Cording and Piping on CurvesÂ
@SewEssential
@doinaalexei9309
@CountryCowDesigns
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Sewing piping on curves adds a beautiful, professional finish to garments and home décor, and mastering this technique ensures smooth, wrinkle-free edges every time.
Materials Needed:
- Ready-made piping or bias-cut fabric strips for piping
- Cording (cotton or polyester)
- Main project fabric
- Zipper foot or piping foot
- Sewing machine
- Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
- Pins or fabric clips
- Iron and ironing board
- Seam ripper (optional, for corrections)
Tips for Perfect Belt Loops:
- Always cut your piping fabric on the bias to allow it to curve smoothly around shapes.
- Use a zipper foot or piping foot for precise stitching close to the cord.
- Clip the seam allowance along the curve to release tension and reduce puckering.
- Baste the piping first to prevent shifting when sewing the final seam.
1. Make your Bias Piping
- Cut fabric strips on the bias (45° angle to the grain), 1.5″ wide for standard cording.
- Wrap the strip around the cording, wrong sides together, aligning raw edges.
- Use a zipper foot to stitch close to the cord, creating your piping.
2. Pin Piping Along the Curve
- Starting from the center or notch, pin or clip piping to the curved edge of your main fabric, aligning raw edges.
- Gently ease the piping into the curve, allowing the bias to flex as needed.
- Use extra pins on tighter curves to prevent stretching or bunching.
3. Clip the Piping Seam Allowance
- Before stitching, clip into the seam allowance of the piping along the inner curve without cutting the stitches.
- This helps the piping lay flat and smooth when sewn.
4. Baste the Piping to the First Fabric Layer
- Baste the piping to the main fabric using your zipper foot, following the first line of stitching you made when forming the piping.
- Take your time around the curves to keep the piping even.
5. Attach the Second Fabric Layer
- Place your second fabric piece right sides together with the first, sandwiching the piping between them.
- Stitch along the same basting line using the zipper foot for accuracy.
6. Clip Curves and Turn
- Clip seam allowances along curves, especially on the inner edge.
- Turn your piece right side out and press carefully for a clean, defined curved piping edge.
