Things You'll Need:
- Fabric
- Rotary cutter
- Cutting mat and ruler
- Piping cord
- Sewing machine
- Zipper foot
- Bias tape maker
- Novelty yarns and cords
- Twill tape
- Grosgrain ribbon
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Step 1
Cut your fabric into bias strips using a ruler and rotary cutter. Press each strip well. Make piping by folding your fabric strip in half along the length. Press and place narrow cording into the fold line. Stitch using a zipper foot. Use piping along seam lines. Choose a narrow piping for garments and a wider, chunkier one for upholstery and home decorating.
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Step 2
Use bias tape along your seams or to finish fabric edges. Bias strips, like those cut in Step 1 for piping, can be used for bias tape as well. To make bias tape, thread the bias strips into a bias tape maker and press as the tape comes out of the bias tape maker.
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Step 3
Create braided trims to hand sew into place on your projects using yarn. Braid or twist lengths of novelty yarn, cording and narrow ribbon. Secure the ends and hand stitch into place on your garment or home decorating project.
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Step 4
Make your own fringe by wrapping a narrow piece of cardboard with yarn, thread or cording. Tape into place, and stitch using your sewing machine. You will now have a long strip of yarn loops. Cut the loops open, then stitch your fringed trim to twill tape. Sew your handmade trim into the seams of a jacket, pillow or other sewing project.
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Step 5
Create stacked and layered sewing trims using your handmade or purchased trim. You may find grosgrain ribbon a helpful base for this sort of handmade sewing trim. Stack trims as desired and stitch into place on the ribbon or twill tape by hand or machine. Try braid along the top edge of fringe or layered ribbon and pompom trims for a whimsical look.
