How to Pipe the Corners in Sewing

Adding piping to a pillow.

Adding piping to a sewing project adds a professional look to your homemade items. Piping can be added to pillows, bedding and even purses. You can make your own unique piping to perfectly match your project, or you can purchase pre-made piping at a craft store. Sewing the corners of a piping project can be confusing or difficult as you try to make a smooth transition around the edges

Things You'll Need

• Piping
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Straight pins
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Begin adding piping to the project sides. To do this, align the raw edge of the piping with the raw edge of the right side of the fabric. Pin the piping in place as you work your way around the item.

2. Curve the piping cord when you reach the corners. To do this, cut several relief points at the curve; typically, two or three cuts will allow the cord to bend. Make sure the curved cord lies flat as it goes around the corner.

3. Pin the cord in place and continue pinning the piping around the straight edge. There will be a triangular piece of fabric left exposed on each corner. Cut and pin each corner in the same manner as you make your way around the project.

4. Sew around all the edges of the project. Make sure the stitches are made as close to the piping cord as possible. Overlap the fabric of the beginning and the end of the cord to make a smooth transition of the ends. Remove the pins.

5. Lay the backing fabric over the fabric that has the piping. Right sides of each panel should be touching. Pin the edges in place around the entire project, making sure everything is aligned properly.

6. Sew around the edges. It helps to have the side with the cord on top and sew while matching the stitching all the way around. Leave an opening big enough to turn the project right-side out. Remove the pins.

7. Trim the edges of the fabric at the corners, making every edge equal and even. Turn the project right-side out. Add fiber fill if the project requires it. Stitch the opening closed; hand sewing the opening allows a more effective way to hide the stitching.

References

• Design Sponge: Sewing 101: Piping