Piping is a fabric strip folded around cord and sewn into seams for a finished edge

Piping is a decorative trim made by wrapping fabric around a cord, then stitching it into a seam so the cord sits inside and the folded fabric edge shows on the finished piece. You make it yourself by cutting bias strips, wrapping them around cord, and sewing them closed with a piping foot on your machine. The result is a professional-looking edge on pillows, bags, upholstery, and garment seams.

Making your own piping costs less than buying pre-made trim and lets you match the fabric exactly to your project. A basic piping foot costs between $15 and $30, and you likely have the other tools already. The process takes practice but becomes faster once you understand the three main steps: cutting bias strips, wrapping them around cord, and stitching them into your seam.

Key Takeaways

  • Piping is made by folding bias-cut fabric strips around cord and sewing them closed with a piping foot.
  • You need a piping foot (also called a cording foot), bias tape maker or ruler, cord, and fabric cut on the 45-degree bias grain.
  • Bias strips must be cut at a 45-degree angle to the grain so they stretch around curves without puckering.
  • The piping foot has a groove underneath that guides the cord while you sew, keeping it centered and the fabric folded evenly.

What you need to make piping

Start with cord — usually cotton, polyester, or jute in sizes ranging from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch diameter. Most piping uses 1/4-inch cord. Buy it by the yard at fabric stores or online. You also need fabric for the outer covering; any quilting cotton, linen, or home décor fabric works, though lighter fabrics are easier to fold.

A piping foot (also called a cording foot) is essential. It has a groove or channel on the underside that the cord runs through, keeping it centered while you sew. Most machines accept standard piping feet, but check your machine's manual for the correct attachment type. A bias tape maker or a ruler and rotary cutter help you cut and fold strips evenly, though you can fold by hand if you work slowly.

You will also need a rotary cutter, self-healing mat, and ruler for cutting bias strips accurately. A seam ripper helps if you need to undo stitches. Thread should match your fabric or be neutral.

How to cut fabric on the bias

Bias strips are cut at a 45-degree angle to the grain of the fabric, not parallel to the selvage. This angle lets the fabric stretch around curves without bunching. Lay your fabric on a cutting mat with the selvage edge at the top. Place your ruler so it forms a 45-degree angle across the fabric, then cut along the ruler with your rotary cutter.

Cut strips 1.5 to 2 inches wide, depending on your cord size. For 1/4-inch cord, 1.5 inches is standard. You need enough length to go around your entire project plus 2 inches for overlap. If you need more length than one strip provides, sew strips end-to-end at a 45-degree angle (not straight across) to avoid a thick seam.

Press each strip with an iron set to medium heat to remove wrinkles. Wrinkled strips are harder to fold evenly and will look uneven in the finished piping.

Wrapping fabric around the cord

Fold your bias strip in half lengthwise with wrong sides together, so the fold runs down the middle. Press with an iron to crease the fold. Lay the cord inside the fold so it sits in the crease, then use your piping foot to sew the fabric closed around the cord.

Insert the cord into the groove of the piping foot and position the folded fabric so the cord runs through the center. Sew slowly with a stitch length of 2.0 to 2.5 millimeters. The piping foot will guide the fabric evenly on both sides of the cord. Sew close to the cord but not so tight that you compress it — the fabric should fold smoothly around it.

As you sew, the needle will run along one side of the cord while the fabric wraps around it. The groove keeps the cord centered. If the fabric bunches on one side, stop, adjust the cord position slightly, and continue. Once you finish sewing the strip closed, trim the seam allowance to about 1/4 inch so it does not bulk up when you sew the piping into your project seam.

Sewing piping into a seam

Pin the piping to the right side of your fabric piece, with the raw edges of the piping aligned with the raw edge of the fabric. The cord should sit just inside the seam line. Use a regular presser foot (not the piping foot) and sew with a 1/2-inch seam allowance, sewing as close to the cord as possible without hitting it.

At corners, clip into the seam allowance of the piping so it turns smoothly without puckering. Stop sewing about 1 inch before the corner, then pivot the fabric and continue. For curved seams, ease the piping gently as you sew so it follows the curve.

When you reach the end of the piping, overlap the beginning by about 1 inch. Trim the cord so the ends meet inside the overlap, then fold the end of the fabric strip over the beginning and sew across the overlap to find it. This creates an invisible seam where the piping joins.

Finishing the seam and pressing

After you sew the piping to the first layer, place the second fabric piece on top with right sides together. Sew along the same seam line using a regular presser foot, sewing as close to the piping as possible. The piping will be sandwiched between the two fabric layers.

Press the seam open or to one side, depending on your project. Press gently so you do not flatten the cord. The piping should sit evenly along the seam with the cord visible on the edge and the fabric folded smoothly around it.

If you see puckering or uneven folds, the piping was likely sewn too tight or the bias strips were not cut at a true 45-degree angle. On your next project, loosen the tension slightly or check your angle with a 45-degree ruler.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Cutting strips at the wrong angle is the most common error. If strips are cut parallel to the grain instead of on the bias, they will not stretch around curves and will bunch or pucker. Always use a 45-degree angle ruler and double-check before cutting.

Sewing the piping too tight around the cord compresses it and makes the fabric bunch. Sew close to the cord but with a loose enough tension that the fabric folds smoothly. If your machine is pulling the fabric, reduce the presser foot pressure or loosen the top thread tension slightly.

Overlapping piping ends unevenly creates a visible bump. Practice overlapping by 1 inch, trimming the cord so the ends meet, and folding one end over the other before sewing. This takes a few tries to get smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-made bias tape instead of making my own piping?

Pre-made bias tape is already folded but does not have cord inside, so it is not true piping. You can wrap cord inside bias tape and sew it closed to make piping, which saves time on the cutting and folding steps. However, bias tape is usually narrower than homemade strips and may not wrap around thicker cords smoothly.

What size cord should I use for piping?

1/4-inch cord is the standard for most projects and works on pillows, bags, and garments. Smaller cord (1/8 inch) is delicate and suits lightweight fabrics or detailed work. Larger cord (3/8 or 1/2 inch) creates a bolder edge and works on upholstery or home décor items. Match the cord size to your fabric weight — heavier fabrics support thicker cord.

How do I sew piping around a sharp corner?

Stop sewing about 1 inch before the corner and clip into the seam allowance of the piping strip at a 45-degree angle. This lets the piping turn without bunching. Pivot your fabric at the corner and continue sewing. The clip should go only into the seam allowance, not into the fold or cord.

Can I make piping from knit fabric?

Knit fabric stretches and is harder to fold evenly, so it is not ideal for piping. Woven fabrics like cotton or linen hold their shape better and fold crisply around the cord. If you want a stretchy piping for a knit garment, use a lightweight woven fabric for the piping strips even if the garment itself is knit.

How much fabric do I need to make piping?

Plan for about 1.5 to 2 yards of fabric to make enough piping for an average pillow or small bag. Larger projects like upholstered furniture need more. A 45-inch-wide piece of fabric yields roughly 40 to 50 yards of piping, depending on strip width and how efficiently you cut the bias strips.