This is NOT the heirloom way to do something at all. I think of it as the down and dirty quick way. This is for projects that involve a ton of ric rac or hem (with no patience for hem facings). I do a lot of projects with ric rac at Christmas so I thought someone may find use in this. Sorry for the picture quality. They were taken on my phone. I will try to add better ones later.

Step one: Wash, dry, and steam iron medium 1/2" ric rac on hot. This stuff shrinks, and you don't want your project ruined by forgetting this step.

Step 2: Line up ric rac against the right side of the fabric, and line up the bottom edges of the fabric and ric rac. It is really best if you line it up with the bottom curve of the ric rac curving towards the bottom edge of the fabric. Mine curves the other way and has an exposed raw edge. Make sure to seal edge of ric rac as well.



Step 3: Serge fabric and ric rac together. Make sure to keep them against the blade without going under it. It might also be best to match your serging to your ric rac.

Step 4: Fold ric rac under and iron. If I had put the curve going down, I would have had a much prettier end.





Step 5: Topstitch, and you are finished!