Mark Alexander | Marquise

Marquise is a woven braid from the Accent II collection, blending linen with a good proportion of wool so that the face carries a slight nap and a softer, warmer hand than a straight linen tape. The weave is tight and the edge firm, which is exactly what you want in a trim that has to hold a straight line down a long drop. It has weight without bulk, and it sits flat against a cloth rather than standing proud of it.

The composition is 58% linen, 33% wool and 9% polyester, and it is sold by the half metre. Two colourways are offered: Natural, which is the undyed, slightly oatmeal ground, and Cement, a cool mid grey. The wool content gives both a depth of colour that a flat linen tape does not have, and they read differently in daylight and in lamplight, which is worth testing before you commit to one.

We use it on the leading edge of wool or linen-union curtains, and along the front border of a plain headboard where it does the job of a nailhead without the hardware. It also suits the base of a fabric-covered ottoman, run around all four sides. Natural against a cream linen is barely there and simply tidies the edge; Cement against the same cloth draws the line clearly. Order a sample to see it in your own light.

Because of the wool, we would stitch this rather than glue it. Adhesive tends to wick into a napped face and leave a shadow that never quite goes. Hand-sew down both edges with a thread matched to the braid rather than to the cloth. At corners, mitre rather than fold, since a folded corner in a wool-blend braid builds up too much bulk. Around a curved edge, ease the braid in with a warm iron before stitching. Allow 10 to 15 centimetres on every run for returns and for finishing the ends.

• Composition: 58% LI 33% WO 9% PL (linen, wool, polyester)
• Sold by: Half metre
• Suitable for: Curtain edges, headboards, ottomans, cushions
• Care: Dry clean recommended
• Collection: Accent II, Mark Alexander
• Colourways: 2 (Cement, Natural)