How to Sew in Piping on a Sleeve

You can place piping along any sleeve seam.

Piping adds dimension to garments and gives homemade items a professional appearance. Piping can be added to any seam, including the seam between a sleeve and the arm opening of a garment. You can make your own piping by covering a thin piece of cord in fabric, or use premade piping sold at fabric stores. Sewing piping is not difficult, but it does require a few tricks to create a sturdy and professional-looking seam.

Things You'll Need

• Seam ripper (optional)
• Fabric piping
• Straight pins
• Scissors
• Sewing machine with zipper foot
• Thread

Instructions

1. Remove the seam where the sleeve joins the torso of the shirt if the seam is already sewn. Piping is sewn between seams, and will not attach properly if the garment is already complete.

2. Place the piping over the sleeve. Match the flat fabric side of the piping with the raw edge of the sleeve piece. Pin the piping to the sleeve over the right side of the fabric.

3. Make small triangular nips in the piping fabric to remove any pulling caused by curving the piping strip. Cut as many nips as necessary to get the piping to lay flat against the sleeve.

4. Face the right side of the sleeve with the right side of the arm opening. Pin the sleeve in place with straight pins.

5. Sew the sleeve to the arm opening using the seam allowance described in the pattern --- typically between ¼ and ½ inch. Use the zipper foot while sewing to create a sturdy seam.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the same steps to attach piping to the hem of a sleeve, or along the seam dividing the sleeve from a bottom cuff.

References

• Sew 4 Home; How To Make And Attach Your Own Piping; Liz Johnson; 2009
• Sewing Machine Sales: Piping Foot Sewing Tutorial Video