stands up to washing.
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Ribbon Widths in mm – Chart and Uses
A chart of textile ribbon widths in mm and inches, and which widths are used for bows, bindings, ties, packaging and decoration.
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Drawstrings for Children's Clothing – Safety Requirements under EN 14682
What the EN 14682 standard requires for cords and drawstrings in children's clothing by zone and age group, common mistakes and safe alternatives to drawstrings.
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Cord Ends for Hood and Sweatshirt Drawcords
How to choose cord ends for hood and sweatshirt drawcords: material, size relative to the eyelet, fitting, logo and rules for childrenswear.
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Hook and Loop (Velcro) for Medical and Orthopaedic Products – Supports, Splints, Belts
How to choose hook and loop for supports, splints, orthoses and medical belts – types of backing, widths, back-to-back straps, washing and the manufacturer's responsibility.
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Wire Hook and Eye Sizes – How to Choose a Hook for the Fabric
How to choose the size of the hook and eye according to the fabric, position and load – a chart by product, numbering and practical tips.
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Cotton or Polyester Herringbone Tape – A Comparison
Cotton or polyester herringbone tape – how they behave in washing, ironing and under load, and which material to choose for aprons, bags and workwear.
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Organza Ribbon Widths – From 3 mm to 10 cm and When to Use Which
A chart of organza ribbon widths from 3 mm to 10 cm, with inch conversion, and a practical guide to which width suits pouches, boxes, wedding décor and clothing.
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Essential Haberdashery for a Clothing Brand – What to Plan into the Collection
Which haberdashery materials a new clothing brand needs, which are worth branding and how to plan them together with the collection.
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Swimwear Elastic – Which to Choose and How to Sew It
Which swimwear elastic to choose – rubber, chlorine-resistant, clear or knitted – which widths for leg openings, necklines and straps, how it is sewn and how it is cared for.
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Satin Ribbon Bows for Decoration, Gifts and Packaging – How to Choose
How to choose satin ribbon bows for gift packaging and decoration – width relative to the box, ribbon consumption, colours and branded packaging for business.
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How to Sew Lace – Seams, Needles and Techniques
A practical guide to sewing lace – choosing needle and thread, stitches, attaching a trim to an edge, inserting lace between two fabrics, appliqué and lengthening a dress.
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Ribbons with Logo – Branded Ribbon for Brands and Packaging
How ribbons with logo are made – foil, screen printing, sublimation, jacquard – which ribbon to choose and what to prepare before ordering.
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What Is Grosgrain Ribbon and What Sets It Apart
Grosgrain ribbon is a dense woven ribbon with fine crosswise ribs and a matt look. We explain how the ribbing is formed, which materials are used and where it is most useful.
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Why Elastic Loses Its Stretch – Washing, Temperature and Mistakes in Choosing
The reasons elastic in clothing goes slack or "perishes", and what the manufacturer and the consumer can do to make it last longer.
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How to Store Haberdashery – Elastics, Ribbons and Lace in the Warehouse
How temperature, light and moisture affect elastics, ribbons and lace, and how to organise a haberdashery store in a factory or atelier.
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Grosgrain Ribbon Binding – How to Bind an Edge Step by Step
How to bind an edge with grosgrain ribbon – preparation, folding, stitching, corners and curves, plus tips for series production with a binder.
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Picot Elastic (Scalloped Elastic) – A Decorative Edge for Lingerie
Picot or scalloped elastic: a narrow soft elastic with decorative loops along the edge. Where it is used, how to choose it and how to sew it so the edge stays visible.
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How to Wash Lace – Caring for Lace Garments and Lingerie
How to wash lace by hand and in the machine, at what temperature and with which detergent, how to dry and iron it and how to refresh yellowed white and vintage lace.
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Hook and Loop for Children's Shoes and Clothing – Width, Softness, Safety
How to choose hook and loop for children's shoes and clothing – width, softness, placement of the two parts, safety and durability with frequent use and washing.
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Organza Ribbon for Gifts and Packaging – Choice and Ideas
How to choose organza ribbon for gifts and retail packaging – width by item, colours, combinations with tags and practical tips for packing in volume.
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Herringbone Tape Bag Handles – Width, Length and Sewing
How to choose tape for the handles of cotton totes and bags – width, length for hand and shoulder carry, material, stitching that does not tear, and branding.
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Stretch Lace – Types, Widths and Uses
What stretch lace is, which types and widths exist, how to choose it by stretch and composition and how it is sewn onto lingerie, swimwear and fitted garments.
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Lace for Wedding Dresses – Types and How to Choose
Which types of lace are used for bridal and formal dresses, how to choose by silhouette, colour and weight, and how to plan consumption in production.
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Lace by the Metre – How to Calculate How Much You Need
How to calculate how many metres of lace you need for edges, frills and whole panels, how much reserve to add and when it pays to order by the roll.
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Black, Silver or Gold Wire Hooks and Eyes – How to Choose the Colour
How to choose the colour of hooks and eyes by fabric, visibility and style – black, silver, gold or covered with thread.
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Lingerie Lace – How to Choose the Right One
How to choose lingerie lace – stretch, softness, width for thongs, briefs, bras and bodysuits, composition, colour and compatible trims.
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Cord Thickness for Clothing – A Chart by Product and Eyelet Compatibility
Which cord thickness to choose for a hood, joggers, jacket, gym bag or backpack and how to match the cord to the inner diameter of the eyelet, buttonhole and stopper.
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Double-Face Satin Ribbon – How It Differs from Single-Face and When It Is Worth It
How to recognise double-face satin ribbon, which products require it and when single-face is the more sensible choice for series production.
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Bias Binding – What It Is, How to Sew It and How to Choose the Width
What bias binding is, why it is cut on the diagonal, which widths exist and how to sew a visible or hidden binding on a neckline, sleeve or bag.
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