Master the Art of Pillow-Making: A Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing Cording for Beautifully Decorated Pillows

Are you tired of plain, boring pillows? Do you want to add a touch of sophistication and style to your home decor? Look no further, because today we’re going to show you how to sew cording on a pillow in just a few simple steps. This fun and easy DIY project will have you transforming your throw pillows into luxurious and elegant accents for any room in your house. Whether you’re an experienced sewer or just starting out, this guide will provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to create beautiful cording on your pillows. So grab your needle and thread, and let’s get sewing!

Understanding Cording and Its Use in Pillows

Cording, also known as piping, is a decorative trim used to create a defined and finished edge on pillows. It is made of a fabric strip that has a narrow piece of rope or cord running through its center. This trim adds texture, dimension, and style to pillows, taking them from plain to elegant. In addition to enhancing the overall appearance of pillows, cording also serves as a functional element by strengthening the seams and preventing them from fraying.

People have been using cording in their sewing projects for centuries. It was commonly found on luxurious items such as upholstery and clothing during the Renaissance period. In the past, cording was made by hand from twisted strips of fabric or leather. Nowadays, it is commercially produced in various sizes and materials such as cotton, silk, and synthetic fibers. Cording can be purchased pre-made or made at home by sewing together fabric strips and inserting a cord inside.

Tools and Materials Required for Sewing Cording on Pillows

Before we dive into the specifics of how to sew cording onto pillows, let’s gather all the necessary tools and materials in one place. This will ensure that you have everything you need before starting your project.

1. Fabric – Choose a sturdy medium-weight fabric for your pillow cover that will withstand the weight of the cording.

2. Cording – Select a size that complements your pillow’s size and design. You can find various thicknesses of cording at craft stores or online.

3. Matching Thread – Use a thread color that blends in with your fabric for an invisible seam.

4. Scissors – Sharp scissors are essential for cutting the fabric and cording cleanly.

5. Pins – Use pins to hold the cording in place while you sew it onto the pillow cover.

6.Cover Button Kit – A cover button kit will help you create a simple fabric-covered button for decorative purposes.

7. Sewing Machine – While cording can be sewn by hand, a sewing machine makes the process faster and more efficient.

Creating Your Own Cording

As mentioned earlier, you can make your own cording at home using fabric scraps and cord. This gives you the freedom to customize the color, pattern, and thickness of your cording to match your project’s requirements. Here are the steps to make your own cording:

1. Cut your fabric into a narrow strip, ensuring that it is at least twice the length of the cord you will be using.

2. Fold the strip in half lengthwise and press it with an iron to create a crease at the fold.

3. Place the cord inside the folded strip, making sure it is centered along the crease.

4. Pin along the edge of the strip to hold it in place.

5. Using a zipper foot on your sewing machine, stitch along the edge of the fabric close to where it meets with the cord. Continue this process until you reach the end of your strip.

6. Trim any excess fabric or cord when you reach the end and finish off with a few back stitches.

Your homemade cording is now ready to use on your pillow!

How To Sew Cording on a Pillow

Now that we have all our tools and materials ready let’s get started on sewing cording onto a pillow cover! Follow these simple steps:

1.Remove any old trim or frayed edges from your pillow cover for a clean surface.

2. Measure and cut enough cording to reach around all four edges of your pillow plus an extra inch for seam allowance.

3.Lay out one corner of your pillow cover with its right side facing up.

4.Place one end of cording along one edge, starting at the corner. Ensure that the raw edges of the cord and fabric align.

5.Leave the extra inch of cord hanging loose at the beginning and hold it in place with pins.

6.Place the second layer of fabric on top, placing its right side facing down.

7.Start sewing about an inch away from the edge of your cover, placing your zipper foot on your sewing machine for accuracy.

8.Continue sewing until you reach one inch from the end of your first pinned cording.

9.Without cutting off any threads, move on to pinning and attaching cording to your next edge. Again leave about an inch hanging at each side.

10.Continue this process until all four sides of your pillow cover are done.

11.Joining two ends is easy. Overlap one raw edge over another by an inch, cutting off any excess. Sew them together firmly using an invisible stitch for a seamless finish.

12.Now it’s time to attach the cover button if you wish to decorate your pillow with one. Cover buttons can be sewn onto any part of a pillow using an invisible stitch around its perimeter or use a hot glue gun if not being washed regularly. Make sure the color and style match with other elements or décor in your room!

13.Turn

Learning how to sew cording on a pillow is a valuable skill for any sewing enthusiast. Not only does adding cording enhance the look of the pillow, but it also adds durability and structure. With the right techniques and tools, sewing cording onto a pillow can be relatively easy. In this guide, we will go through the step-by-step process of how to sew cording on a pillow, so you can create professional-looking pillows on your own.

