Mark Alexander | Petite

Petite is the narrowest trim in the Accent II collection, a fine woven linen braid intended to define an edge without announcing itself. At this width it behaves more like a drawn pencil line than a border, and that is usually what a plain scheme is asking for. The weave is close and the hand dry and matt, with the faint slub that is characteristic of linen and which stops the line from ever looking machine-made.

It is 100% linen and sold by the half metre. Six colourways are offered, Jasper White, Ecru, Silverbirch, Moccasin, Chestnut and Indigo, which is a wider range than the narrow width might suggest and means you can choose to blend or to contrast. Jasper White and Ecru disappear into a pale cloth and simply tidy it. Chestnut and Indigo give a clear line. Silverbirch and Moccasin are the useful middles, grey-leaning and warm-leaning respectively.

We use Petite on cushion borders, on the leading edge of a lightweight linen curtain, and around the edge of a lampshade where a heavier braid would look clumsy. On a Roman blind it works run vertically down both sides rather than across the bottom. Because it is so fine, we often use two colourways together on a single cushion, one set inside the other. Order a sample to see it in your own light.

This is a trim to hand-sew. At this width adhesive shows at the edges almost immediately and there is no margin in which to hide it. Stitch down both edges with a matching thread and a small stitch. Corners want a proper mitre rather than a fold, since a fold at this width creates a lump. Around a curve, press the braid to shape with a warm iron before you stitch rather than easing it as you go. Allow 10 centimetres on every run for returns and for turning the ends.

• Composition: 100% LI (100% linen)
• Sold by: Half metre
• Suitable for: Cushion borders, curtain edges, lampshades, blinds
• Care: Dry clean recommended
• Collection: Accent II, Mark Alexander
• Colourways: 6 (Chestnut, Indigo, Moccasin, Ecru, Jasper White, Silverbirch)