Master the Art of Pillow Making: A Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing with Cording

Have you ever wanted to add a touch of elegance to your couch or bed? Look no further, because sewing a pillow with cording is easier than you may think. Not only will it elevate the look of your home decor, but it’s also a practical skill to have. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating your own personalized pillow with cording. So grab your sewing kit and get ready to add some charm and style to any room in your house!

Understanding the Purpose of Cording in Pillow Making

Cording is a technique used in pillow making to add a decorative trim or finish to the edges of the pillow. It is the process of attaching a thin cord or piping between the fabric pieces before sewing them together. This not only adds visual interest to the pillow but also provides structural support and prevents the fabric from fraying. Cording can be made from various materials such as cotton, polyester, or even leather, depending on the desired look and feel of the pillow.

One of the main purposes of cording is to create a professional and polished look for your pillow. It can elevate a simple design and make it look more sophisticated and high-end. The addition of cording can transform an ordinary pillow into an eye-catching piece that adds character and personality to a room. Cording also adds dimension to pillows, making them stand out from other accent pieces on your couch or bed.

Another important purpose of cording is to provide structure and durability to pillows. The cord acts as a reinforcement for seams, preventing them from ripping apart with regular use. This makes cording ideal for pillows that will be used frequently, such as on sofas or chairs. The added support from cording also helps prevent sagging in areas where the fabric might otherwise become loose over time.

Lastly, cording serves as a way to prevent fraying of raw edges on fabric pieces. When joining two fabric panels together, especially if they are made from delicate materials like silk or linen, there is a risk of fraying at the seamline. By adding cording between these panels, you create a barrier that covers any raw edges and protects them from unraveling or becoming damaged with use.

Types of Cords Used in Pillow Making

There are various types of cords that can be used in pillow making, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. The type of cord you choose will depend on the overall design and style of your pillow. Here are some commonly used cords in pillow making:

1. Cotton cording: This is one of the most popular types of cording used in pillow making. It is made from 100% cotton, which makes it soft and pliable, yet strong enough to provide support to your pillow. Cotton cording is available in a range of sizes, making it suitable for different thicknesses of pillows.

2. Polyester cording: Polyester cording is another commonly used type of cording in pillow making. It is made from synthetic material, which makes it more durable and resistant to wear and tear compared to cotton cording. It is also available in various colors, making it easy to find a matching cord for your fabric.

3. Leather cording: For a more luxurious look, leather cording can be used in pillows. It adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to any design. However, leather cording can be quite expensive compared to other types and may require special tools or techniques when sewing with it.

4. Piping cord: Piping cord is a thicker type of cord that creates a more prominent edge on pillows. It is often used for larger pillows or cushions as it provides more structure and support to the edges. Piping cord can be made from various materials such as cotton or polyester, depending on the look you want to achieve.

Materials Needed for Sewing a Pillow with Cording

To sew a pillow with cording, you will need the following materials:

– Fabric for the pillow front and back
– Cording or piping cord
– Thread
– Sewing machine and needle suitable for your fabric
– Scissors
– Pins

It is important to choose high-quality materials for your pillow project as they will determine the overall look and durability of your finished product.

Step-by-Step Guide for Sewing a Pillow with Cording

1. Prepare your fabric: Start by washing and ironing your chosen fabric to remove any creases or wrinkles. Then, cut out front and back panels for your pillow to the desired size. Add an extra inch on all sides for seam allowances.

2. Cut the cording: Measure the perimeter of your pillow and add an extra inch to that measurement. This will be the length of cording you will need. Cut the cording to this length using sharp scissors.

3. Attach the cording: Lay one of your fabric panels flat, with the right side facing up. Place the cord on top of one edge, aligning it with the raw edge of the fabric. Pin it in place, leaving a few inches at each end.

4. Sew in place: Using a zipper or piping foot on your sewing machine, stitch along the edge of the fabric, keeping as close to the cord as possible. Make sure you are catching both sides of the cord in your stitches.

5. Join fabric panels: Once the cord is attached, place both fabric panels with their right sides together and pin them in place around all edges, making sure to match up

Understanding the Process of Sewing a Pillow with Cording

Sewing a pillow with cording is a simple and satisfying project that can instantly upgrade the look of any living room or bedroom. It involves adding a decorative rope or cord along the edges of the pillow for an added touch of elegance. This technique is commonly used in professional sewing and upholstery, and with a little practice, it can be easily mastered by anyone.

Gathering Supplies for Your Project

Before you begin sewing, it is essential to gather all the necessary supplies for your project. You will need fabric for the pillow cover, cording, coordinating thread, sharp scissors, pins, measuring tape or ruler, a sewing machine, and a zipper foot attachment (optional).

The first step is to choose suitable fabric for your pillow cover. Medium-weight woven fabrics such as cotton, linen, or medium-weight upholstery fabric are ideal choices due to their durability and ease of handling. It is also essential to select coordinating thread that matches your fabric.

Cording comes in various sizes and materials such as cotton or synthetic. Choose one that best complements your fabric choice and desired finished look. You may also opt for premade cording or make your own using piping cord wrapped in bias-cut strips of fabric.

