Sew in Piping! (6420 Views)

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  Piping is a terrific detail that can be used to accentuate style lines in clothing or add contrast and interest. It can be used in projects for the home as well. It's quite simple, but can seem daunting to new sewers. No fret! Here's a simple way to make sewing in piping a task that is no sweat!
  

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  Mark the seam allowance. Pin the piping so that the cord part of it lays just beyond the seam. The red lines indicate where the stitches are on the piping and where the seam will be once sewn.

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  I then put the second piece (or facing) over it, with right sides facing, but before sewing the seam as usual, I hand baste the pieces together, feeling for the piping underneath with my hands. This helps ensure that my final stitches will not go over the piping, or be to far away. I also do this instead of pinning to reduce bulk in the machine.

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  Then, using a Zipper Foot on your machine, stitch over the basting stitches. The side of the zipper foot should be pushed up close the bump created by the piping underneath. You can clip excess seam allowance if it is adding bulk, especially if you have piped curved seams.

  You can use piping between style lines, as a hem treatment, between facing and self, on the edge of a pillow, on the flap of pockets, on handbags, on stuffed animals. . . well, alright. . . you get the idea. Try it out and show us where you think piping could be used!