How to make cushion covers with piping
Adding piping to cushion covers is a great way to take your home decor to the next level. The piping adds a professional touch and makes the cushions look more refined and polished. Making your own cushion covers with piping is a fun and rewarding project that can be completed in just a few hours.
To make cushion covers with piping, you will need some basic sewing skills and a few supplies. First, choose the fabric for your cushion covers and select a coordinating fabric for the piping. You will also need a sewing machine, piping cord, a zipper foot for your sewing machine, and a zipper if you want to add a closure to your cushion covers.
Start by measuring your cushions and cutting the fabric for the cover. Add a seam allowance of about 1.5 inches to each edge. Next, cut strips of fabric for the piping. The strips should be about 2 inches wide and long enough to go around the perimeter of your cushion. If you need to, you can sew multiple strips together to make one long piece.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Stylish Cushion Covers with Piping
If you’re looking to add a touch of style and sophistication to your home decor, making cushion covers with piping is a great option. Piping adds a beautiful finishing detail and makes your cushions look professionally made. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, you can easily make these cushion covers with our step-by-step guide.
- Measure your cushions: Start by measuring your cushions to determine the size of the cushion covers you need to make. Measure the width, height, and depth of the cushions.
- Cutting the fabric: Using these measurements, cut two fabric panels for the front and back of the cushion covers. Add an extra half an inch on each side for seam allowances.
- Cutting the piping: Measure the perimeter of your cushion and cut a piece of piping that matches this length. If you’re using premade piping, you can skip this step.
- Attaching the piping: Place the piping around the edges of one fabric panel, with the decorative side facing inward. Sew it in place using a zipper foot, as close as possible to the piping cord. Trim any excess piping.
- Assembling the cushion cover: Place the second fabric panel on top of the first one, with the right sides facing each other. Pin the sides and bottom edges together and sew along these edges, using a half-inch seam allowance. Leave one side open for inserting the cushion.
- Adding a zipper or envelope closure: If you prefer a zipper closure, install a zipper along the side that is left open. If you prefer an envelope closure, fold over the open edges and secure them with pins. Sew along the edges to create the envelope closure.
- Finishing touches: Turn the cushion cover right side out through the opening. Insert your cushion and zip up the zipper or tuck the cushion into the envelope closure. Smooth out the cover to ensure a perfect fit.
There you have it, your stylish cushion cover with piping is ready to enhance the look of your living space. With these easy steps, you can create custom-made cushion covers that not only add comfort but also bring a touch of elegance to your home decor.
Choosing the Perfect Fabrics and Piping to Create Unique Cushion Covers
When it comes to making unique cushion covers with piping, choosing the right fabrics and piping can make all the difference. Not only do the fabrics add style and personality to your cushions, but the piping can enhance the overall look and provide a polished finish. Here are some tips on how to choose the perfect fabrics and piping for your cushion covers:
Consider the Style and Theme
Before selecting fabrics and piping, consider the style and theme you want to achieve. Are you going for a bohemian look or a modern, minimalistic style? This will help you narrow down your choices and make a cohesive design. For instance, if you’re aiming for a romantic vintage theme, you may opt for soft pastel fabrics and lace piping to match the aesthetics.
Choose High-Quality Fabrics
For cushion covers that will last, it’s important to choose high-quality fabrics. Consider the usage of the cushions and select a fabric that is durable and easy to clean. Upholstery fabrics, cotton, or linen are excellent choices as they are sturdy and can withstand everyday wear and tear. Make sure to check the fabric’s care instructions to ensure its longevity.
Tip: Using a high-quality fabric is particularly important if you plan to add piping, as it will add thickness to the seam. Cheaper fabrics may not be able to handle the extra bulk and could tear over time.
Coordinate Colors and Patterns
When it comes to choosing fabric and piping, color coordination is key. Consider the color scheme of your room and select fabrics and piping that complement the existing decor. If you want to create a focal point, choose a fabric with a bold pattern and coordinate it with a solid-colored piping. Alternatively, if you prefer a more subtle look, opt for fabrics and piping in complementary colors that blend well together.
Remember: When using bold patterns, try to limit them to one or two cushions to avoid overwhelming the space.
Experiment with Different Textures
To add dimension and visual interest to your cushion covers, don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures. Mixing and matching textures can create a more layered and sophisticated look. For example, you could pair a smooth, velvet fabric with a piping made from a contrasting rough linen material. This contrast is visually pleasing and adds tactile variety to your cushions.
When it comes to choosing piping, selecting a contrasting or coordinating color can further enhance the texture and make the piped edges stand out.
