Piping is a decorative edge that adds a professional and clean finish to various sewing projects, such as cushions, clothing, and bags. In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps of how to sew piping for your next project.

Materials Needed:

– Fabric (for both the piping and main project)

– Cording (the cord inside the piping)

– Sewing machine

– Zipper foot

– Scissors

– Ruler

– Fabric marker or chalk

– Straight pins or clips

Step 1: Cut the Fabric Strips

First, measure and cut fabric strips for the piping. Determining the width of your strips depends on the diameter of your cording plus seam allowance. To calculate the total width needed for the strips, double the seam allowance, and add it to the diameter of your cording

Use a fabric marker or chalk and a ruler to mark out straight lines on your fabric. Then carefully cut along these lines to create evenly sized fabric strips.

Step 2: Wrap Cording

Take one strip of fabric and position it so that its right side is facing up. Place your cording along one edge of the strip. Fold over the fabric so that it completely encloses the cording and aligns evenly with its other side.

Step 3: Pin or Clip in Place

Use straight pins or clips to hold the pieces together temporarily, until sewing can secure them further. Keep adjacent pins about an inch apart from each other, ensuring all layers are securely held

Step 4: Attach Zipper Foot

Attach a zipper foot to your sewing machine to sew closely alongside the cording within your piping. The zipper foot will allow you greater control for tight stitching.

Step 5: Sew Alongside Cording

Stitch as close as possible to the encased cording, while maintaining even and straight seam. Take care not to sew through the cording itself. This initial stitch line will create a seamless finish once the piping is attached to your main project.

Step 6: Prepare Your Main Project

With your piping now created, prepare the main project you’ll be attaching your new decorative edge to. Ensure that your material is cut or marked appropriately, based on your project specifications.

Step 7: Attach Piping to Project

Pin or clip the piping onto the edge of your main project’s fabric (right sides together) so they align accurately. The stitching on the piping should face outwards toward the seam allowance.

Step 8: Sew Piping to Main Project

Again, working with a zipper foot, sew as close as possible to the piping cording while joining it to your main fabric. Follow the curve of the piping and maintain consistent stitching by following guide marks or pins/clips.

Step 9: Finish and Trim Seams

With all seams correctly aligned, trim any excess fabric and press the seams as necessary for a professional finish. Your concise sewing will result in a smooth and polished look, bearing witness to an expertly executed piece.

With these steps followed carefully, you’ll have mastered how to sew piping for any project that needs additional flair or finesse. This skill will significantly enhance all of your future sewing ventures, and gain you compliments abound!