How To Sew Piping For Upholstery & More: Step-By-Step Guide
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
For well-defined seams with a clean finish, piping is a great technique to have under your belt. From furniture cushions to garments, this decorative trim adds a structured, defined seam appearance to all kinds of projects. Learn more about piping in sewing, including what it is and how to make your own piping, in this post. Print or save our free illustrated infographic at the bottom of the page for visual instructions, and find what you need to make piping for upholstery, garments and more at WAWAK. Let's get started!
WHAT YOU NEED:
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN PIPING
What Is Piping In Sewing?
In sewing, piping is a style of trim consisting of a fabric-encased cord. When added to a sewing project, it creates a raised seam appearance, excellent for accenting certain seams or creating a defined edge. Piping (or "welting," as it's often called in upholstery sewing) is commonly used on upholstery. You'll often see piping around the edges of cushions or couches, as it helps reinforce high-traffic seams and neaten the seams’ appearance. Piping is also used decoratively on garments, bags, and more; you've probably seen piping trim the edges of a bag or accent particular areas of a garment like collars, edges, hems and pockets.
Pre-made piping is available for purchase, but you can also easily create your own. Let's take a look at one method for making your own piping step-by-step:
How To Sew Piping Step-By-Step
1. Cut Fabric Strips On The Bias
Start by cutting strips of fabric to form the outside of the piping. To achieve the most flexibility, cut your fabric on the bias following these steps:
Fold fabric at a 45° angle.
Fold again into a triangle
Square up your triangle.
Cut off the folded edge.
Cut fabric strips to the width needed to wrap around the piping, plus the seam allowance for your project.
2. Sew Fabric Strips End-To-End
Sew your fabric strips together to make one continuous strand.
QUICK TIP: YOU CAN ALSO USE PRE-MADE BIAS TAPE TO SKIP THE FIRST TWO STEPS.
3. Choose The Right Cord
Choose your cord in the size and flexibility you need for your project. If you will be laundering your project, it is important to choose something that will not shrink when washed. For a more detailed look at the sizes and types of cord used for piping, check out our Sewing & Piping Cord Size Chart.
4. Fold The Bias Strip Over The Cord
Fold your bias strip over your cord. You can pin this in place, or just fold as you sew.
5. Stitch In Place
Use a zipper foot and long stitches to sandwich your cord inside the fold of your bias strip. It is not necessary to get the stitches perfectly close to your cord. This can be done when sewing your piping into your final project.
6. Add Completed Piping To Your Project
Your piping is complete! Use the piping in a project by adding it inside a seam.
HOW TO ADD PIPING TO A SEAM
Now that you have your piping ready to go, let's take a quick look at how to add piping to a seam. Essentially, you'll want to sandwich your piping between your fabric layers and stitch them all in place:
Trim the piping edge to match your seam allowance.
Place the piping between your fabric layers, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other.
Make sure the edges of the fabric and the piping are aligned and pin or baste in place as desired. If you're working with a slippery fabric or curved seam, it can be helpful to hand baste the piping to at least one fabric layer to help prevent it from shifting or twisting while you sew.
Using a piping foot or zipper foot, stitch as closely as possible to the piping cord, backstitching at the start and end of your seam as usual.
Turn your project right side out and admire your piped seams!
Ready to get started? Whether you're sewing piping for a pillow or a purse, find what you need for your next project at WAWAK. And don’t forget to save the diagram below for illustrated instructions on how to sew piping for upholstery and more. Let's sew!
Print or save our handy illustrated guide on how to make piping for upholstery, garments and more below.