In conclusion, choosing the perfect fabrics and piping to create unique cushion covers is an exciting process. By considering the style and theme, selecting high-quality fabrics, coordinating colors and patterns, and experimenting with different textures, you’ll be able to create cushion covers that are not only functional but also make a stylish statement in your space.
Measurements and Cutting: Essential Steps for Perfectly Fitted Covers with Piping
When making cushion covers with piping, accurate measurements and cutting are crucial for achieving a perfectly fitted result. Follow these essential steps to ensure the best outcome:
- Measure your cushion insert: Begin by measuring the dimensions of your cushion insert. It is important to measure both the length, width, and depth to ensure a proper fit.
- Add seam allowance: Once you have determined the dimensions of your cushion insert, add a seam allowance of approximately 1″ (2.5 cm) to each measurement. This will account for the extra fabric required to sew the seams.
- Cut the fabric: Use a fabric marker or chalk to transfer the measurements onto your fabric, and then cut out the pieces accordingly. Be precise while cutting to ensure the best fit.
- Prepare the piping: If you are making your own piping, measure and cut bias strips of fabric that are approximately 2″ (5 cm) wide. Fold the fabric strip in half and insert a piping cord, then use a zipper foot to sew the piping cord in place. Cut the piping to the desired length.
- Attach the piping: Pin the piping along the edges of the right side of the fabric, aligning the raw edges. Using a zipper foot, stitch the piping in place, making sure to sew as close to the piping cord as possible. Trim any excess fabric if needed.
- Pin and sew the cushion: Place the other fabric piece right sides together with the piece containing the attached piping. Pin the sides and bottom together, making sure the piping is sandwiched between the fabric layers. Sew along the pinned edges, leaving one side open for inserting the cushion.
- Clip corners and trim: Clip the corners at a diagonal angle to reduce bulk and ensure crisp corners once the cover is turned right side out. Trim any excess seam allowance for a professional finish.
- Turn the cover right side out: Carefully turn the cushion cover right side out through the open side. Use a pencil or a chopstick to gently push out the corners for a neat finish.
- Insert the cushion: Insert the cushion into the cover and adjust it for a snug fit. Close the open side either by hand stitching it using a ladder stitch or by using a sewing machine.
By following these measurement and cutting steps, you’ll be able to create perfectly fitted cushion covers with piping that will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your decor.
Assembly and Finishing Touches: Sewing Techniques for Professional-looking Cushion Covers
Once you have cut your fabric pieces and added piping, it’s time to assemble the cushion cover. This final step involves sewing the pieces together and adding any additional finishing touches to achieve a professional-looking result.
1. Pinning the Pieces
To ensure that your cushion cover is neat and symmetrical, start by pinning the front and back fabric pieces together. Make sure the right sides of the fabric are facing each other, and align the edges evenly. Use lots of pins to hold the pieces securely in place.
2. Sewing the Seams
Next, it’s time to sew the seams of the cushion cover. Using a sewing machine, stitch around the edges of the fabric pieces, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to secure the stitches. Sew all four sides, removing the pins as you go.
3. Trimming the Excess Fabric
After sewing the seams, trim the excess fabric and corners to reduce bulk and create clean edges. Be careful not to cut through the stitching. You can use pinking shears or simply trim the corners diagonally to ensure sharp edges once the cover is turned right side out.
4. Reinforcing the Corners
To prevent the corners from fraying and to give your cushion cover a professional finish, reinforce them with a few extra stitches. Simply sew across each corner diagonally, about 1/4 inch from the point. This will provide additional durability and make the corners look sharp.
5. Turning the Cover Right Side Out
Once you have reinforced the corners, carefully turn the cushion cover right side out through the opening left at the bottom. Use a turning tool or the blunt end of a pencil to gently push out the corners and edges for a crisp, polished appearance.
6. Pressing and Ironing
To further enhance the finished look of your cushion cover, give it a final press using an iron. Set the iron to the appropriate heat setting for your fabric and press along the seams and edges to remove any remaining wrinkles and create a smooth finish.
7. Inserting the Cushion
To complete your cushion cover, insert a cushion pad or pillow form through the opening at the bottom. Make sure it fills the corners and the cover fits snuggly. Once inserted, close the opening either by hand stitching it neatly or by using a hidden slip stitch, and your professional-looking cushion cover is complete!
By following these assembly and finishing techniques, you can create beautiful cushion covers with piping that look as though they were done by a professional. Practice these steps, and with time, your sewing skills will continue to improve, resulting in even more impressive results.
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