SEWING PIPING | How to Sew Piping in 3 Easy Steps

Learning how to sew piping is an easy way to give sewing projects a more professional finish. Sewing piping adds decorative detail, defines edges, and strengthens seams on cushions, bags, clothing, and home décor projects. This beginner-friendly tutorial will show you exactly how to sew piping into a seam step-by-step using a zipper foot and simple sewing techniques.

What is Sewing Piping?

Piping for sewing is simply a fabric-wrapped cord that is sewn into seams as a protective and decorative feature.

Sewing piping adds definition to cushions and other décor items. If you can’t buy what you want, don’t be shy…make your own. It’s really that simple. Easy as one, two, and three. Three steps, you are able to show off the ultimate finishing touch to cushions and other sewing projects.

Piping can be used on the edges of cushion covers, bags, and clutches. It can also be used on sewing projects and clothing where you need a pop of contrasting color. Consider adding piping to jacket collars, dress seams, and pant sides. The chunkier and more colorful, the better.

Now you can bring stylish sewing into your home simply by making and sewing your own piping. Show off the curves, emphasize the voluptuous, and pipe your own cushion. Don’t be afraid to go bigger and better as you learn how to sew piping.

How to Sew Piping (Step-by-Step)

Piping can be purchased ready-made from your local fabric shop or made yourself using bias tape strips (learn to make piping). Generally, the piping found in shops only comes in thin cord and plain basic colors, so for something interesting, you really do need to make your own.

Consider using the continuous bias tape method for large amounts of bias tape needed. Bias strips are used for sewing piping instead of fabric cut straight on the grain so they can curve around corners without wrinkling. A cushion generally looks better with thicker piping cords, whereas a small-sized cord is found in clothing, so it moves with the body.

Supplies for Sewing Piping

When sewing piping, all you need is a zipper foot. A zipper foot lets you get closer to the cord in the piping as you can have the needle on one side. Nearly all sewing machines come with a zipper foot, but if you have lost yours, consider a cheap aftermarket one from eBay or Amazon.

This tutorial will show you how to sew piping into a seam.

1. Basting the Piping

On the right side of your fabric, machine baste the piping facing inwards, matching the raw edges.

• When sewing piping, ensure the stitching on your piping is aligned with the seam allowance. My piping edge was 1/2 inch (12mm), and my seam allowance was 1/2 inch (12mm), so the raw edges were aligned.
• Use your zipper foot to baste the piping on top of the stitches. I used a darker thread for illustrative purposes, but it is better to use a matching thread in case any shows at the end.

IMPORTANT: Make sure the piping doesn’t stretch or pull when you sew it on, or your seam will have wrinkles.

2. Starting and Stopping Sewing Piping

If you have a continuous piping edge like that found on a pillow, cross over the ends and gently tap them off the edge. Position the overlap in an inconspicuous place and ensure that they are at least 2 inches (5cm) away from a corner.

3. Sewing Piping Around a Curve

If you are sewing piping around a curve, simply put a few clips into your piping edge, careful not to cut across the stitching. Don’t clip the fabric underneath until after your item has been made up, as it would make it more difficult to sew.

4. How to Sew Piping Around a Corner

For sewing piping around a corner, put a few clips into the corner to release the tension and bend it around. Just be careful not to clip past the stitching lines like the curve. Once again, don’t cut through the underneath fabric.

5. Sewing Piping in a Seam

Pin the second piece of fabric with the right side down and the raw edges matching. Once again, with your zipper foot, stitch along as close to the piping cord as possible.

6. Pressing

Turn your seam to the right side, press it, and you’ll have your beautifully piped seam.

What are you going to sew the piping into? Please share it below.

Sewing Piping in a Cushion

Piping is the classical trim for the practical cushion. When you have learned how to sew piping, you will be amazed at its simplicity. Piping will add the edge to your cushion, and you will be proud of your ‘’haute couture’’ fashion statement. It’s all about success in the home and adding the finishing touches to the things you love.

This cushion with piping has an envelope back, so there is nothing tricky in the pattern. The tutorial will show you how to make a pattern for different-sized inserts and give you cutting instructions for some common sizes.

Read the full article – How to Make a Cushion Cover with Piping

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Common Sewing Piping Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistake	Tip for Better Results
Stretching the piping while sewing can create wrinkled seams.	Keep the piping relaxed and sew slowly without pulling.
Sewing too far from the piping cord leaves visible gaps.	Use a zipper foot and sew as close to the cord as possible.
Forgetting to clip curves causes puckering around rounded edges.	Clip seam allowances carefully around curves and corners.
Using thick piping on lightweight garments can create bulky seams.	Choose piping thickness appropriate for your project type.
Joining piping ends near corners can look messy.	Position joins at least 2 inches (5cm) away from corners.
Using regular presser feet makes it difficult to sew close enough to the piping cord.	Always use a zipper foot for best control and accuracy.
Skipping basting may allow piping to shift while sewing.	Baste piping onto the first fabric layer before sewing final seams.
Pressing aggressively may flatten the piping shape.	Press gently using light steam and avoid crushing the piping edge.

Sewing Piping FAQs

Sewing Piping – In Conclusion

Now that you know how to sew piping, you can add professional-looking edges and decorative detail to cushions, bags, clothing, and many other sewing projects. Once you practice sewing close to the piping cord and clipping curves correctly, piping becomes a surprisingly easy technique that dramatically improves the finish of handmade projects.

There are several ways to make bias tape for sewing piping. Here are some articles on bias tape.

1. How to Make Bias Tape
2. How to Make Continuous Bias Tape
3. How to sew Mitred Square Corners with Bias Tape
4. Bias Bound Seam
5. Hong Kong Finish
6. Sewing Bias Tape
7. How to Sew a V Neck with Bias Tape
8. Use a Bias Maker