frilling

Adding ornamental edges

Frilling is the act of adding frills—gathered or pleated strips of fabric used as decorative trim.

The word extends to any ornamental embellishment that serves more for show than function: The presentation was all frilling and no substance.

In cooking, frilling refers to placing paper caps on exposed bones of chops or roasts for presentation.

ruffle

flounce

Ornamental gathered fabric strip

pleatingCreating uniform fabric folds
gatheringCollection of people meeting
shirringGathered fabric technique

smocking · godet · peplum · tucks · pintucks · tiered · cascade · crimping · fluting · accordion

embellishment

embroidery

Decorative stitching on fabric

appliqueCutout sewn onto fabric
beadingOrnamental small-sphere work
sequinsSmall reflective fabric ornaments

brocade · tassels · rosette · festoon · marabou · adornment · ornamentation · flourish · filigree · scrollwork

trim

lace

Open-weave ornamental fabric

edgingDecorative border material
pipingTubes for fluid transport
braidInterwoven strand pattern

gimp · galloon · rickrack · binding · hemming · serging · overcasting · felling · couching · finishing

aesthetic

rococo

Excessively elaborate in style

baroqueExcessively ornate or elaborate
ornateElaborately decorated
decorativeServing to beautify

feminine · romantic · victorian · vintage · elaborate · delicate · whimsical · ruffly · layered · fussy

Opposites

decorative elaboration

frillingplainness

Unadorned, straightforward quality

simplicity · austerity · minimalism · starkness · unadorned

functional vs. ornamental purpose

frillinghemming

Sewing a fabric edge

necessity vs. superfluity

frillingessentials

Indispensable items or elements

basics · fundamentals · necessities · functionality · practicality

Family

frill, frills, frilled

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G