Step by step guide for sewing piping
In this blog post we'll show step by step how to sew your own piping. This technique is used to create a pretty piped edging which is used when making our popular Penny Pleat bag.
What you'll need -
> A zipper foot that fits your sewing machine
> A strip of fabric that contrasts/matches with your project
> A piece of piping cord
When choosing the fabric for your piping you can either make your own or use bias binding as shown in the picture below.
We you have chosen the fabric for your piping cut a 1" strip of fabric. Cut using the straight edge along the grainline, you do this is because your piping is not going to sewn along a curved edge so it doesn't need to be cut on the bias when being used for the Penny Pleat bag. However, if you want your piping to go around corners or on a curved edge then the piping fabric needs to be cut on the bias. See the picture below to see the 45degree bias line where you would cut your strip of fabric from.
The first step of making the piping is to place the cord in the pin the middle of the fabric strip. Then fold in half with wrong sides of the fabric facing and pin in place.
The second step is to stitch along the binding strip to keep the cord in place. Use the zipper foot to get close to the piping cord. We use a long tacking stitch to do this to speed up the process.
The third step is to sandwich the piping between the two pieces of fabric that require the piping trim. With the right side of the first piece of fabric facing up, lay the piping on top with the raw edges lined up. Now lay the second piece of fabric on top with right sides facing, sandwiching the piping cord between both pieces of fabric and pin in place.
The fourth and final step is to stitch along the raw edge close to the piping cord to encase it between the two pieces of fabric (as shown in the picture below).
Tah dah! you have now sewn your piping cord into place. To pick up a copy of the Penny Pleat bag pattern and for more sewing inspiration head to the website - https://www.owlandsewingcat.com/
