Mastering Piping: A Comprehensive Guide to Adding Professional Edges to Your Sewing Projects
Adding piping to your sewing projects is a fantastic way to elevate their appearance and give them a professional, polished finish. Piping, also known as cording, is a decorative trim made by encasing a cord within a fabric strip. It can be used on a wide variety of projects, from cushions and pillows to clothing and bags, adding definition, color, and a touch of elegance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of sewing piping, covering everything from choosing the right materials to troubleshooting common issues.
## What is Piping and Why Use It?
Piping is essentially a fabric-covered cord that’s sewn into the seam of a project. It creates a raised, defined edge that highlights the shape and adds visual interest. Here’s why you might want to use piping:
* **Professional Finish:** Piping instantly makes a project look more polished and professionally made.
* **Definition:** It defines the edges of your project, highlighting the shape and design.
* **Color and Texture:** You can use contrasting colors or textures to add pops of interest and visual appeal.
* **Durability:** Piping can reinforce seams, making them more durable, especially in areas that experience a lot of wear and tear.
* **Customization:** You can create piping from any fabric, allowing you to perfectly match or complement your project.
## Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
* **Fabric for Piping:** Choose a fabric that coordinates with your project. Consider the weight and texture of the fabric; lighter fabrics are easier to work with, but heavier fabrics will create a more substantial piping. Quilting cotton, broadcloth, linen, and even upholstery fabrics are all suitable options.
* **Cording:** This is the core of your piping. Cotton cording is a popular choice, available in various sizes. Choose a size that complements your fabric and the desired thickness of your piping. You can also use other types of cord, such as nylon or polyester, depending on your project’s needs.
* **Sewing Machine:** A standard sewing machine with a zipper foot or piping foot is essential. A walking foot can also be helpful, especially when working with thicker fabrics.
* **Zipper Foot or Piping Foot:** A zipper foot allows you to sew close to the cording. A piping foot is specifically designed to create piping, with a groove that guides the cording and fabric.
* **Thread:** Choose a thread that matches your piping fabric.
* **Scissors or Rotary Cutter:** For cutting fabric precisely.
* **Ruler or Measuring Tape:** For measuring and marking fabric.
* **Pins or Clips:** For holding the fabric and piping together.
* **Seam Ripper:** Just in case you need to undo any stitches.
* **Iron and Ironing Board:** For pressing the fabric and seams.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing Piping
Follow these steps to create and attach piping to your sewing project:
### 1. Prepare the Fabric
* **Pre-wash the Fabric:** Always pre-wash your fabric to prevent shrinkage after you’ve sewn your project. This is especially important for natural fibers like cotton and linen.
* **Cut the Fabric Strips:** Determine the width of your fabric strips based on the diameter of your cording. A general rule of thumb is to cut the strips twice the diameter of the cording plus 1 inch for seam allowance. For example, if your cording is 1/4 inch in diameter, cut strips that are 1 inch wide (2 x 1/4 inch + 1 inch = 1 inch). The length of the strips will depend on the length of piping you need for your project. It’s better to cut longer strips than you think you need, as you can always trim them later.
* **Bias or Straight Grain:** Consider whether to cut your fabric strips on the bias or straight grain. Bias strips are cut at a 45-degree angle to the fabric’s selvage. They have more stretch, making them ideal for curves. Straight grain strips are cut along the length or width of the fabric and are more stable, making them suitable for straight edges.
### 2. Encase the Cording
* **Fold the Fabric Strip:** Fold the fabric strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press with an iron to create a crease.
* **Insert the Cording:** Open the folded fabric strip and insert the cording into the fold. Align the raw edges of the fabric strip with the edge of the cording.
* **Pin or Clip:** Pin or clip the fabric strip together along the raw edges, encasing the cording securely.
### 3. Sew the Piping
* **Attach the Zipper Foot or Piping Foot:** Attach your zipper foot or piping foot to your sewing machine. These feet allow you to sew close to the cording.
* **Adjust the Needle Position:** Adjust the needle position so that it sews as close to the cording as possible. You want the stitches to be snug against the cording without actually piercing it.
* **Sew the Piping:** Sew along the raw edges of the fabric strip, encasing the cording. Use a straight stitch and a stitch length of 2.5mm to 3mm. Keep the fabric taut and guide it evenly under the foot. Backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitches.
* **Trim the Seam Allowance:** After sewing, trim the seam allowance to about 1/4 inch. This will reduce bulk when you attach the piping to your project.
### 4. Attach the Piping to Your Project
* **Prepare Your Project Pieces:** Cut out the pieces of your project that will have piping attached. Mark the seam allowance on the right side of the fabric.
* **Pin or Clip the Piping:** Align the raw edge of the piping with the seam line on the right side of your project piece. The piping should be facing inwards, towards the center of the project piece. Pin or clip the piping in place, following the curves and corners of the project piece.
* **Miter Corners (if applicable):** When you reach a corner, you’ll need to miter the piping to create a clean, sharp angle. To do this, clip into the seam allowance of the piping at the corner, almost to the stitching line. This will allow the piping to bend around the corner. Overlap the ends of the piping at the corner and trim away any excess fabric. Pin or clip the mitered corner in place.
