rickrack: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized (Crafting, Sewing, Textiles), sometimes Informal
Quick answer
What does “rickrack” mean?
A flat, zigzag or wavy decorative braid or ribbon used in sewing, crafting, or trimming garments.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A flat, zigzag or wavy decorative braid or ribbon used in sewing, crafting, or trimming garments.
Any pattern or design resembling a zigzag or wave; metaphorically, a meandering or indecisive path.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK often uses 'rickrack' or 'rick-rack'. US almost exclusively uses 'rickrack'. Concept is identical.
Connotations
Strongly associated with homemade crafts, vintage clothing, or traditional sewing. Can have a slightly old-fashioned or quaint connotation.
Frequency
Equally low in both dialects, used within the same specific crafting contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “rickrack” in a Sentence
[to] sew/stitch/attach rickrack [onto something][to] trim/decorate [something] with rickrack[to] use rickrack [as a trim]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rickrack” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Non-standard) She decided to rickrack the hem for a vintage look.
American English
- (Non-standard) I'm going to rickrack around the neckline.
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The rickrack trim added a playful touch.
American English
- She chose a rickrack border for the pillowcase.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the textile, haberdashery, or craft supply industries.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical costume studies or textile design papers.
Everyday
Common among sewing enthusiasts, crafters, and in contexts involving homemade clothing or decor.
Technical
A specific term in sewing and millinery for a type of flat, serpentine braid.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rickrack”
- Spelling: 'ricrac', 'rick-rack'. Using it as a verb (to rickrack is non-standard). Confusing it with 'lace' or 'ribbon' (which are different).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Ribbon is usually flat and straight. Rickrack is specifically a flat, woven braid in a repeated zigzag or wave pattern.
In professional sewing terminology, it is a noun. However, in informal crafting contexts, it is sometimes used verbally (e.g., 'to rickrack something'), though this is non-standard.
It is considered a vintage or retro trim. It experiences periodic revivals in fashion and is consistently popular in certain crafts, children's clothing, and folk costume.
Bias tape is a straight strip of fabric used mainly for finishing edges. Rickrack is a pre-made, wavy decorative braid that is sewn on top of fabric as an ornament.
A flat, zigzag or wavy decorative braid or ribbon used in sewing, crafting, or trimming garments.
Rickrack is usually specialized (crafting, sewing, textiles), sometimes informal in register.
Rickrack: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪk.ræk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪk.ræk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'rickrack'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sound 'rick-rack' mimicking the up-and-down, zigzag shape of the trim.
Conceptual Metaphor
ZIGZAG IS DECORATION / MEANDERING IS A RICKRACK PATH (e.g., 'The river followed a rickrack course through the valley').
Practice
Quiz
What is 'rickrack' primarily used for?