Tutorial, piping

"Piping" Tutorial

What is piping?

It is simply cord covered with fabric, usually sewn between two layers of fabric towards the edge of the design.

Why piping?

We all want that "professional" look on our finished project. Piping is a way of "decorating" the edges of your project. If you have not tried it before, now is the time to "spead your wings" and get that professional look.

What size must your piping be?

The size of the cord will depend on where you are using piping. Dainty projects will look better with a thin cord, where a thicker cord will look lovely on larger projects.

Important: If you are going to wash your project, make sure you wash your fabric as well as the cord for the piping before doing your project.

What do I need?

Fabric, measuring tape, tailors pen and scissors.

Measuring:

Determine the width of the fabric strip by measuring the circumference of the cord and add twice the desired seam allowance plus a Ľ" extra to compensate for the fabric stretch.

Mark and cut:

To find the true bias it is best to start with a square of fabric.

Fold it from one corner to the opposite corner (forming a triangle).

Mark the desired width for your piping, starting from the base of the triangle

How to join the ends of bias strips:

With right sides together, sew short ends together.

This is a top view photo:

Press the seams open.

Finally:

On the inside of the fabric, lay cord down the center of the strip. Fold fabric over cord; stitch close to the cord using the zipper foot on your sewing machine