* **Sew the Piping to the Project Piece:** Using your zipper foot or piping foot, sew the piping to the project piece along the seam line. Stitch as close to the piping as possible, overlapping your previous stitches slightly at the beginning and end to secure the piping. Remove the pins or clips as you sew.
### 5. Complete Your Project
* **Attach the Second Project Piece:** With the piping now attached to one piece of your project, place the second piece of fabric on top, right sides together. Align the raw edges and pin or clip in place.
* **Sew the Seam:** Sew along the seam line, encasing the piping between the two layers of fabric. Use the same seam allowance as before. Be careful to sew close to the piping without stitching on top of it.
* **Clip and Grade the Seam Allowance:** Clip the seam allowance around curves to reduce bulk. Grade the seam allowance by trimming the layers to different widths. This will help the seam lie flat.
* **Turn Right Side Out:** Turn your project right side out and gently push out the seams. Use a point turner or your fingers to create sharp corners.
* **Press the Seams:** Press the seams with an iron, ensuring that the piping is facing outwards and the seam is smooth and flat.
## Tips for Sewing Piping Like a Pro
Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect piping every time:
* **Use a Walking Foot:** A walking foot helps to feed multiple layers of fabric evenly under the needle, preventing shifting and puckering. This is especially useful when working with thick fabrics or multiple layers.
* **Adjust Stitch Length:** Experiment with different stitch lengths to find the one that works best for your fabric and cording. A slightly shorter stitch length (2.5mm) is generally recommended for piping.
* **Use a Glue Stick:** A glue stick can be used to temporarily adhere the piping to the project piece before sewing. This can be helpful when working with slippery fabrics or intricate curves.
* **Practice on Scrap Fabric:** Before working on your actual project, practice sewing piping on scrap fabric to get a feel for the process and adjust your machine settings.
* **Be Patient:** Sewing piping can be a bit tricky, especially for beginners. Take your time and don’t be afraid to unpick and redo any sections that don’t look right.
* **Choose the Right Cording Size:** Match the cording size to the scale of your project. Thicker cording is suitable for larger projects, while thinner cording is better for smaller items.
* **Consider Contrasting Fabrics:** Using a contrasting fabric for the piping can add a pop of color and visual interest to your project.
* **Use Bias Tape for Curves:** When working with curves, consider using pre-made bias tape as your piping fabric. Bias tape has built-in stretch, making it easier to navigate curves.
## Troubleshooting Common Piping Problems
Even with careful planning and execution, you may encounter some common problems when sewing piping. Here are some solutions:
* **Puckering:** Puckering can occur if the fabric is not fed evenly under the needle or if the seam allowance is too tight. Try using a walking foot, adjusting the stitch length, or clipping the seam allowance to reduce bulk.
* **Uneven Piping:** Uneven piping can be caused by inconsistent tension or incorrect needle placement. Make sure your machine is properly threaded and that the needle is positioned as close to the cording as possible. Also, maintain a consistent seam allowance.
* **Corners Not Laying Flat:** If your corners are not laying flat, try mitering the piping more aggressively or clipping the seam allowance closer to the stitching line.
* **Stitches Too Close to the Cording:** If your stitches are too close to the cording, they may pierce it, weakening the piping. Adjust the needle position slightly to move the stitches away from the cording.
* **Stitches Too Far from the Cording:** If your stitches are too far from the cording, the piping may not be securely attached. Adjust the needle position to move the stitches closer to the cording.
## Piping Variations and Creative Ideas
Once you’ve mastered the basic technique of sewing piping, you can explore different variations and creative ideas to enhance your projects:
* **Double Piping:** Use two rows of piping side by side for a bolder, more dramatic effect.
* **Flanged Piping:** Extend the fabric on one side of the piping to create a flange or border. This adds a decorative element and can be used to cover raw edges.
* **Self-Piping:** Use the same fabric as your project for the piping, creating a subtle, tone-on-tone effect.
* **Decorative Cording:** Experiment with different types of cording, such as twisted cord, braided cord, or even rope, to add texture and visual interest.
* **Color Blocking:** Use different colors of fabric for the piping to create a color-blocked effect.
* **Embellished Piping:** Add embellishments to your piping, such as beads, sequins, or embroidery, for a unique and personalized touch.
* **Piping with Trim:** Incorporate other types of trim, such as lace or ribbon, into your piping for added detail.
## Piping Projects to Try
Here are some project ideas that incorporate piping:
* **Pillows and Cushions:** Add piping to the edges of pillows and cushions for a professional and decorative finish.
* **Clothing:** Use piping to define the edges of collars, cuffs, and hemlines on garments.
* **Bags and Totes:** Add piping to the seams of bags and totes for durability and visual appeal.
* **Upholstery:** Use piping to trim the edges of upholstered furniture, such as sofas and chairs.
* **Quilts:** Add piping to the edges of quilts to create a finished and polished look.
* **Home Decor:** Use piping to embellish curtains, lampshades, and other home decor items.
## Conclusion
Sewing piping is a valuable skill that can elevate your sewing projects to the next level. With practice and patience, you can master the technique and create beautiful, professional-looking finishes. By following this comprehensive guide and experimenting with different variations, you can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your handmade creations. So, grab your fabric, cording, and sewing machine, and start adding piping to your projects today! Happy sewing!