How to make -
A Piped Cushion
zipped in a plain or patterned fabric
Materials
  • - Fabric
  • - Thread
  • - Zip (std NOT concealed)
  • - Cushion Pad
  • - Piping Cord
    • Tools
  • - Sewing Machine
  • - Zip Foot
  • - Needles
  • - Pins
  • - Scissors
  • - Set Square
  • - Straight Edge
  • - Invisible Marker
  • - Cushion Template
    • Step 6: Attach the Piping

    The piping is joined to the front panel fabric before the zip is inserted:

    • Lay the fabric front panel face side up with the bottom of the panel where the zip will be marked with a pin.
    • Starting from the centre of the side where the zip will be, lay the piping around the perimeter of the fabric panel.
    • Position the piping so the covered cord is nearest the centre of the fabric panel and the piping seam aligns with the edge of the fabric panel.
    • Machine stitch the piping to the fabric panel. Stitching tight up against the cord (zipper foot is best).
    • Snip the corners to release tension and help bend the piping at the corners.
    • Continue stitching until the piping returns to the starting end.
    • Cut the piping so the ends butt up against each other, overlap and stitch together the piping ends.
    • Overlock or zig-zag stitch the bottom of the panel (where the zip will be).
    This video shows you
    • Where to position the piping at the cushion panel edge.
    • How to neatly pipe around a corner.
    • How to neatly join the piping ends.
    • How to overlock the bottom (zip edge) of the panel.

    Your Questions & Comments

    Fiona Gordon

    I have now made several piped cushions with your method which gives such a great finish but I am continually finding that I can't get the fabric on the piping smooth around the corners. It always seems to pleat. Is this because the original stitching on the piping is not close enough? thank you so much

    SewHelpful:

    Are you snipping enough at the corners.

    You'll see in the final video in STEP 9 when we sew the 2 panels together, we get the piping tight sewing right up to it (also hides the previous stitch lines inside the cushion)

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