Master the Art of Piping: Your Guide to Creating Beautiful Pillows with Ease!

Have you ever flipped through home decor magazines or scrolled through Pinterest and admired those perfectly crafted pillows with elegant piping? It’s no secret that a beautiful pillow can instantly elevate a room’s aesthetics and add a touch of sophistication to any space. However, purchasing these designer pillows can put a dent in your wallet. But what if we told you that you can easily make your own throw pillow with piping at home? In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of how to sew a pillow with piping and achieve that professional-looking finish without breaking the bank. So, grab your sewing kit and let’s get started!

The Basics of Sewing a Pillow with Piping

Sewing a pillow with piping is not only a functional skill, but it also adds a decorative touch to any home decor. With a few simple tools and skills, you can easily create your very own custom pillows with piping to match your personal style. Before you start this project, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the basics of sewing and piping.

What is Piping?

Piping is a decorative trim that is used in sewing projects to give a professional finish. It is essentially a strip of bias cut fabric that is folded in half and inserted between two layers of fabric. The folded edge creates an attractive raised line on the finished product.

Tools and Materials Needed

To sew a pillow with piping, you will need:

– Fabric for the pillow cover
– Fabric for the piping
– Piping cord or filler cord
– Sewing machine
– Zipper foot
– Ruler or measuring tape
– Pins or clips
– Scissors
– Thread
– Hand sewing needle

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

Follow these steps to sew a basic pillow cover with piping:

Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric

Begin by pre-washing and ironing your fabric before cutting out your pieces. This ensures that the fabric won’t shrink after sewing and helps to create clean and crisp lines.

Step 2: Cut Out Your Pieces

Using your ruler or measuring tape, measure and cut out two equal-sized pieces for the front and back of your pillow cover. You will also need to cut out strips of fabric for your piping; these strips should be 1 inch wide for smaller filler cords, and 1.5 inches wide for larger filler cords.

Step 3: Make the Piping

To create the piping, lay your filler cord along the length of your piping strip and fold it in half. Use pins or clips to secure the fabric in place, making sure that the filler cord is snug inside. Using a zipper foot on your sewing machine, stitch close to the filler cord, making sure to catch both layers of fabric. Continue this process until you have enough piping to go around all four edges of your pillow cover.

Step 4: Attach Piping to Front Piece

Take your front piece of fabric and lay it right side up on a flat surface. Align one edge of your piping with one edge of the fabric, with the raw edges facing outwards. Pin or clip the piping in place around all four edges, making sure to leave a small gap at each corner.

Step 5: Join Back Piece and Front Piece

Place your back piece of fabric right side down on top of the front piece, aligning all edges. Carefully pin or clip around all four sides, making sure that the piping is sandwiched between both pieces.

Step 6: Sew All Edges Together

Using a straight stitch on your sewing machine and sewing as close to the piping as possible, stitch around all four sides of your pillow cover. Take special care when approaching each corner; leave the needle down when you reach a corner, lift up the presser foot and pivot your fabric before continuing to sew.

Step 7: Clip Corners and Turn Inside Out

After sewing all four sides together, clip off excess fabric from each corner and turn your pillow cover inside out through one of the gaps left in one corner.

Step 8: Insert Pillow Form or Filling

Finally, insert a pillow form or stuffing through the gap and hand stitch it closed.

Additional Tips for Sewing a Pillow with Piping

– When choosing fabric for your pillow cover, consider using a medium to heavyweight fabric for durability.
– It’s important to use a zipper foot when sewing piping to get as close to the piping as possible.
– Don’t forget to leave gaps in your piping at each corner so that you can easily turn the corners when sewing all edges together.
– If you don’t have a zipper foot, you can still sew piping by using a straight stitch and moving your needle over to one side. This may not be as close to the piping as with a zipper foot, but it will still give you a finished look.
– Experiment with different sizes of filler cords to achieve different looks and textures.
– Practice makes perfect! Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt at sewing a pillow with piping doesn’t turn out perfectly. Keep practicing and refining your skills.

Now that you have learned the basics of sewing a pillow with piping, you can use this skill to create custom pillows for every room in your home. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep honing your

Materials Needed

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

Fabric for the pillow (at least 1 yard)
Fabric for the piping (at least 1 yard)
Piping cord
Pillow stuffing
Sewing machine
Sewing needles
Sewing thread (in a coordinating color with your fabric)

Optional:

Piping foot for your sewing machine
Piping trim guide

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cut Out Your Fabric Pieces

Start by cutting out two equal-sized pieces of fabric for the front and back of your pillow. These can be any shape and size, but for simplicity, we will use a square shape. Cut out two squares (or rectangles) that are each about an inch larger than the size you want your finished pillow to be.

Next, cut out long strips of fabric to use as your piping. The width of these strips should be about double the width of your piping cord, plus an additional inch for seam allowance. The length of the strips should be at least twice the perimeter of your pillow.

