Cording Instructions

Cut 3-inch wide bias strips from the fabric of your choice. A bias cut is made by cutting diagonally across the grain of the fabric. Fabric strips cut on the bias will give and mold to shape, making it possible to turn corners or curves smoothly.

Sew strips together to make one strip the length of the cording that will be needed for your project. Place right sides together and sew, allowing a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Continue sewing strips together until you have the desired length.

Open up strips that are sewn together and press seam flat, using a steam iron or a damp cloth placed over the seam before the hot iron is applied.

Lay cord in the center of your bias strip. Wrap one end of fabric over cord and pull fabric edges together. Using straight pins, pin fabric together, with cord inside, placing pins so that the heads will face you when you are sewing. This way, you will not have to remove pins until your sewing machine presser foot is about to touch the pin. While sewing, pull backward on the pin and remove.

Adjust cording foot of sewing machine so that the sewing machine needle will pierce the fabric very close to the cord inside the fabric, but will not pierce the cord.

Sew a straight seam, with thread to match your fabric, keeping the cording foot close to the cord. You now have a length of cording to use on your home sewing or decorating project.