How to Use Soutache Trim on Books, Jewelry, and Everyday Objects

Soutache isn’t just for fashion and couture – it’s an easy way to turn everyday objects into beautiful, tactile pieces you actually want to reach for. At House of Soutache, we love using these silky braids as trims on books, journals, planners, jewelry, and small décor items. If you’ve only thought of soutache for clothing or accessories, this guide will open up a whole new world of projects for your desk, bookshelf, and gift table.

Why Soutache Is Perfect for Trimming Objects

Soutache braid is a narrow, flat cord with a soft, flexible structure. That makes it ideal for:

• Curving around corners – perfect for book covers, frames, and rounded objects.
• Layering and wrapping – you can stack multiple colors for a rich, dimensional look.
• Lightweight detail – it adds impact without bulk, so it works on paper, cardboard, wood, and metal.
• Easy to attach – you can sew it, glue it, or combine both depending on the surface.

In other words, soutache lets you “draw” with trim on almost anything.

Book Lovers: Soutache Trim for Journals, Notebooks, and Albums

1. Frame the Cover

Give a plain journal or sketchbook a boutique upgrade by framing the cover with soutache:

• Run a line of clear-drying craft glue about 0.5 cm from the edge of the cover.
• Lay the soutache braid into the glue, working one side at a time and gently pressing it down.
• Curve the braid around each corner; soutache is flexible, so you can get smooth, rounded corners.
• Trim the ends neatly at the back or bottom edge and secure with a tiny extra drop of glue.

Try a single, clean border for a minimalist look, or double up with two contrasting colors – for example navy and sunny yellow – for something more decorative.

2. Decorative Spine & Chapter Bands

You can also highlight the spine of a book or album:

• Glue or stitch one or two vertical lines of soutache along the spine to echo old-world bookbinding details.
• Use metallic gold soutache for a vintage library feel or dusty shades for a softer journaling aesthetic.
• Add a short horizontal piece at the top and bottom of the spine for a “chapter band” effect in a pop color, like hot pink.

3. Custom Bookmarks and Page Tabs

Create matching bookmarks by:

• Cutting a length of soutache a little longer than your book’s height.
• Knotting each end or adding a small charm, bead, or tassel.
• Using two or three colors together – for example navy, yellow, and gold – and lightly twisting them for a braided look.

You can also glue short pieces of soutache onto the edge of pages or dividers as tactile page tabs in planners and bullet journals.

Jewelry with a Twist: Soutache Beyond Bead Embroidery

Soutache jewelry is usually stitched around beads, but you can also use it as a bold trim and wrapping element for simple, modern pieces:

4. Wrapped Bracelets and Bangles

• Start with a plain bangle or cuff.
• Add a thin layer of glue and wrap soutache tightly around the bracelet.
• Alternate colors – for example hot pink and navy – for a striped effect.
• Finish the ends on the inside of the bracelet with a neat overlap and a drop of glue.

5. Statement Earrings and Pendants

• Use soutache to outline a simple pendant or earring base.
• Glue or stitch the braid around the shape, letting it swirl and curve for movement.
• Highlight key curves with yellow or gold soutache to catch the light.

Even a small amount of soutache around a single bead or stone instantly gives a piece an artisanal, editorial look.

Everyday Objects: Tiny Details, Big Impact