Create Your Piping

Now it’s time to create your piping! Lay one of your fabric strips flat on a table and place the piping cord in the center. Fold the strip in half over the cord, making sure that both edges meet evenly and cover the cord completely.

Using a zipper foot on your sewing machine can make this process easier, but it’s not necessary. Sew along the folded edge of the strip, as close to the cord as possible. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure your stitching.

Attach Piping to Pillow Front

Place your pillow front on a flat surface with the right side facing up. Take your piping and place it around the edges of the pillow, with the raw edge of the piping facing towards the center of the pillow. Pin it in place, making sure to line up the raw edges.

If you have a piping foot for your sewing machine, now is the time to use it. If not, you can use a zipper foot or just sew slowly and carefully with a regular foot. Using a guide like a piping trim guide can also help keep your piping straight and even.

Sew along the pinned edge, using a 1/2 inch seam allowance (or whatever seam allowance you used when cutting out your fabric pieces). As you near each corner, stop sewing about 1/2 inch before reaching it and backstitch. This will allow for easier manipulation of the fabric when turning the corners.

Add Pillow Backing

Now it’s time to add your pillow backing! Lay your second fabric piece on top of your pillow front with right sides together, sandwiching the piping in between. Pin in place around all four edges.

Start sewing at one corner and continue along each edge until you reach another corner. Stop about 1/2 inch before reaching each corner and backstitch. This will create an opening for you to insert your pillow stuffing.

Turn Right Side Out & Stuff

Carefully turn your pillow cover right side out through the opening that was left in one corner. Use something small and pointed (such as scissors or a blunt pencil) to gently push out all four corners for sharp points.

Now stuff your pillow with filling of your choice, making sure to distribute it evenly. You can use a pillow stuffing or you can even reuse filling from an old pillow. Just make sure it is clean and in good condition.

Sew Up Opening & Finish Pillow

Tuck in the raw edges of the opening and pin them closed. Using a hand sewing needle and thread, neatly stitch up the opening using a slip stitch. This will ensure that your pillow cover is completely sealed.

And there you have it! Your beautiful hand-sewn pillow with piping is now complete! You can use this same technique to make pillows of any shape or size, just adjust your measurements accordingly.

Tips for Success

– If you are new to sewing or working with piping, practice on scrap fabric first before attempting on your actual project.
– Use a piping foot if you have one for more precise and consistent stitching.
– Take your time when sewing along the edges with the piping, this may require some maneuvering to ensure all layers are caught in the stitching.
– Make sure to trim any excess piping cord before closing up your pillow cover for a cleaner finish.
– Have fun with different fabrics and piping colors to create unique and personalized pillows.
– To keep your pillows looking new,

Q: What is the purpose of piping when sewing a pillow?
A: Piping is used to give a finished and decorative look to the edges of a pillow.

Q: What materials do I need to sew a pillow with piping?
A: You will need fabric for the pillow cover, piping cord, piping trim, scissors, pins, sewing machine, and coordinating thread.

Q: Do I need to use a specific type of fabric for the pillow cover?
A: Cotton or linen fabrics are commonly used for sewing pillows with piping. However, you can also use other medium-weight fabrics such as velvet or canvas.

Q: How do I cut the fabric for the pillow cover and piping?
A: Measure and cut the fabric according to the size of your pillow insert. For piping, cut bias strips of fabric that are 1 ½ inches wide.

Q: Can I make my own piping cord instead of buying it?
A: Yes, you can make your own piping cord by covering a length of cord with bias-cut strips of fabric using a zipper foot on your sewing machine.

Q
What is the process for attaching the piping to the edges of the pillow cover?
A: First, pin one end of the piping trim to one edge of the right side of the fabric. Then, attach it using a zipper foot along the seam allowance. Repeat on all edges, making sure to overlap and miter at corners. Finally, sew another seam along the original stitching line.

In conclusion, knowing how to sew a pillow with piping is a useful skill for any home sewer or DIY enthusiast. By following the steps outlined in this guide, one can create a professional-looking pillow that adds interest and personality to any room. From selecting the right materials and tools, to properly measuring and cutting, to sewing and attaching the piping, each step is essential in creating a high-quality pillow.

It is important to keep in mind that mastering this technique takes practice and patience. The first few tries may not be perfect, but with persistence, anyone can achieve beautiful results. Additionally, understanding the basics of sewing such as threading a needle and using a sewing machine can greatly improve the overall process.

Furthermore, incorporating piping into pillows offers endless possibilities for creativity and personalization. Different fabrics, textures, patterns, and color combinations can be used to create unique pillows that match any style or theme. Whether it’s for decorative purposes or for practical use as an accent or support pillow, learning how to sew a pillow with piping adds another level of customization to one’s home décor.

Finally, not only does knowing how to sew a pillow with piping save money by creating custom pieces at home instead of purchasing them from stores, but it also promotes sustainable practices by repurposing old fabrics or

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.