This week, I invite you to discover piping which will allow you to highlight your beautiful sewing projects. 

What is piping? 

Piping consists of a cord surrounded by fabric intended to decorate a seam. The inner cord is most often made of cotton, but you can find other types of cords like polyester, nylon depending on the use of the item you are making. The fabric surrounding this cord can also be made of different materials: cotton, lurex, faux leather… It is cut on the bias of the fabric to allow some elasticity to follow the curves of the seam.

What is it used for? 

Piping is used to highlight edges and seams. Piping has only a decorative purpose. We will find it “sandwiched” between two fabrics. It can be placed:

• between a coat lining and its facing, 
• to highlight a pocket on a skirt, a dress… 
• to highlight a yoke like the back of the Violette blouse or the yokes of the cardamom dress
• to edge the flap of a bag 
• … In short, as you’ve understood, you can put it just about anywhere ;-)

Since the goal is to highlight/decorate a seam, most often a contrasting color will be chosen or a touch of whimsy will be added. For example, choosing the same color for the piping but selecting it in glittery lurex or faux leather… or choosing neon piping…

You will find a nice selection of lurex piping in my shop. 

How to sew it? 

As we saw above, the placement of the piping is done between two layers of fabric. So we will need to place it in two steps: a first stitch to attach it to the first fabric and a second one to secure the second fabric.

Here are the 3 main steps: 

 1.   Pin the piping on the right side of the fabric, aligning the raw edges of the piping itself and the fabric (the cord is therefore towards the inside of the fabric). If you need to apply it on a curve or in a corner, generally the piping (made on the bias) has some flexibility and can follow the curve. If it’s too stiff, you can make small notches in the seam allowance of the piping to better fit the fabric’s outline. If you want perfect finishes, I recommend basting. 

 2.   Stitch as close as possible to the cord (without sewing into it) using a special piping foot (often not included with your machine) or a zipper foot. 

 3.   Place the second fabric right sides together again, carefully aligning the raw edges and pin (or baste). Turn your work so that the first stitch is on top. Stitch again along your first seam. 

 4.   Now your piping is in place, all that’s left is to press your work well.

Have you ever tried installing piping? I love adding it to my creations to enhance the finishes. As I like to say, it's all in the details ;-)