Self-fabric piping can take your sewing projects from homemade to professional in an instant. This simple trim adds definition to cushions, garments, and home decor items. The best part? You can make it yourself using the same fabric as your project for a perfectly matched look. Let me guide you through making self-fabric piping that’ll leave everyone amazed by your final piece.
What Is Self-Fabric Piping?
Self-fabric piping (also called single welt cord) is a trim made by wrapping fabric around a cord. When you make it from the same fabric as your project, it creates a polished, custom look that store-bought versions can’t match.
Piping adds definition to edges and seams. You’ll find it on couch cushions, throw pillows, clothing details, and even handbags. Making your own means you can match any fabric exactly – no more hunting for the perfect color!
Materials You Need for DIY Piping
Before we start, gather these simple supplies:
| Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Your main fabric | To cover the cord |
| Cording or welt cord (5/32″ is common) | The flexible inner core |
| Sewing machine | To create the piping |
| Cording foot (optional but helpful) | Makes sewing close to the cord easier |
| Scissors | For cutting fabric strips |
| Marking tool | To mark your cutting lines |
| Ruler or measuring tape | To ensure consistent width |
| Matching thread | For sewing your piping |
Cutting Your Fabric Strips
For piping that’s smooth and bends easily, make sure to cut your fabric on the bias. This means cutting diagonally across the fabric’s weave, which gives your piping flexibility around curves.
Most upholsterers use what’s called a “60-degree bias” instead of the traditional 45-degree bias. This wastes less fabric while still giving you flexibility. To do this:
Turn your fabric to the wrong side. This way, if you make marking mistakes, they won’t show on the finished side.
Place your cording stick (the cord) on the fabric at a slight angle (not straight across, but not at a full 45-degree angle either). This creates a 60-degree bias.
Draw lines along both sides of your cording stick. Each strip should be about 1½ inches wide – or wide enough to wrap around your cord with a ½-inch seam allowance.
Continue drawing parallel lines across your fabric. You’ll need several strips to make a good length of piping.
Follow these lines to cut out your fabric strips.
Joining Your Fabric Strips Together
Now you need to connect your strips to make one long piece. There are two methods:
The 90-Degree Method (Preferred)
This method spreads bulk more evenly. Here’s how:
- Take two strips. Place one strip face up. Place the second strip face down at a 90-degree angle, forming a plus sign shape.
- Make sure the marked side of one strip faces the unmarked side of the other. This keeps the pattern direction consistent.
- Sew diagonally across where they cross, from one V to the opposite V.
- Cut off the excess fabric, leaving about a ½ inch from the seam.
- Continue joining all your strips this way.
The Simple Straight Method
If you’re just starting out, you can line up the strips right sides together and stitch straight across. This works too, though it creates more noticeable seams.
Creating Your Piping
Now comes the fun part – making the actual piping:
- Take your long connected strip and fold it in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, with the cord inside.
- Position the cord inside the fold, making sure it sits snugly in the crease.
- Place the fabric under your presser foot, with the cord to the left of the needle. A cording foot helps, but a regular zipper foot works too.
- Stitch close to the cord, about ½ inch from the raw edge. This creates your seam allowance for later.
- As you sew, gently pull the cord with your right hand to keep it straight. Use your left hand to guide the fabric.
Handling Seams in Your Piping
When you reach a seam where strips connect:
- Sew until you’re close to the seam.
- Stop with the needle down.
- Open the seam allowance so it lays flat.
- Continue sewing over the seam.
Don’t worry if the seams look a little bumpy – they’ll be hidden inside Ultimate Guide To Drafting a Flawless V-Neck Pattern”>seam allowances when you use the piping in your project.
Using Your Self-Fabric Piping
Now that you’ve made your piping, you can use it in countless projects:
- Attach it to the edges of the cushion for a polished, tailored finish.
- Sew it into seams of clothing for definition.
- Use it on the edges of tote bags or backpacks.
- Add it to the seams of shower curtains or window treatments.
When sewing your piping into a project, align the raw edges of the piping with the raw edges of your fabric pieces. Stitch in the same seam line you created when making the piping.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If your piping looks wrinkled: Try stretching the cord gently as you sew.
- If the seams are too obvious: Try trimming them at an angle to reduce bulk.
- If your piping won’t go around curves: You might need to cut your strips on a steeper bias.
- If your stitching is uneven: Slow down and keep a consistent distance from the cord.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fabric Piping
How do you make fabric piping?
Making fabric piping is simpler than you might think. First, cut your fabric into bias strips. Then place your cording in the center of the fabric strip. Fold the fabric over the cord. Finally, use a zipper foot to sew close to the cord, creating a neat channel. The whole process takes about 30 minutes for a basic project.
How to make easy piping?
The easiest way to make piping is using the continuous strip method. Start with a square of fabric cut on the bias. Join your strips end to end. Place your cord in the center of your strip. Fold and sew close to the cord using a zipper foot. This method saves time and reduces waste.
How do you cut fabric for piping?
Always cut your fabric on a 45-degree angle (bias). This allows the piping to bend smoothly around corners. Measure your cord’s thickness and add 1.25 inches for seam allowance. This will be your strip width. Use a rotary cutter and ruler for the most accurate cuts.
How to sew piping without a piping foot?
A regular zipper foot works great for sewing piping. Position the zipper foot close to the cord. Keep the cord snug against the foot while sewing. Move slowly and maintain even pressure. You’ll get results just as good as with a specialized piping foot.
How to hand stitch piping?
Hand stitching piping requires patience but is possible. Use a running stitch close to the cord. Keep your stitches small and even. Pull the thread tight after every few stitches. For attaching piping to a project, use a whipstitch or backstitch. While hand stitching takes longer, it gives you more control in tight spaces.
Ready to Try It Yourself?
Making self-fabric piping takes practice, but even beginners can master this technique. Start with a small, simple project like a square pillow to build your confidence.
The beauty of self-fabric piping is the professional finish it adds to even the simplest projects. Once you learn this skill, you’ll find yourself adding piping to everything!
Ready to start sewing? Grab your fabric and cord, and transform your next project with custom self-fabric piping. Your friends won’t believe you made it yourself!