How to Get Perfect Piping

There’s something about piping that really just makes a project POP! It’s a really simple way to get a professional look.

What I have noticed though, is that the beginning and end of piping isn’t always so easily hidden, or so well-done.

Today I want to show you how to get the perfect finish on any piping project!

Shall we?

Start Sewing

Piping sounds intimidating, but it really doesn’t have to be! You can actually sew it on using a zipper foot. Sometimes I prefer a foot made for the job & this is one of those cases. You should definitely check out my post on my favorite BERNINA Sewing Machine Foot for piping before going any further!

To get started, you’re going to use my guide on how piping works to start sewing around your project. Our example throughout the post will be my Pied Piper Pillow.

Start stitching, making sure to leave about 6″ of extra piping at the beginning.

When You’re Close to the End

When you start getting close to the end of your project (about 6-8″ away from where you started), stop your machine and put your needle in the down position to hold your project in place.

Then, you’re going to trim down your excess from the starting end of your piping to get close to where your sewing machine foot is.

Next, trim the finishing end of your piping about 1.5—2″ past the starting end of piping that you just trimmed.

Now, usually I say that if a seam ripper is part of Plan A that it’s not a great plan, but I’ll break my rule this time!

Unpick the finishing end of your piping back to where it meets the starting end of the piping.

Next, you’ll trim the PIPING CORD ONLY to be flush with the starting cord.

Next, fold over about an inch of the short, raw edge. Finger press.

Wrap as tightly as you can around the starting end of the piping. Make sure that the piping is flat against your project here, we don’t want any buckles!

Carefully hold it (or pin, or glue, or binding clip) in place and continue stitching along the piping.

Now you’ll add your second layer as usual (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, make sure to check out my tutorial on how piping works!)

Then simply enjoy that oh-la-la fancy pants piping!

Want to Learn More about Piping?

I’ve got lots of great posts all about piping—Make sure to read them all: