Mastering the Art of Piping in English

Piping is a great way to create decorative edges on your garments or home décor items, and it’s easier than you might think! With a few simple tools and some basic sewing skills, you can add a touch of professional-looking detail to any project. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to make piping, whether you’re a seasoned seamstress or just getting started with sewing.

First of all, what is piping? Piping is a narrow strip of fabric that’s used to create a decorative edge or seam on a piece of clothing, cushion, or other item. It’s often used in conjunction with bias binding, which is a strip of fabric cut on the diagonal to provide some stretch and flexibility. Together, these two techniques can help you create beautiful, finished-looking edges on your sewing projects. So, if you’re ready to learn how to make piping, grab your sewing machine and let’s get started!

How to Make Piping: A Comprehensive Guide

Piping is a wonderful addition to any sewing project. It adds a decorative touch and can also serve as a functional element to finish edges, seams or simply add a bit of texture. If you are new to sewing or haven’t tried making piping before, don’t worry – it’s easier than you think! In this article, we will teach you how to make piping from scratch, including everything you need to know about choosing the right materials, tools, cutting and sewing techniques. Let’s get started!

1. Choose the Right Fabric

Piping is made from a strip of fabric that is folded in half and encases a cord. To ensure that your piping looks well and lasts longer, it’s essential to choose the right type of fabric that is durable and does not fray easily. For this project, we recommend medium weight cotton or linen fabric that has a tight weave.

2. Choose the Right Cord

The cord you choose will determine the thickness and stiffness of your piping. The most commonly used cord for piping is cotton or polyester cording. In general, it’s best to use a cord that is slightly thicker than your fabric to give it a nice shape and structure.

3. Calculate the Amount of Fabric and Cord

Before starting, you will need to calculate the amount of fabric and cord required for your project. A good rule is to add an inch to the length and width of the area you are piping and multiply it by two to get the total length of fabric you will need. Next, calculate the length of cord required by measuring the piping area and adding a few inches for overlap.

4. Cut the Fabric Strips

Cut your fabric into strips that are approximately 1.5 inches wide, and the length should be the total length of piping you need plus one inch. Use a rotary cutter and cutting mat to ensure a straight cut. Depending on the length of your project, you may need to stitch the fabric strips together.

5. Insert the Cord

Take the cord and insert it into the center of the fabric strip, folding the fabric strip in half over the cord. Pin it in place.

6. Sew the Piping Together

Using a zipper foot on your sewing machine, sew the fabric together, keeping close to the cord. It’s crucial to ensure that the stitches are as close to the cord as possible to keep the piping firm. To join any length of piping, simply butt the cord ends together, overlapping the fabric for around 1/2 inch, and stitch them in place.

7. Sew the Piping Into Your Project

To insert the piping into your project, place the piping right side facing down onto the surface that you are attaching it to and stitch close to the cord. If you are using piping in a seam, it is essential to align the edges perfect with the piping, ensuring a clean finish.

8. Trim the Fabric Around Piping

After sewing the piping to your project, trim any excess fabric from around the piping, leaving about 1/4inch seam allowance.

9. Finish the Project

Once you have attached the piping, you can finish your project as desired. Your finished project will look polished and professional with this piping touch.

10. Practice Makes Perfect

Lastly, remember, practice makes perfect. Making piping requires time, patience, and practice to get it right. Do not get frustrated if your first attempt falls short of your expectation. Keep trying with beginner practice projects before taking on more challenging projects.

Conclusion

Learning how to make piping is a valuable skill for sewists or those new to sewing. With the right tools, fabrics, and a little practice, anyone can create beautiful and functional piping that can add a touch of elegance to your sewing projects. Remember to choose the right fabric and cord, calculate the amount needed, cut the strips, and sew the piping together. Insert the piping in your project, trim the excess fabric, and practice. Happy sewing!

Tools and Materials Needed to Make Piping

To make your own piping, you will require some basic supplies. Here are ten essential tools and materials you will need to get started:

1. Piping Cord:

Piping cords are available in different sizes and materials, depending on the application. For making pillows and cushions, a size 4/32 or 5/32 will work nicely. For smaller tasks, a 3/32 cord will be more appropriate. Choose a piping cord that is soft and malleable for easier manipulation.

2. Fabric:

To make piping, you will need fabric strips that measure 1-1/2 inches wide and long enough to complete your project. Cotton and cotton blends are good choices, as they are both easy to handle and durable enough to withstand regular use.

3. Scissors:

A pair of fabric scissors is essential for cutting both your fabric strips and piping cord. Use sharp scissors to ensure precise cuts.

4. Sewing Machine:

A basic sewing machine is all you need to make piping. You can use any kind of sewing machine you have, as long as it has a straight stitch and a zipper foot or piping foot attachment.

5. Thread:

Choose thread that matches your fabric color. You will use this to sew the piping cord to the fabric strip.

6. Pins:

Pins are a necessary tool when making piping. They hold the fabric strip and piping cord securely in place while you sew them together.

7. Iron:

You will use an iron to press your fabric strip and piping cord seams, which will help to make your piping look more professional and tidy.

8. Ruler:

A ruler is an important tool when measuring and cutting fabric strips and piping cords. Make sure to use a ruler that is long enough and has clear markings for a more accurate cut.

9. Fabric Marker:

A fabric marker will help to mark out your cutting and sewing lines on your fabric strip accurately.

10. Seam Ripper:

A seam ripper is useful when undoing incorrect stitching or removing basting stitches. Choose one with a sharp point to ensure that you do not damage your fabric while removing stitches.

Having the right tools and materials can make the process of making piping much more manageable. With the items listed above, you can create piping of various sizes and types to add that extra touch of professionalism to your projects.

Materials Needed for Making Piping

Piping is a popular decoration used on many sewing project, but not many people know how to make it themselves. In this section, we will discuss the materials needed to make piping.

Cording

Cording is the most important and essential material in making piping. It is important to consider the size of the cording you use depending on the size of the project you’re working on. For smaller projects such as pillowcases, use smaller cording sizes, while larger projects like cushions and upholstery require thicker cording.

Fabric

The fabric used for making the covering of the cord should match the project you’re working on. The fabric can be cut on the bias (a diagonal cut) to achieve the perfect fit. It’s essential to make sure the fabric is wide enough to cover your chosen cording size with ease.

Scissors

When cutting the fabric for the piping, scissors are necessary. The scissors must be sharp enough to cut through the fabric and cording without fraying the edges. Sharp scissors also make the cutting process easier and faster.

Sewing Machine

Sewing piping requires a sewing machine. Any sewing machine can be used to sew straight piping, but curved piping requires a specific piping foot. The piping foot ensures that the cord stays straight and is sewn evenly into the fabric.

Piping Foot

The piping foot is a necessary tool for making curved piping. It’s designed to make sewing the cord evenly into the fabric easier. While using the piping foot, you must sew slowly and stop regularly to make sure the cord is still straight and in line with the fabric.

In conclusion, having the right materials is essential for making piping. It’s important to choose appropriately sized cording, coordinating fabric, sharp scissors, and the right sewing machine equipment. These materials make the process of making piping much more manageable, and with practice, you can create an array of beautiful and decorative piping for all your sewing projects.

It’s Time to Sew Up Your Skills With Piping!

Now that you’ve learned how to make piping, you’re ready to add an extra flair to your sewing projects. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fabrics and colors. Remember, there’s no wrong way to make piping as long as you enjoy the process! Thanks for joining me in this DIY adventure, and don’t forget to come back for more sewing tips and tricks. See you soon!