Gather Supplies

Before getting started on sewing cording onto a pillow, it is important to make sure you have all the necessary supplies. This includes:

– Fabric (for the pillow)
– Cording (in your desired length and thickness)
– Sewing machine
– Zipper foot attachment
– Pins
– Scissors
– Matching thread
– Hand sewing needle

Make sure your fabric is washed and ironed before beginning. This will ensure that the fabric does not shrink or pucker after sewing.

Preparing the Cording

The first step in sewing cording onto a pillow is preparing the cording itself. If you are using pre-made cording, you can skip this step. However, if you want to create custom cording using your own fabric, follow these steps:

1. Cut strips of fabric on the bias (at a 45-degree angle) in 3 times the width of your desired final cording.
2. Sew these strips together at one end, right sides facing each other.
3. Place your cording inside the fabric strip so that one edge of the cording is lined up with one raw edge of the fabric.
4. Fold over both edges of the fabric strip and sew along one side close to the edge with matching thread.
5. Now that your custom cording is ready, it’s time to move on to attaching it to the pillow.

Attaching the Cording

1. Begin by placing your fabric for the pillow right side up on your work surface.
2. Take your cording and pin it along the raw edge of the fabric, making sure it is evenly aligned and facing inward.
3. Remove the zipper foot attachment from your sewing machine and replace it with a regular presser foot.
4. Starting at one end of the cording, begin sewing close to the edge, being careful not to accidentally sew onto the cording itself.
5. When you reach a corner, stop sewing about 1 inch before reaching it. Then lift your presser foot and pivot the fabric so you can continue sewing along the next edge of your pillow.
6. Repeat this process until you have sewn all four sides of your pillow, leaving a 1-inch gap on one side.
7. Trim any excess cording off at each corner and trim off any excess fabric from both ends so that they meet seamlessly when closed together.

Closing Up

1. Turn your pillow right side out through the gap you left unsewn.
2. Stuff your pillow insert inside through the gap until it is evenly filled.
3. Once satisfied with how full your pillow is, close up the gap using an invisible ladder stitch or a slip stitch.

Adding Piping

If you want to take things up a notch, you can add piping in between the cording and fabric for an even more professional look:

1. Before pinning on your cording, cut 1-inch strips of fabric on bias in twice (or more) than needed for each side of piping.
2. Fold these strips in half lengthwise with right sides facing each other and iron them flat.
3. Sandwich one side of piping (outside ends) between folded fabric strips.
4. Sew on top of one side of piping with a zipper foot.
5. Follow the same steps for attaching the cording to the pillow, making sure to position the piping along with the cording and fabric before sewing.

With these simple steps, you can now confidently sew cording onto a pillow like a pro. Adding cording not only adds an extra detail to your pillows, but it also gives them structure and durability. Have fun experimenting with different fabric, cording, and piping combinations to create unique and personalized pillows for your home or as gifts for loved ones. Happy sewing!

FAQs on How To Sew Cording On A Pillow:

1) What is cording and why is it used in pillow making?
Cording, also known as piping, is a decorative element consisting of a fabric-covered cord that is usually inserted between two fabric layers. It adds dimension and structure to pillows while providing a professional finish.

2) What supplies do I need to sew cording on a pillow?
You will need basic sewing tools such as pins, scissors, a sewing machine, and matching thread. Additionally, you will need cording or piping cord and fabric for your pillow cover.

3) How do I make my own cording for a pillow?
To make your own cording, cut strips of fabric on the bias (diagonally across the grain) and fold them over the piping cord. Secure with pins and sew along the edge of the cord. Trim off any excess fabric.

4) Is there a specific type of stitch I should use when sewing cording on a pillow?
Yes, it is recommended to use a zipper foot on your sewing machine when attaching cording to your pillow cover. This allows you to get close to the cord without stitching over it.

5) Can I use cording on any type of pillow?
Yes, you can use cording on both square and round pillows. However, it may be more challenging to sew cording onto curved edges compared to straight ones.

6) How do I attach the cording to my pillow cover?
Firstly, pin the cording onto the right side of one fabric piece with the raw edges aligned. Then place the other fabric piece right side down on top. Sew along the edge using a zipper foot and trim any excess. Finally, flip right side out and insert the pillow form.

In conclusion, learning how to sew cording on a pillow is a simple and fun skill that can elevate the appearance of any pillow. By following the proper techniques and using the right tools and materials, anyone can achieve a professional-looking finished product. Key takeaways from this process include: properly measuring and cutting the cording, attaching it securely to the pillow, and mastering different sewing techniques for finishing touches. Additionally, being patient and practicing regularly will improve one’s sewing skills over time. Not only is sewing cording on a pillow an enjoyable hobby, but it also allows for personalization and customization of home decor. So whether you are a beginner or an experienced seamstress looking to expand your skills, mastering how to sew cording on a pillow is definitely worth the effort. With these tips in mind, readers can confidently tackle their next sewing project with ease.

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.