Mastering the Art of Piping: A Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing Piping on a Cushion

Are you tired of plain, boring cushions and looking to add a pop of style to your home decor? Look no further, as learning how to sew piping on a cushion is the perfect way to elevate your space. Piping is a decorative trim that adds texture and dimension to any cushion or pillow. It may seem intimidating at first, but with this simple guide, you will soon master the art of sewing piping and take your DIY game up a notch. So, grab your sewing kit and let’s dive into the world of piping!

What is Piping and Why is it Used on Cushions?

Piping, also known as welting, is a type of trim or decorative border used on upholstery, clothing, and home decor items such as cushions. It consists of a strip of fabric that is usually folded in half and then wrapped around a cord or filling material to create a raised edge. The finished piping is then attached to the edges of the cushion to enhance its appearance and add dimension.

There are several reasons why piping is commonly used on cushions. First and foremost, it adds a professional and polished touch to any cushion project. It can elevate a plain cushion into a visually interesting piece and can also tie in with other design elements in the room. Piping can also help to define the shape of the cushion, making it look more structured and defined.

In addition to aesthetics, piping serves practical purposes as well. It acts as a barrier between the fabric of the cushion cover and the filling material, helping to prevent wear and tear from friction over time. It also provides extra support along the cushion edges, which can be especially helpful for larger or heavier cushions.

Now that you understand the purpose of piping on cushions, let’s dive into how you can sew it onto your own cushion projects.

How to Choose Piping for Your Cushion

Before you begin sewing piping onto your cushion, it’s important to choose the right type of piping for your project. There are two main types of ready-made piping available: corded and flat. Corded piping has an extra layer of cording inside the fabric strip, creating a more raised edge compared to flat piping.

When selecting your piping, consider not only the color but also the style and thickness of both the fabric strip and cording inside. You want to make sure that it complements your cushion fabric while also providing enough support for the edges. It’s also important to take note of the width and length of the piping to ensure it will fit your cushion dimensions.

Alternatively, you can make your own piping using a fabric strip and cording of your choice. This gives you more control over the size and style of the piping, but it does require additional time and skill.

Preparing Your Cushion Cover for Piping

Before you start attaching the piping to your cushion cover, make sure that you have all of your materials and tools ready. You will need your chosen piping, cushion cover, cushion insert, sewing machine, and coordinating thread.

To prepare your cushion cover for piping, fold the edges over by ¼ inch and press them with an iron. This creates a neat hem on each edge where the piping will be attached. Next, lay the piping along one edge of the cushion cover with the raw edge facing outwards. Pin or baste in place to secure.

Sewing the Piping onto Your Cushion

Now it’s time to sew the piping onto your cushion! Using a zipper foot on your sewing machine will allow more accuracy when sewing close to the corded edge.

Start by aligning the raw edge of the fabric strip with one edge of your cushion cover. Sew along this edge as close as possible to the cording inside. When you come to a corner, carefully snip into the fabric strip at an angle towards the corner – making sure not to cut through any stitching – then pivot and continue sewing along the next side.

When you reach where you started, overlap the ends of your piping slightly and trim off any excess fabric strip. With right sides together, align these two ends and sew in place.

Attaching Your Cushion Insert

With your piping now securely sewn around all four sides of your cushion cover, it’s time to insert your cushion. Make sure to choose a quality cushion insert that is slightly larger than your cover for a plump and full appearance.

Once the insert is inside the cover, you can then hand stitch the opening closed using an invisible stitch. This will create a seamless finish and hide any raw edges.

Conclusion

Sewing piping onto a cushion may seem daunting at first, but with the right materials and techniques, it can be a fun and rewarding project. Piping adds both style and functionality to your cushions, making them look more professional and lasting longer. With practice, you’ll be able to master this skill and add piping to all of your cushion projects. So go ahead and give it a try – your cushions will thank you for it!

Understanding Piping

Piping is a decorative element that can add a touch of sophistication to any cushion. It is commonly used to add a professional and finished look to home decor projects such as pillows, cushions, and even upholstery. Piping is essentially a strip of fabric that has been folded in half and inserted into the seam of a project. It can be made from any fabric that you choose, making it customizable to fit your personal style.

Preparing Your Materials

Before you begin sewing piping onto your cushion, it is important to gather all the necessary materials. You will need your chosen fabric for the piping, as well as your cushion fabric and any other tools needed for your specific project. It is also helpful to have scissors, pins, a ruler or measuring tape, and a sewing machine or needle and thread.

