How to Make and Use Bias for Piping

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The old way of making your own piping cord is to cut strips of fabric on the bias (diagonal to grain of fabric). This however is not always possible due to the amount of fabric you may have left after cutting the main pieces out for your current project, so here is an economical way to do it. 

Directions

After measuring the length of the project you want to pipe cut strips of material to that measurement adding 5cm first X 5cm wide. (Figure 1)

With right sides together make a backward L shape and stitch across from right to left. (figure 2)

Open the long strip out and press the seams flat (figure 3). Place the brought piping cord down the centre and then fold around the piping cord (figure 4), Stitch as close to the covered cord as possible thereby leaving a seam allowance when you insert into your project. (Having trouble with the foot of your sewing machine? Use a zipper foot attachment to help)  (figure 5)

The piping is now ready for you to pipe your project

With the right sides together place your piping cord along your chosen starting edge (Figure 6). As you go around each corner splice the seam allowance at an angle, this will ease the cord around. Start your cord on the lower part, but not along the same edge as a zip (if using). Once you have stitched all the way along open up a bit of your piping and remove about 3/4cm (three quarters) of inner piping. This allows you to fold it over the starting end tom finish off nicely.

Zip. If you are putting in a zip place right side together and pin in place before stitching (Figure7).

Machine the other sides together. Tip. Try to stitch on the same line as where you have already attached the piping to one side. Trim the corners of the seam allowance as it will help turn when turning right sides out (figure8).

 

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