Adding contrast and detail to pillows and bags is a popular way to do it.You can also use it on other sewing projects.Whether you are using pre-made piping or making your own from scratch, sewing it in properly will give you a professional finish.
Step 1: Cotton fabric goes well with your project.
You can use the same color as the rest of your project if you choose to make your piping using a contrasting color.Solid or patterned fabric can be used.If you are using pre-made piping, cut off as much as you need for your project.If you are using pre-made bias tape, you should open it and iron it flat to remove the crease.Click here to continue.
Step 2: You must wash, dry and iron your fabric.
You can use cold water on your washing machine.Allow the fabric to hang-dry or speed it up in the dryer.Once the fabric has dried, iron it.Even if the bolt says "pre-shrunk", you should still wash the fabric.Any coating will be removed by this.
Step 3: The bias dictates that the fabric should be folded in half.
The top edge matches up with the left side edge if the corners are brought together.If you smooth the fabric, it will lay flat.It doesn't matter which side of the fabric is facing out.You can make your piping more flexible by cutting your fabric on the bias.
Step 4: The bias should be cut into 1 2 in strips.
To draw lines across the bias, use a straight edge and a tailor's chalk or pen.The lines should be parallel to the folded edge of your fabric.When you're done, cut along the lines.You need to cut as many strips as you can.Extra fabric will be required for the seam allowances.To make 2 identical 1 2 in ( 3.8 cm) wide strips, remove the strip from the folded edge and cut it in half.
Step 5: To form a right angle, pin and sew the ends of 2 strips.
To form a right angle, pin the ends of 2 strips together.You can use a sewing machine to sew across the corner.A straight stitch and a thread color match the fabric.There is no right or wrong side to a solid-colored pattern.The patterned side is the right side if you are using patterned fabric.Don't sew from the outside edge to the inside edge of the right angle.
Step 6: The seam allowance needs to be cut down to four inches.
The smaller side of the right angle is where you should be cutting.There is a 4 in (0.64 cm) seam allowance in the corner and you want to end up with 2 strips of fabric joined into a right angle.
Step 7: Press the seam open when the right angle is open.
To form a straight line, open the right angle.The wrong side of the fabric is facing you.The stitching should run down the middle of the seam so that it lays flat.Use the cotton setting on your iron to iron the seam.Once you have enough to make your piping, join more strips of bias tape.
Step 8: The bias tape has a narrow end.
You will need to join the ends of the piping together if you are piping the circumference of an item.Press the bias tape with an iron after folding one of the narrow ends.Make sure the bias tape is facing the wrong way.If you are piping a straight seam that does not join together, skip this step.
Step 9: Take a strip of bias tape and lay it down.
The bias tape should be turned so that the other side is facing you.The end of the bias tape should be away from the middle of your cording.The bias tape should be even with the other end of the cording.You can choose cording that is between 32 and 32 inch.If you did not fold the end of the bias tape, both ends should match up.
Step 10: Wrap the strip around the piping and secure it with pins.
The cording is sandwiched inside when the strip is folded in half.Attach the fabric with a sewing pin as you fold it.
Step 11: The strip needs to be placed under the foot.
The sewing machine has a standard foot.The raised part of the foot should be under the folded strip that was placed under it.If you want the needle to be as close to the cording as possible, move it left or right.Place the piping in the foot's grooves.The needle should be adjusted so that it is on the piping.It depends on the type of sewing machine you have.The release clutch is behind the needle.
Step 12: Pull the bias tape along.
You can use a straight stitch and longest stitch on your sewing machine.The thread should match the fabric.Don't sew the piping too tightly.The seam allowances should be 2 inch.Depending on the thickness of your cording, this may be different.If you folded 1 of the narrow ends of bias tape, stop sewing from the folded end.You need this end to be open.
Step 13: If needed, open the stitching on the piping.
You will need to join both ends if you are piping the circumference of an item.The first 2 inches of your pre-made piping can be opened with a steam ripper.The cording should be cut by 2 inches.Press the fabric flat with an iron after folding it in by 1 inch.The other end of the piping should be left intact.If you just need to pipe a single, straight edge, skip this step.
Step 14: The right side of your fabric should be pinned.
Cut out the pieces for your project if you haven't already done it.Put the first piece down with the right side facing up.Place the piping around the edges.Make sure the raw edge of the piping is in line with the fabric.Leave 1 inch at each end of the piping unpinned if you are piping the perimeter of an item.
Step 15: Take the folded end of the piping and put it into the raw end.
If you are piping the perimeter of your project, you should do this.Attach the folded end of the piping with sewing pins.The raw end should be trimmed until it fits inside the folded end.If you are piping a single, straight line, you don't need to join both ends.
Step 16: Cut into the corners and edges.
You need at least 3 V-shaped slits for corners and curves.You may need to cut more in order to get the fabric to lay flat.The slit should be cut as close to the stitching as possible.
Step 17: Baste the fabric with the piping.
You can use a straight stitch and longest stitch on your sewing machine.You will use the thread color as a guide in a later step if it matches the piping.If you can, try to sew across the original stitching on the piping.Start sewing at the folded seam if you are sewing piping that is joined together.
Step 18: The second piece of fabric should be pinned and sewed on.
Place the second piece of fabric on top of your project and secure it with pins.You can see the stitches if you turn the project so that the back is facing you.Just sew inside the stitches.This will make the piping tighter.
Step 19: The project should be turned right-side-out after trimming the seams.
The seams should be trimmed so that they are less than 2 inches.If you have to, cut more curves that won't lay flat.Turn your project to the right when you are done.If you want a nicer finish, press the seams to either side of the piping.You can go over the edges of the inside seams with a zigzag stitch.