Soutache

A curved border of soutache trim in drapery found in the Senate Chamber of the Vermont State House

A beaded mask decorated with soutache

Soutache (/suːˈtæʃ/, soo-TASH), also known as Russia braid,^[1] 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,^[3] soutache began to be made of rayon and other synthetic fibers in the 20th century.^{[citation needed]}

Soutache is used in passementerie to add decorations to textiles.^[4] In clothing soutache is used to conceal seams or add embroidered decorations.

Tracing braid is narrow soutache trim used for decorating uniforms.^[5] In military uniforms, edgings or loops of soutache in different widths and colors are used to indicate rank, particularly in hats.^[6][7] In athletic uniforms, a contrasting soutache is sometimes used to trim the placket and outline numbers or players' names.^[8]

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]

References[]

Citations[]

Bibliography[]

• Baker, William Henry (1908). A Dictionary of Men's Wear. Cleveland: Press of the Britton Printing Co.

Continue reading[]

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

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