Taking Accurate Measurements

The key to successful sewing is taking accurate measurements before cutting any fabric. Measure the length and width of your pillow insert on all sides and add 1 inch seam allowance on each side. For example, if your pillow insert measures 18×18 inches, you will need to cut two squares of fabric measuring 19×19 inches.

Next, measure the circumference of your cording and add an additional inch for seam allowance on each end. For example, if your cording measures 150 inches around, you will need to cut two strips of fabric measuring 151 inches long and at least 2 inches wide.

Preparing the Cording

If you are using premade cording, you may skip this step. However, if you are making your own cording, follow these steps to prepare it for sewing. Cut out bias strips of fabric measuring 2 inches wide and the same length as your cording. Using a zipper foot attachment on your sewing machine, fold one edge of the fabric strip over the cording and sew along the length of the cording as close to it as possible. Once done, gently tug on the other edge of the fabric to wrap it tightly around the cord. Trim off any excess fabric.

Attaching the Cording to Your Pillow Cover

Lay out your pillow cover pieces with their right sides facing up and align them at all edges. Pin one end of the cording piece to one side of your pillow cover, leaving a few inches unattached at each end. Sew along that side using a zipper foot attachment, being careful not to catch the cord in your stitches.

When you reach a corner, use sharp scissors or a bodkin to carefully push in extra cord length until it meets with the next edge of your pillow cover. Continue sewing until all edges have been attached with cording except for a few inches at each end.

Closing Up Your Pillow Cover

Pin both ends of your cording together where they meet and sew them together using a small hand-stitch or zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine. Once done, trim off any excess cord.

Next, turn your pillow cover right-side out and insert your pillow form through the unattached opening with its corners reaching all four corners inside. Pin or baste closed that small opening in between rows/cords so that it does not shift when attaching final cordon stitch pattern.

Sewing Around the Cord

Finally, sew a second row of stitching around the cord using a zipper foot attachment to secure it in place. This will also create a professional-looking finishing touch for your pillow cover.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Sewn Pillow Cover

To keep your newly sewn pillow with cording in pristine condition, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintaining your chosen fabrics. For best results, spot clean or hand wash your pillow covers gently and air dry as needed.

Sewing a pillow with cording is an enjoyable and gratifying project that anyone can master with just a few supplies and simple techniques. With these steps, you can easily create customized pillows that will add warmth and charm to any room in your home. Whether you are an experienced seamstress or new to sewing, this project is perfect for all skill levels. So why not give it a try and elevate the style of your living space with beautiful pillows adorned with elegant cording?

Q: What materials do I need to sew a pillow with cording?
A: To sew a pillow with cording, you will need fabric, cording (also known as piping), scissors, straight pins, a sewing machine, a zipper foot attachment, and a hand sewing needle.

Q: How do I cut the fabric for my pillow?
A: Measure and cut two squares of fabric in the desired size of your pillow, adding an extra half inch on each side for seam allowance. Then cut two strips of fabric to use as the cording casing.

Q: How do I attach the cording to my fabric?
A: Lay one strip of fabric along one edge of your pillow square with the right sides facing each other. Place the cording on top of the strip and sandwich it between both layers. Use your zipper foot attachment to stitch close to the edge of the cording. Repeat on all edges except one.

Q: How do I assemble my pillow with cording?
A: Place both squares of fabric together with right sides facing each other and pin all edges together. Stitch around all edges, leaving one side open for stuffing. Trim any excess seam allowance. Turn the pillow cover right side out and insert your pillow form.

Q: How do I close the opening after stuffing my pillow?
A: Using your hand sewing needle and coordinating thread, stitch closed the remaining opening using an invisible ladder stitch or whip stitch. Tie off your thread securely.

Q: Can I make different sizes or shapes of pillows using this method?
A: Yes, you can create pillows in different sizes and shapes by simply adjusting your measurements and cutting accordingly before sewing. The same method can be used for round or rectangular pillows as well.

In conclusion, learning how to sew a pillow with cording can be a fun and rewarding experience for any beginner or experienced sewer. By following basic steps and techniques, one can easily create a professional-looking pillow with cording to add a touch of elegance to any room. Starting with selecting the right fabric and cording, to properly measuring and cutting the materials, to sewing and stuffing the pillow, this process requires attention to detail and patience. Additionally, incorporating decorative elements such as piping or adding embellishments can further elevate the design of the pillow.

Throughout this guide, we have highlighted important tips and considerations to keep in mind when sewing a pillow with cording. From choosing the right tools and materials, to mastering essential techniques like creating clean corners and finishing seams, these skills can be applied not only to pillows but also to other home decor projects. Practice makes perfect, so be patient with yourself as you master this skill.

Moreover, sewing your own pillow with cording allows for customization and personalization that cannot be achieved by purchasing store-bought items. You have complete control over the design, size, and fabric choices when creating your own pillow. This adds a unique touch that reflects your style and personality.

Lastly, sewing is not just a practical skill but also a form of

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.