Piping is a versatile and stylish way to add a touch of elegance to any garment. It can be used to trim necklines, sleeves, and hems, and it can also be used to create decorative details such as ruffles and flounces. While piping can be purchased pre-made, it is also relatively easy to make your own. In this article, we will show you how to thread piping so that you can create your own custom designs.
To thread piping, you will need the following supplies:
- Piping cord
- Piping fabric
- Piping foot
- Sewing machine
- Matching thread
Once you have gathered your supplies, you can begin threading the piping:
1. Cut a piece of piping cord to the desired length.
2. Cut a piece of piping fabric that is twice the width of the piping cord.
3. Fold the piping fabric in half lengthwise, with the wrong sides together.
4. Place the piping cord along the folded edge of the fabric, and pin in place.
5. Sew the piping fabric together, close to the piping cord, using a piping foot.
6. Turn the piping right side out, and press flat.
7. Your piping is now ready to be used in your sewing projects!
Choose the Right Piping Fabric
Opt for Soft and Flexible Materials:
The piping fabric you choose should be soft and flexible enough to mold around curves and corners without creating any stiffness or rigidity. This flexibility ensures that the piping can be easily manipulated to achieve a smooth and polished finish. Suitable materials include:
- Silk
- Satin
- Velvet
- Cotton
- Rayon
Consider the Fabric’s Weight and Thickness:
The weight and thickness of the piping fabric should be compatible with the fabric of the garment or accessory you are embellishing. Lightweight fabrics, such as silk or chiffon, require thinner piping to avoid bulkiness. Conversely, heavier fabrics, such as velvet or leather, can accommodate thicker piping for a more pronounced effect.
Match the Piping to the Garment’s Aesthetic:
The piping fabric should complement the overall design and aesthetic of the garment or accessory. For example, a delicate lace piping would add a feminine touch to a dress, while a leather piping would give a more edgy look to a jacket.
| Fabric | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Silk | Soft, luxurious, and drapes well |
| Satin | Smooth, shiny, and elegant |
| Velvet | Rich, textured, and adds warmth |
| Cotton | Breathable, versatile, and can be used for both casual and formal garments |
| Rayon | Soft, drapes well, and resists wrinkles |
Sew the Piping to the Fabric
Once the piping cord is inserted into the piping fabric, you can sew it to the main fabric. Here’s how to do it:
1. Pin the Piping to the Fabric
Align the piping along the edge of the main fabric, with the raw edges of the piping fabric facing the main fabric. Pin the piping in place, ensuring that the piping cord is evenly distributed inside the piping fabric.
2. Topstitch the Piping
Use a sewing machine to topstitch the piping to the main fabric. Sew along the seam allowance of the piping fabric, close to the edge. This will secure the piping to the fabric and create a decorative topstitching line.
3. Fold the Raw Edges of the Piping Fabric Over the Piping Cord
Fold the raw edges of the piping fabric over the piping cord, covering it completely. Use a seam binding tool or your fingers to press the edges into place. This will hide the raw edges and give the piping a finished look.
4. Create Parallel Rows of Stitching Along the Piping
To enhance the visual appeal of the piping, create parallel rows of stitching along its length. You can do this by:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Foot Attachment | Use a piping foot attachment for your sewing machine, which allows you to sew close to the piping cord and create even rows of stitching. |
| Manual Stitching | Manually guide the stitching along the piping, using a stitch length of about 2-3mm. Sew multiple rows, maintaining a consistent distance from the piping cord. |
Miter Corners for a Clean Finish
To achieve a seamless and professional-looking finish on your piping project, it is essential to master the technique of creating miter corners. This section provides a detailed guide on how to execute precise miter cuts that will result in clean and inconspicuous joins.
Step 1: Mark the Pipe
Start by measuring and marking the exact length of pipe required for each side of the corner. Transfer these marks to the pipe using a pencil or marking tool.
Step 2: Set the Miter Saw
Adjust your miter saw to a 45-degree angle. Ensure that the saw blade is sharp and securely fastened.
Step 3: Secure the Pipe
Clamp the pipe firmly to the miter saw table, ensuring it is held securely and perpendicular to the blade.
Step 4: Cut the Pipe
Slowly and carefully guide the pipe through the saw blade, maintaining control throughout the cut. Repeat the process for the other pipe that will form the corner.
Step 5: Dry Fit and Adjust
Place the cut pipe sections together and dry fit them without glue. If the fit is not perfect, make small adjustments to the miter cuts as needed.
Step 6: Glue the Joints
Apply a thin layer of PVC glue to the mating surfaces of the pipe sections and press them together firmly. Hold the joints together for the recommended amount of time specified on the glue label, ensuring a strong and lasting bond.
| Pipe Material | Recommended Glue |
|---|---|
| PVC | PVC Cement |
| CPVC | CPVC Cement |
| Copper | Flux and Solder |
| PEX | PEX Crimp Rings or Expansion Rings |
Use Piping to Create Decorative Accents
Piping is a versatile embellishment that can add a touch of sophistication and style to any piece of clothing or home décor. By following these simple steps, you can learn how to thread piping and use it to create beautiful accents on your projects.
