Abstract: An encased wire for a garment includes a wire with first and second ends and a casing surrounding the wire. The casing includes a first fabric ribbon woven from a polyamide that resists penetration by at least one of the ends of the wire. The casing has a first edge, a second edge, and a first, stitched seam disposed adjacent to the first edge to close the casing, thereby containing the wire. The casing may be a single layer construction or a multi-layer construction. Selected regions of the casing resist penetration by the wire. Other selected regions provide increased comfort to the wearer. A sewing machine and a method of manufacture of the casing also are provided.