How to Cut Slipcover Piping

Slipcovers with piping look more polished and professionally made than their unadorned counterparts. Piping--called welt or welt cord by upholsters--is fabric-covered cord sewn into slipcover seams. It strengthens the seams, making it ideal for slipcovers. Since they aren't attached to the frame, slipcover seams get more wear than traditional upholstery. Though you can buy pre-made piping, you have more options for decoration when you make your own. Making slipcover piping isn't hard as long as you cut the fabric correctly.

Cloth measuring tape
Sharp scissors
Straight edge
Tailor's chalk
Straight pins
Sewing machine

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the piping on your current upholstery or slipcover with a flexible cloth measuring tape, and then add the measurements together. Measure the seams if your piece isn't piped. Measure everything in inches and add another 25 percent to your total.
- 2
  Fold the end of your uncut fabric diagonally to make a square. Cut the square from the rest of the yardage.
- 3
  Unfold your square of fabric and spread it out on a flat surface. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner with a straight edge and a piece of tailor's chalk. Fill the rest of the fabric square with diagonal lines drawn parallel to the first line. Space the lines 1½ inches apart for small to medium welt cord, or 2 inches apart for large, jumbo and double cord.
- 4
  Cut your fabric into strips by following the diagonal lines, which are called the bias of the fabric. Cut with sharp sewing scissors to minimize fabric raveling.
- 5
  Pin the strips together, right sides together, to form one long strip. Stitch them together with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Repeat the process with subsequent squares and strips until you have the necessary length calculated in Step 1.

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