At the Atelier de Tressage (Paris 3rd arrondissement), trimmings (passementerie) are at the very heart of our expertise. We offer braided products ranging from the simplest to the most elaborate, blending tradition with modern aesthetics. Our 19th-century braiding machines, looms, and knitting machines are all based in France. In this way, SCF l’Atelier de Tressage delivers both traditional and highly creative manufactured goods.
What are trimmings in our workshop? Where can you find trimmings in Paris?
In our context, trimmings refer to decorative braided or woven textile, including flat braids, cords, laces, ribbons, webbing, lace, soutache, double-cords, princess braids, and plaits. These creations are produced by the Société Choletaise de Fabrication (SCF), whose Paris workshop showcases French manufacturing.
What trimming products in Paris do we offer at braiding workshop?
Here is a selection of the braided textile products available at the Atelier de Tressage. They are categorized into four groups based on how they are produced. Below, you will find items made on wooden braiding machines, as well as braids, pipings, and woven goods.
What to learn more about old brading machines ? Click the link
Special braids on wooden machines
- Ric rac (Serpentine): A ric rac is a wavy, zigzag-shaped ribbon used to decorate clothing, accessories, or textile items. Thanks to its undulating shape, ric rac adds texture and an ornamental touch to designs.
Flat braids
- Flat braids: Also known as ribbons or trimmings, these are decorative bands used in garment making, fashion, or interior design to adorn clothing and accessories. These flat braids make it easy to replace or customize a hatband. To read more about flat braids and their patterns, see this text.
- Soutache braid: A thin, flat, and flexible braid, often with a slight sheen. It is used by artisans to outline edges, create patterns, or add a decorative touch. Highly prized in jewelry making, sewing, and accessories, it can adorn a garment or bag, or form refined arabesques in jewelry design.For more details on soutache or double-cords, follow this link.
Braided cords
- Tubular cords: Used to decorate clothing, accessories, or objects, or to craft items like ties and laces. With its round shape, the tubular cord adds volume.To learn all about braided cord patterns, follow this link.
Woven or braided piping
- Piping: A thin cord covered in fabric that artisans insert into a seam to highlight a contour, give structure to a piece, or add a decorative touch. It is used in garment making, upholstery, or leather goods to enhance the edges of a cushion, garment, or bag.
Mechanical bobbin lace
- Bobbin lace: Ideal for decorating clothing, home linens, or accessories. Thanks to its delicate, handcrafted appearance, bobbin lace brings elegance and refinement to any creation.
Woven goods
- Webbing (Straps): Wide, heavy-duty bands woven to achieve high strength. They are used to reinforce, hold, carry, or adjust various objects across luggage, upholstery, sports equipment, or DIY projects. Thanks to their sturdiness, our straps ensure reliable support and long-lasting durability.To learn more about our webbing selection.
- Ribbons (Trimmings): Decorative bands, often woven or embroidered, used to provide a neat finish to various projects. They serve to adorn, highlight, or reinforce the edges of clothing, accessories, furnishing textiles, or creative items. Whether simple, novelty, or highly intricate, these ribbons add an aesthetic touch while offering a clean, elegant finish. With their variety of patterns, materials, and widths, they allow you to customize all kinds of creations.
In addition, the Atelier de Tressage offers a wide range of shoelaces. Our artisanal laces are manufactured on wooden machines using traditional expertise. They are available in glazed or waxed finishes, and in solid or novelty colors, making them suitable for both classic shoes and more creative styles.
We also offer designer items made from our artisanal braids: bracelets, bags, and designer stools created by Made by Bobine. These unique pieces highlight the richness of French trimmings and their decorative potential.
How do trimmings fit into our workshops?
During our braiding workshops (on wooden machines or using the kumihimo technique), participants get hands-on experience working with yarn. They handle our raw materials to create their own braided pieces: bracelets, cords, laces, and more. At the end of the workshop, everyone leaves with their own creation. This experience strengthens the bond between manual crafting, the transmission of expertise, and the world of artisanal trimmings.
SCF’s Trimmings Offerings
The SCF Service
- Advanced customization: We enhance the personalization of creations by letting clients choose textures, colors, and tips. Our clients can get tailor-made cords or laces.
- Bespoke design: Textures, designs, colors, dimensions, finishes… Anyone can compose their custom items exactly as they imagine them.
- Preserving industrial heritage: We defend artisanal and heritage expertise. Our wooden braiding machines date back to the 19th century, and every braided product reflects this industrial heritage. Our wooden braiding looms give each product genuine character and tell a story.
- Eco-responsible commitment: We contribute to a responsible textile industry. The workshop uses upcycled yarns (organic cotton, recycled polyester, linen, wool) sourced from SCF factories.
- Supporting creators: SCF assists designers, artisans, stylists, and renowned fashion houses by offering small production runs and accessible custom solutions without minimum volume constraints.
Why B2B Clients Choose Our Trimming Products
- Quality and Durability: Our braids are manufactured slowly on ancient machines, guaranteeing robust and refined products. Today, SCF is the last to use these looms on an industrial scale. The rare similar wooden braiding machines still in existence are mostly found in museums or schools.
- Customization: We work exclusively on a made-to-order basis and adapt to every brief, precisely meeting the client’s needs: color, material, dimensions, finishes, and any other specific requirements.
- French Manufacturing: Every product is designed and manufactured in our SCF factory in Maine-et-Loire, promoting 100% Made in France.
- Eco-Responsibility: We use upcycled yarns to limit textile waste, all sourced through the shortest possible supply chains.
Our Commitment to Trimmings in Paris and Beyond
At the Atelier de Tressage, our ambition is to preserve and keep a rare trade alive: that of the wooden-loom braider. We ensure the transmission of this expertise while offering modern, stylish, and sustainable products.
Come meet us at 3 rue Saint-Gilles, Paris 3rd arrondissement to explore our haberdashery, participate in a workshop, or select your next decorative braids!