Quick answer
Choose 35 mm stretch floral lace for narrow, curved edges such as lingerie straps, necklines and cuffs, and 70 mm when you want lace to cover more area, as on hems, waistbands or special-occasion finishes. Match the width to the seam allowance and the amount of stretch the garment needs, not to the lace motif alone.
Why width changes how stretch lace behaves
A wider stretch lace ribbon covers more fabric, so it can distribute pull across a broader band. That helps on waistbands and hems where you want a smooth line, but it also means the lace has more surface to ripple if the garment stretches unevenly. Narrower lace is easier to ease around tight curves and small circumferences, which is why it suits lingerie edges and cuffs.
Both widths in this guide are sold by the half metre, and multiple quantities are cut in one continuous piece. Plan the total length before ordering so you do not join lace unnecessarily on a visible edge.
Where 35 mm lace earns its place
At roughly 1 3/8 inches, 35 mm lace is a trim-first width. It sits comfortably on narrow seam allowances and follows curves without bulky folds. Use it when the lace is meant to peek out from a seam or finish an edge rather than become the main visual band.
The trade-off is coverage: on a wide neckline or a deep hem, 35 mm can look sparse and may not hide the stitching line beneath it. If you need the lace to conceal a seam or add structure, size up.
When 70 mm lace is the better buy
At roughly 2 3/4 inches, 70 mm lace reads as a band rather than a narrow trim. It is the practical choice for hems, waistbands, sleeve edges and special-occasion details where you want the floral motif to be visible from a distance. The extra width also gives you more room to fold or layer the lace without exposing raw edges.
The trade-off is handling: wider lace can pucker on tight inside curves and needs more careful pinning or basting. On very small circumferences, such as a narrow lingerie band, 70 mm may overwhelm the proportion of the garment.
Stretch, recovery and seam allowance
Both lace ribbons in this guide are stretch designs with floral motifs, but the catalog does not list a stretch percentage or recovery rating. Treat that as a decision limitation: test a short length by stretching it along the edge you plan to finish and releasing it. If the lace does not return close to its original length, avoid using it on areas that must snap back, such as a fitted lingerie band.
Allow for the lace width when planning seam allowance. A 35 mm lace can usually sit within a standard narrow allowance, while a 70 mm band may need a wider allowance or a deliberate overlap so the trim is not caught in the seam.
Decision rules for choosing lace ribbon width
- Match width to the finished edge: If the lace is a narrow finish on a curve, such as a neckline or lingerie strap, choose 35 mm. If the lace is the visible band on a hem, waistband or sleeve edge, choose 70 mm. Measure the finished edge before ordering; if the lace is wider than the edge, it will need folding or trimming.
- Check the seam allowance: Use 35 mm when your seam allowance is narrow and you want the lace to sit close to the stitch line. Use 70 mm when you can allow a wider overlap or a folded finish.
- Test stretch before committing: Stretch a sample of the lace along the intended edge and release it. If it does not recover well, keep it away from high-stretch areas and use it as a decorative overlay instead. The catalog does not state stretch percentage, so a sample test is the only reliable check.
- Order continuous length for visible edges: Both widths are sold by the half metre and multiple quantities are cut in one piece. Calculate the full length for each edge and order enough to avoid joins on visible curves.
Product facts
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Stretch Floral Lace Ribbon | Ivory | 35 mm - 1 3/8'': Ivory stretch floral lace ribbon, 35 mm (about 1 3/8 inches) wide, with scalloped edges, sold by the half metre. The narrow width and scalloped edge suit fine, curved trims where a wide band would add bulk.
Stretch Floral Lace Ribbon | Ivory | 35 mm - 1 3/8''
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Stretch Floral Lace Ribbon | White | 70 mm - 2 3/4": White stretch floral lace ribbon, 70 mm (about 2 3/4 inches) wide, with decorative edges, sold by the half metre. The wider band covers more area, making it a practical choice for hems and statement trims rather than narrow edges.
Stretch Floral Lace Ribbon | White | 70 mm - 2 3/4"
Who each width suits
Best for
- Sewists finishing lingerie, camisoles and cuffs with a delicate 35 mm trim
- Makers adding a visible 70 mm lace band to hems, waistbands or special-occasion garments
Not for
- Projects that need a wide lace band but can only allow a narrow seam allowance
- High-stretch fitted areas where the lace has not been sample-tested for recovery