How to Sew a Piped Cushion

Sewing a piped cushion is a great way to add a touch of elegance and professionalism to your home decor. The piping adds a decorative edge and enhances the overall look of the cushion, making it stand out. Whether you are an experienced sewer or a enthusiastic beginner, this guide will walk you through the steps of how to sew a piped cushion, ensuring that you achieve excellent results with ease.

Why Adding Piping Elevates Your Cushions

Piping brings a polished and sophisticated finish to any cushion, instantly elevating its appearance. The defined edge created by the piping not only looks stylish but also adds a sense of structure and durability to the cushion. It allows you to incorporate contrasting or complementary colors, patterns, or textures, adding visual interest and expressing your personal style. Additionally, piping reinforces the seams of the cushion, making it more resilient to wear and tear over time. Whether for decorative or practical purposes, adding piping is a simple yet impactful way to take your cushions to the next level.

Materials and Tools Needed

To sew a piped cushion, you will need the following materials and tools:

• Fabric: Choose a durable fabric for the cushion cover, taking into account the style and purpose of the cushion. You’ll need enough fabric to cover both sides of the cushion plus seam allowances.
• Piping Cord: Select a piping cord that suits the desired thickness for your cushion edges.
• Bias Tape or Fabric for Piping: Use pre-made bias tape or create your own by cutting fabric strips on the bias. This will ensure flexibility around curves and corners.
• Cushion Insert: Pick a cushion insert with the desired softness and size to fit your project.
• Thread: Match the thread color to your fabric or piping for a cohesive look.
• Sewing Machine: A sewing machine capable of zig-zag or straight stitching is ideal.
• Zipper (optional): For a removable cover, include a zipper that matches your fabric.
• Pins or Clips: Use these to secure the fabric and piping during assembly.
• Scissors or Rotary Cutter: Use these to cut fabric and bias tape accurately.
• Measuring Tape or Ruler: Ensure precise measurements for cutting and alignment.
• Iron and Ironing Board: Pressing the fabric and seams will help achieve a polished result.
• Zipper Foot for Sewing Machine: A zipper foot is essential for sewing close to the piping for a neat finish.

Having these materials and tools ready will set you up for success as you begin your piped cushion project.

10 Methods How to Sew a Piped Cushion

1. Selecting the Right Fabric for the Cushion and Piping

Before starting the project, choose the right fabric for both the cushion and the piping. The fabric for the cushion can vary depending on your desired style, such as upholstery fabric, cotton, or linen for softer, home décor cushions. For the piping, select a fabric that complements or contrasts with the cushion. You can either use the same fabric as the cushion or choose a different color or texture to create an interesting effect. Additionally, make sure to choose a piping cord that is not too thick, as it can make the sewing process more difficult. Cotton cord is a good standard option that provides a subtle but firm structure.

2. Measuring and Cutting the Cushion Fabric

Accurate measurements are essential when cutting the fabric for the cushion. Begin by measuring the size of the cushion you want to make. Add seam allowances (typically 1/2 inch to 1 inch) around the edges, ensuring that the fabric pieces are large enough to accommodate the piped edges. Cut two squares or rectangles for the front and back of the cushion, keeping the dimensions in mind. If your cushion is rectangular, be sure to measure and cut accordingly. Also, cut the piping fabric into strips, ensuring they are long enough to go around all the edges of the cushion, plus an extra inch for overlap.

3. Preparing the Piping Cord

Once you have the fabric pieces for the cushion, prepare the piping cord. Cut a strip of your chosen piping fabric on the bias (at a 45-degree angle to the selvage) to allow it to curve around the cushion easily without puckering. The strip should be around 2 inches wide. Then, fold the fabric around the piping cord, ensuring it’s snugly wrapped, and pin the edges in place. It’s helpful to use a piping foot on your sewing machine to sew the fabric around the cord with a tight, even stitch.

4. Attaching the Piping to the Cushion Front Piece

Next, attach the piping to the front piece of the cushion. Begin by pinning or basting the piped fabric to the right side of the front cushion fabric, ensuring the raw edges are aligned. The piping should be positioned so that it extends outwards from the edge of the cushion fabric. Start sewing along the edge using a zipper foot or piping foot, which allows you to stitch closely to the piping cord without catching it in the seam. Sew the piping to the cushion fabric, making sure to sew directly along the cord to secure it in place. Take your time to sew evenly, especially around the curves.

5. Sewing the Back Cushion Piece to the Front

After successfully attaching the piping to the front piece, place the back piece of the cushion right sides together with the front piece. Align the edges and pin them in place. Begin sewing around the entire cushion, starting at one edge and leaving a gap large enough to insert the cushion filling. As you sew, ensure that you are sewing through both the piping and the cushion fabric, securing both layers together. Be careful around the corners, as the piping may make it more difficult to maneuver. You may need to trim the excess piping at the corners to reduce bulk and help the cushion turn out cleanly.

6. Creating Neat and Crisp Corners

When sewing the piping around corners, it’s essential to make sure the turns are smooth and crisp. To achieve this, trim the excess fabric from the piping at the corners, leaving a small seam allowance. Fold the piping fabric neatly around the corner and pin it in place, then carefully sew around the corner, making sure the piping stays flat and even. If necessary, adjust the fabric tension or add a little extra seam allowance at the corner to avoid puckering. Neat corners are vital to the cushion’s overall appearance, so take the time to perfect them.

7. Inserting the Cushion Filling

Once the cushion is fully sewn, the next step is to insert the cushion filling. Depending on your preference, you can use a variety of fillings, such as polyester fiberfill, foam, or a combination of both. For a firmer cushion, foam is the ideal choice, while polyester filling offers a softer, more plush feel. To insert the filling, carefully stuff the cushion through the gap you left during the sewing process. Ensure that the filling is evenly distributed inside the cushion for a smooth, even look. Use a pencil or other long object to push the filling into the corners and edges, ensuring it fills all areas of the cushion.

8. Closing the Opening Neatly

After the cushion is filled, it’s time to close the opening. Turn the edges of the opening inwards by about 1/2 inch, and pin or press them in place. Sew along the edge using a slip stitch or ladder stitch, which will make the closure almost invisible. If you want to add a decorative touch, you can topstitch along the seam, which will add an additional clean line around the cushion. Be sure to stitch securely to prevent the filling from escaping.

9. Adding a Decorative Finish with a Piping Detail

For an extra professional touch, you can add a decorative finish to the edges of the piping by topstitching or adding a second row of stitching. This creates a more defined outline around the cushion and adds a tailored look. For added flair, you can experiment with contrasting colors for the piping and topstitching thread, creating a unique design that enhances the visual appeal of the cushion. This detail is particularly effective in creating a more polished, finished look.

10. Maintaining the Cushion’s Shape and Durability

To ensure the longevity of your piped cushion, take care to maintain its shape and durability. Regularly fluff the cushion to maintain its loft, and spot clean as needed. If you used a foam insert, consider using a removable, washable cover to extend the life of the cushion. You can also protect the fabric by applying a fabric protector spray to help resist stains and dirt. Proper care will ensure that your piped cushion continues to look beautiful and retain its shape for years to come.

Conclusion

Sewing a piped cushion requires patience, precision, and a bit of practice, but the results are incredibly rewarding. From selecting the right fabric to creating neat corners and adding a decorative finish, these ten methods will guide you through the process of making a stylish, professional-looking piped cushion. Whether you’re making cushions for your living room, bedroom, or as personalized gifts, this method can be easily customized to suit your décor style. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to sew a piped cushion! We hope you found it helpful and informative.

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