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Soutache is a narrow braid characterized by a distinctive herringbone pattern, primarily used as a decorative trimming on textiles. Braiding itself is a textile technique involving the interlacing of three or more strands of yarn or cloth strips in a diagonal formation to create a flat or tubular fabric.12

While braiding can be used for functional purposes like binding or finishing raw edges, soutache specifically serves an ornamental role. It is sometimes employed to outline designs, adding a decorative element to garments and home furnishings. The term "soutache" originates from Hungarian and was first used in English in 1848.21

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