Creating Your Own Piping

Although pre-made piping can be purchased from craft or fabric stores, creating your own piping allows for more customization in terms of color and fabric choice. To make your own piping, start by cutting strips of fabric on the bias (diagonally across the grain) at least 1 inch wide and the length needed for your project. Then fold the strips in half lengthwise and press them with an iron. Next, place a cord (usually cotton or polyester) inside the folded strip and sew close to the cord using a zipper foot on your sewing machine or by hand using a slipstitch.

Adding Piping To Your Cushion

To add piping to your cushion, you will first need to cut two or more pieces of fabric for the front and back of your cushion. If using pre-made piping, measure around each piece of fabric and cut pieces that length plus an extra inch on each end for overlap. If using homemade piping, measure around each piece of fabric and cut pieces that length plus an extra inch on each end for overlap. Then, pin the piping to the right side of the cushion’s front or back piece, with the raw edges facing out and the edge of the piping aligned with the edge of the fabric. Sew along the seam allowance, using your zipper foot or a matching thread to sew close to the cord. When you reach a corner, clip into the cord at a diagonal angle to allow it to turn smoothly. Once your piping is attached to all pieces, sew them together according to your cushion pattern.

Tips and Tricks

Sewing piping onto a cushion may seem intimidating at first, but with practice and a few helpful tips and tricks, you can create professional-looking results. Here are some things to keep in mind when adding piping to your cushion:
– Use a quality zipper foot for best results.
– If possible, use contrasting color thread when sewing on your piping so any stitches are not visible once completed.
– Take care when clipping into corners so as not to clip too close to your stitching.
– Hand baste your piping onto your cushion before sewing with your machine for more control and accuracy.

Sewing piping onto a cushion is a great way to elevate its design and add a personal touch. With proper preparation and attention to detail, you can achieve clean and polished results that will impress anyone who sees your finished product. Use these tips and techniques when adding piping to future projects and take pride in knowing that you have mastered this decorative skill.

Q: What is piping and why is it used on cushions?
A: Piping is a narrow strip of fabric that is folded and inserted between two layers of fabric to add a decorative and finished look to the edges of a cushion. It also helps to provide support and structure to the cushion.

Q: What materials do I need in order to sew piping on a cushion?
A: To sew piping on a cushion, you will need piping cord, fabric strips for the piping, pins, sewing machine, thread, scissors, ruler or measuring tape, and fabric for the cushion cover.

Q: How do I prepare the piping for sewing?
A: First, cut the fabric strips for the piping according to the measurement of your cushion edges plus extra allowance for sewing. Then fold each strip in half lengthwise with right sides facing each other. Pin along the folded edge and sew it using a zipper foot attachment on your sewing machine. Finally, trim any excess fabric from the seam allowance.

Q: How do I sew piping onto a cushion?
A: Once you have prepared your piping, place it along the edge of your cushion cover with raw edges matching and pin it in place. Make sure you start and end at least 1 inch away from the corners. Using a piping foot or zipper foot attachment on your sewing machine, stitch as close as possible to the cord while making sure not to catch or break it.

Q: What should I keep in mind when sewing corners with piping?
A: When reaching corners, make sure to stop stitching at least 1 inch away from the edge and remove any excess bulk from the cord inside the fabric strip. Then fold both ends of the fabric strip towards each other at a 45-degree angle before continuing to stitch around the corner. This will give you sharp and clean corners.

Q: How can I ensure that my piping is securely attached to my cushion?
A: To ensure the piping is securely attached, you can use an invisible hand stitch to close any gaps or loose ends between the beginning and end of your piping. You can also go over your stitching line with a second pass for added reinforcement. Finally, trim any excess fabric from the seam allowance and turn your cushion cover right side out to check for any imperfections.

In conclusion, mastering the skill of sewing piping on a cushion can greatly enhance one’s sewing abilities and elevate the overall look and feel of their cushions. Our guide has outlined the step-by-step process for creating and attaching piping, as well as tips for selecting materials, troubleshooting common challenges, and achieving a professional finish.

As with any new skill, practice is key in perfecting the techniques involved in sewing piping on a cushion. However, by following our comprehensive guide and tips, you can gain confidence and proficiency in no time.

Additionally, learning how to sew piping can open up endless possibilities for personalizing and customizing cushions to fit your unique style and home decor. From choosing different fabrics to playing with contrasting colors, piping allows for endless creativity and adds an extra touch of sophistication to any cushion.

We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and techniques to successfully sew piping on a cushion. Remember to take your time, be patient with yourself, and have fun experimenting with this new skill. Happy sewing!

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.