Materials You’ll Need:
• Piping cord or piping trim
• Piping foot for your sewing machine
• Needle and thread
| Step 1: Prepare Your Piping |
|---|
| Cut the piping cord to the desired length. |
| Step 2: Attach the Piping Foot |
|---|
| Install the piping foot on your sewing machine. |
| Step 3: Insert the Piping Cord |
|---|
| Insert the piping cord into the piping foot, making sure that it is centered and lying flat. |
| Step 4: Align the Fabric |
|---|
| Align the edge of the fabric with the piping foot. |
| Step 5: Sew the Piping |
|---|
| Sew a straight stitch along the edge of the fabric, using the piping foot to guide the piping in place. |
| Step 6: Remove the Piping Foot |
|---|
| Once the stitching is complete, remove the piping foot. |
| Step 7: Trim the Excess Piping |
|---|
| Trim any excess piping cord that extends beyond the fabric. |
| Step 8: Create a Decorative Hem |
|---|
| Fold the fabric over the piping and sew a narrow hem to secure it. You can also use the piping to create a decorative edge on pillows, curtains, or other home accessories. |
Piping in Upholstery Applications
Piping is a decorative element commonly used in upholstery to accentuate edges and add visual interest. It involves sewing a narrow strip of fabric called the piping cord around the edge of a fabric panel or cushion.
Gathering Materials
Before starting, gather the following materials:
1. Upholstery fabric
2. Piping cord
3. Thread
4. Cording foot or piping foot (optional)
5. Sewing machine
Measuring and Cutting the Piping Cord
Measure the perimeter of the area where you want to apply the piping. Cut the piping cord to this length, plus an additional 4-6 inches for overlapping the ends.
Overlap and Stitch the Piping Cord
Overlapping the ends of the piping cord by 2-3 inches, join them with a straight stitch or zigzag stitch.
Enclosing the Piping Cord in Fabric
Cut a strip of fabric that is twice the width of the piping cord, plus 1 inch for seam allowance. Fold the strip in half lengthwise and press the raw edges. Insert the piping cord into the folded strip and pin or machine stitch it in place.
Attaching the Piping to the Upholstery
Place the piping over the edge of the upholstery fabric, aligning the raw edge of the piping fabric with the raw edge of the upholstery fabric. Secure it with pins or tacks.
Stitching the Piping
Using a straight stitch or a decorative stitch, topstitch the piping to the upholstery fabric. For a more professional finish, use a cording foot or piping foot to guide the stitch.
Finishing Touches
Trim any excess fabric or piping cord. To create a more secure attachment, you can add a bead of liquid fabric glue or upholstery cement along the piping seam before sewing.
Finishing Touches for Professional-Looking Piping
1. Trim Excess Piping
Once the piping is sewn in place, trim any excess piping that extends beyond the seam allowance. Use sharp scissors to make a clean cut.
2. Press the Piping
Gently press the piping with a warm iron to flatten and shape it. Avoid pressing directly on the cording, as this can flatten it.
3. Secure Loose Ends
Reinforce any loose ends of the piping by hand-sewing them down with a few stitches. This will prevent unraveling and ensure durability.
4. Mitering Corners
For a professional finish at corners, carefully miter the piping. Cut a 45-degree angle on both sides of the piping, overlapping the angled edges and stitching them together.
5. Adding a Topstitch
Enhance the piping’s appearance by adding a decorative topstitch. Stitch along the edge of the piping, close to the cording, to create a contrasting detail.
6. Varying the Width
Experiment with different piping widths to create a distinctive look. Wider piping can make a bolder statement, while narrower piping adds a subtle accent.
7. Using Different Materials
Explore different piping materials such as leather, velvet, or grosgrain ribbon. Varying the texture and color of the piping can complement the fabric and design.
8. Creating Pleated Piping
For a more elaborate touch, pleat the piping before sewing it into the seam. This adds depth and dimension to the finished product.
9. Embroidered Piping
Add a touch of embroidery to the piping for a unique and personalized look. Stitch patterns, initials, or symbols onto the piping to enhance its visual appeal.
10. Decorative Appliqués
Incorporate decorative appliqués or patches into the piping for a charming and eclectic touch. Stitch or glue the appliqués onto the piping to create a custom design.
| Piping Material | Visual Effect |
|---|---|
| Leather | Rich and sophisticated |
| Velvet | Luxurious and elegant |
| Grosgrain Ribbon | Classic and versatile |
How to Thread Piping
Threading piping is a skill that is essential for anyone who works with pipes. It involves using a tool called a die to cut threads into the end of a pipe, which allows it to be connected to other pipes or fittings using threaded connections. Threading piping can be done by hand or using a machine, and the process is relatively simple once you get the hang of it.
Here are the steps on how to thread piping by hand:
- Cut the pipe to the desired length using a pipe cutter.
- Deburr the end of the pipe using a file or deburring tool.
- Apply a small amount of cutting oil to the end of the pipe.
- Select the correct die for the size of pipe you are threading.
- Thread the die onto the pipe, making sure that the threads are aligned properly.
- Turn the die clockwise until the threads are cut into the pipe.
- Remove the die from the pipe and check the threads to make sure they are clean and free of burrs.
