I discovered an American Guild sewing question requesting where to purchase horse hair braid over 3" wide? I have used Steinlauf & Stoller located in midtown NYC, 877.869.0321, in the past and they are very accommodating over the phone. Call them or use their website www.steinlaufandstroller.com.

Today Horsehair braid is loosely woven from transparent strands of nylon thread often sewn into the hemlines of a bridal gown  slightly stiffening the lower edge.  Adding a horsehair braid hem allows the hem to billow, especially if you have cut the gown fabric on the crosswise grain, which allows the fashion fabric to billow or envelope down rather than fall straight if cut on a straight grain.

Horsehair was originally the long, coarse hair from the manes and tails of horses used to make a hard-wearing fabric called haircloth, horsehair plaster, a wall covering material used in the construction industry now found only in older buildings.  During the 18th century it was used in when making wigs. 19th century found it useful for upholstery stuffing,  covering fabric for furniture, and almost always the fiber used to make shaving brushes. Commonly used in hats and women's undergarments. Remember the "Gibson Girl", her hair was created with horsehair braid. The 18th century it was used in wigs.

Sewing a Horsehair Braid Hem

1. Mark the hemline at the bottom of the skirt. Trim the hem allowance below the marked hemline to 1/4".
   
2. On the garments right side, align the top edge of the braid with the marked hemline. Start at the back or side seam; fold under the starting end.
3. Edgestitch braid all the way around the garment hem. Fold under the finishing end of the braid to abut the starting end.
   
4. Fold hem and braid to wrong side along hemline marking. Edgestitch along folded edge through all thicknesses.
   
5. Note: Stitching from the top side may alleviate puckering.
   
6. Secure the free edge of the Horsehair braid to the garment by tacking it to the seams only. 
7. Whipstitch the abutted braid ends together. Remove any basting. Press entire hem carefully.