How to Cut Slipcover Piping
Slipcovers with piping look more polished and professionally made than their unadorned counterparts. Piping--called welt or welt cord by upholsters--is fabric-covered cord sewn into slipcover seams. It strengthens the seams, making it ideal for slipcovers. Since they aren't attached to the frame, slipcover seams get more wear than traditional upholstery. Though you can buy pre-made piping, you have more options for decoration when you make your own. Making slipcover piping isn't hard as long as you cut the fabric correctly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Cloth measuring tape
- Sharp scissors
- Straight edge
- Tailor's chalk
- Straight pins
- Sewing machine
Instructions
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1
Measure the piping on your current upholstery or slipcover with a flexible cloth measuring tape, and then add the measurements together. Measure the seams if your piece isn't piped. Measure everything in inches and add another 25 percent to your total.
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2
Fold the end of your uncut fabric diagonally to make a square. Cut the square from the rest of the yardage.
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3
Unfold your square of fabric and spread it out on a flat surface. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner with a straight edge and a piece of tailor's chalk. Fill the rest of the fabric square with diagonal lines drawn parallel to the first line. Space the lines 1½ inches apart for small to medium welt cord, or 2 inches apart for large, jumbo and double cord.
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4
Cut your fabric into strips by following the diagonal lines, which are called the bias of the fabric. Cut with sharp sewing scissors to minimize fabric raveling.
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5
Pin the strips together, right sides together, to form one long strip. Stitch them together with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Repeat the process with subsequent squares and strips until you have the necessary length calculated in Step 1.
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Tips & Warnings
Make your slipcover piping from a contrasting fabric for a fun, casual look. A contrasting solid looks good against a print or solid and highlights the lines of your upholstery. Plaids and small stripes pop on the diagonal and add a playful touch to solid slipcovers.
Don't be tempted to save time and fabric by cutting your piping from the long, straight edge of the fabric. Piping must be cut on the diagonal or bias. The bias of the fabric stretches and makes your piping flexible enough to use on corners and curves.
