How to Make Straight-Cut Piping

SKU: X-HT-200306
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Piping decorates the edges of pillows, cushions, chairs and other upholstered pieces. While pre-made piping (also known as welting) is available, sometimes to get the best match for your fabric it is helpful to make it yourself. Making piping is a simple process and the finished product will be a lovely accent to any upholstered project.

The bigger the piping, the more it will stick out from the project, so this is really an aesthetic choice. Then, based on the size of the piping and the desired seam allowance, decide how wide to cut strips of fabric. In the video, we use a 5/32” piping cord and cut strips of 1-1/4” for plenty of room to sew.

Strips of fabric can be cut either straight across the fabric or along the bias. The bias is fabric cut at a 45-degree angle. Cutting along the bias takes a little more time, but generally looks nicer and bends around corners better. To see this process in action, watch our "How to Make Bias Piping" video (#XHT200665). In this video, we'll show you how to cut the fabric is straight strips.

Be sure to match up stripes or patterns from piece to piece for a continuous look. Fabric can be sewn together straight across or at a right angle to minimize bulging stitches. Trim off the excess fabric. Both methods are shown in the video.

Lay the piping cord in the center of the fabric strip and fold the fabric over so the raw edges are lined up with each other. Run a row of stitches as close to the cord as possible. It is recommended to use a welting foot on your sewing machine. The Sailrite Ultrafeed Sewing Machines come with a welting tunnel built into the standard foot. If you need a larger cording tunnel for your Ultrafeed or need a cording foot for another Sailrite sewing machine, you can find those in our Sewing Machines' Popular Add-Ons category.

Now you’re ready to attach the piping to your material!