Horse hair is a material that has been used for centuries for a variety of purposes. It’s strong, flexible, and relatively affordable, making it an ideal choice for use in sewing projects.
Horsehair has many uses in the fashion industry and beyond – so let’s take a look at why this material is so popular among sewers and what you can do with it.
What is Horse Hair?
Horse hair is the long, fine strands of hair that grow on horses’ manes and tails. Although horse hair can vary in color and texture depending on the breed of horse, it usually ranges from white to black-brown in color.
The hair length is generally 10 to 30 inches long and has a wavy texture to them. When it comes to sewing, horse hair is often used as an alternative to other materials like silk and nylon.
The History of Horse Hair in Sewing
Horse hair has been used in sewing since the earliest civilizations. It was often used as thread or to bind together fabric pieces.
In the Middle Ages, wealthy Europeans wore finely tailored garments made from silk, velvet, and other expensive fabrics that were bound together with horsehair. In the 18th century, tailors discovered that horsehair could be woven into the fabric for upholstery and clothing.
This discovery made it possible to make luxurious fabrics that were strong yet lightweight and soft. Today, horsehair is still used in a wide range of sewing projects, from home decor items to clothing pieces.
What is Horse Hair Used for in Sewing?
Horse hair has been used for centuries as a material for clothing and upholstery due to its strength and flexibility.
It’s often used to embellish hemlines, seams, collars, cuffs, pockets, and more.
Some common uses for horse hair in sewing include:
- Creating trim and embellishments, such as fringes or tassels
- Adding visual interest to garments by incorporating textured materials like horse hair into designs
- Using horse hair as a filling material in pillows, quilts, and upholstery.
Horse hair is also used in drapery work, as it adds strength and stability to seams. It can be used to reinforce hems, cuffs, seams, and corners on garments like skirts, jackets, coats, etc., giving them extra durability.
In some cases, it can be used to create decorative accents such as bows or fringe.
Horsehair fabric can also be used to create accessories such as handbags or purses with an elegant finish.
It’s also possible to use this material as trimming on furniture items such as chairs or sofas – adding an extra level of detail that will give any room an opulent feel.
You can also use horsehair fabric for smaller projects such as adorning decorative pillows with beautiful border trim.
Uses of Horse Hair in Crafting
Horse hair is particularly useful in craft projects such as jewelry making or macramé. It can be made into necklaces or bracelets with simple knots or braided into intricate patterns for bags or wall hangings.
Many hobby craft stores also carry horse hair in a variety of colors, making it easy to find the perfect hue to match any color scheme.
You can even use the natural color variations of horsehair to add texture and character to your creations. You might need a little creativity, but there are endless possibilities when it comes to using horse hair in your crafts
Benefits of Using Horse Hair in Sewing
There are quite a few benefits to using horse hair in sewing projects, including:
- Strength and durability – Unlike other materials like silk or nylon, horsehair has a very strong structure that won’t easily tear or fray. This makes it ideal for use in high-stress areas of clothing and upholstery.
- Flexibility and versatility – Horse hair is highly flexible and can be manipulated in a wide range of ways, making it perfect for creating delicate details or adding texture to your creations.
- Affordable – Compared to other materials like silk, horse hair is much more affordable, making it an economical and popular option for both beginners and professionals.
- Natural look – Due to its natural texture and hue, horse hair is a great choice if you want to create pieces that have an authentic, natural look.
With the right skills and techniques, you can easily incorporate this versatile material into your sewing projects and create something truly beautiful. Whether you’re making a handbag, clothing piece, or home décor item, horse hair can give your creations an elegant, luxurious finish.
Final Thoughts
Horses have been providing humans with useful materials like leather and hair for centuries—and sewing is no exception.
From medieval times until now, we continue to use horsehair as a durable yet flexible material for a variety of different projects – from corsets to furniture upholstery, handbags to pillows.
With its strength and durability, flexibility, affordability, and natural look, horse hair is a highly versatile material for sewing that can help you create beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces.
If you are new to sewing or a seasoned craftsperson, using horsehair in your projects can be an excellent way to experiment and create something truly unique. Plus its texture adds an extra dimension to your creations that can’t be replicated by any other material.
