How to Make Straight-Cut Piping

Piping (also known as welting) decorates the edges of pillows, cushions, chairs and other upholstered pieces. While premade piping is available, sometimes it is helpful to make it yourself to get the best match for your fabric. Making piping is a simple process, and the finished product will be a lovely accent to any upholstered project. In this blog, you'll see a demonstration of how to make straight-cut piping.

You can choose from a variety of cord types depending on how flexible or rigid your piping should be.

Straight-cut piping is made with strips cut straight across the upholstery fabric instead of on the bias (diagonally). Although straight-cut piping is generally less flexible than bias piping, there are certain times you'd want to use straight-cut over bias.

In this tips and tricks video, you'll learn when it's best to use straight-cut piping. You'll also see the full process of making the piping, from cutting your fabric strips to attaching the finished piping to an upholstery project. If you prefer written instructions, scroll down to see them.

4 Steps to Custom Piping

1. Choose a piping cord size

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-inch piping cord and cut strips of 1-1/4 inches in width for plenty of room to sew.

2. Cut fabric strips

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 that process in action, see our blog, "How to Make & Install Bias Piping" (#XHT200665). In this video, we'll show you how to cut the piping fabric is straight strips. We're working with a striped fabric, so straight-cut strips make it much easier to match the pattern on the piping for a seamless look.

3. Join fabric 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. (Both methods are shown in the video.) Then trim off the excess fabric at the join. 

4. Sew piping

Lay the piping cord in the center of the fabric strip. Fold the fabric in half over the piping so the raw edges are lined up with each other. Run a row of stitches as close to the cord as possible. We recommend using 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 the Sewing Machines "Recommended Accessories" category.

Now you’re ready to attach the piping to your material! Whether you sew it into a cushion cover or staple it to the arm of a chair, your custom piping will give your project the professional polish it deserves. How did your piping turn out? Do you prefer straight-cut or bias piping? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.