Crinoline, Crin Ribbon & Horsehair Braid

Crinoline, Crin Ribbon & Horsehair Braid for Dressmaking and Millinery

Crinoline, also known as crin or horsehair braid, is a flexible mesh trimming widely used in dressmaking, sewing, millinery and fascinator making. Its lightweight yet structured design makes it ideal for adding shape, volume and support to garments, as well as creating decorative elements for hats and headpieces.

At Caprilite UK, we supply polyester crinoline ribbon in a selection of widths and colours, including 20m rolls for dressmakers, milliners, fashion designers and businesses requiring larger quantities.

How to Use Crinoline in Dressmaking and Sewing

Horsehair braid is commonly sewn into garment hems to provide structure, create volume and help fabrics hold their shape. Despite its name, modern horsehair braid is often manufactured from synthetic fibres rather than actual horsehair.

Popular dressmaking applications include:

• Wedding and bridal dresses: Add structure and fullness to skirt hems, helping create flowing bridal silhouettes.

• Evening and occasion wear: Give flared skirts and dresses more shape and definition.

• Skirt hems: Support curved or circular hems for a more pronounced flare.

• Ruffles and flounces: Add body to decorative fabric details.

• Costumes and dancewear: Create structured edges and fuller silhouettes for theatrical and performance outfits.

Narrower horsehair braid is often used for subtle hem support, while wider crinoline can create more dramatic shaping.

How to Use Crinoline for Fascinator Making and Millinery

Crinoline is a popular millinery material, valued for its flexibility and ability to hold decorative shapes.

It can be shaped into loops, bows, curls and swirls to decorate fascinators, hatinators and occasion hats. Cut the crinoline to your desired length, gently shape it and secure the design with stitching before attaching it to a fascinator base or combining it with feathers, flowers and other trimmings.

What Width of Crinoline Should I Buy?

Choosing the right crinoline width depends on your project:

• 1.5cm crinoline: Ideal for delicate dress hems, lightweight garments and fine trimming.

• 5cm crinoline: Suitable for dressmaking, shaped hems, fascinator loops and decorative bows.

• 8cm crinoline: Useful for fuller garment hems, larger loops and statement hat decorations.

• 17cm–17.5cm crinoline: Suitable for dramatic millinery shapes and creative decorative projects.

Crinoline Wholesale & Bulk Supply UK

Looking for a UK wholesale crinoline supplier or need horsehair braid in larger quantities?

Caprilite offers crinoline and horsehair braid in approximately 20m rolls across a selection of widths and colours. These are suitable for professional dressmakers, bridal designers, milliners, sewing businesses and costume makers who regularly use crinoline in their projects.

Whether you need crinoline for bridal production, dressmaking, fascinator making or ongoing creative projects, explore our available colours and widths.

For wholesale crinoline enquiries, larger quantities or repeat orders, contact Caprilite at sales@caprilite.com to discuss your requirements.