How To Sew Cording Without Lip

Sewing cording without a lip is a useful skill for various sewing projects, such as creating piping, edging, or decorative accents on garments, home decor items, and accessories. Unlike traditional cording with a lip, which has a fabric strip covering the cord, sewing cording without a lip involves attaching the cord directly to your project. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to sew cording without a lip with detailed instructions and tips for a professional finish.

Materials You’ll Need:

1. Fabric of your choice
2. Cord or piping filler
3. Sewing machine
4. Zipper foot or cording foot (optional but helpful)
5. Matching thread
6. Scissors
7. Pins or clips
8. Iron and ironing board

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Sew Cording Without Lip

Step 2: Cut Fabric Strips Cut fabric strips on the bias or straight grain, depending on your project’s requirements. The width of the strip should be at least twice the width of your cord, plus seam allowances. Typically, a 1.5 to 2-inch width works well.

Step 3: Fold and Iron the Strips Fold the fabric strip in half lengthwise with the right sides facing each other. Press it with your iron to create a crisp fold. This will encase the cord and create a neat edge.

Step 4: Insert Cord Insert the cord or piping filler into the folded fabric strip. Make sure the cord is snug but not overly tight. If you’re using a zipper foot or cording foot, attach it to your sewing machine at this point to make sewing easier.

Step 5: Sew the Cord in Place Position the fabric-cord assembly under the sewing machine foot, with the cord running along the folded edge of the fabric. Stitch as close to the cord as possible, using a straight stitch or a zipper foot/cording foot to maintain accuracy. Ensure that you’re catching both sides of the folded fabric to secure the cord.

Step 6: Trim Excess Fabric After sewing the cord in place, trim any excess fabric, leaving a small seam allowance. Be careful not to cut too close to the stitching to avoid unraveling.

Step 7: Finish the Ends (Optional) If your project requires neatly finished ends, fold the ends of the fabric strip over the cord and secure them with pins or clips. Stitch across the folded ends to create a clean finish.

Step 8: Attach to Your Project Now that you have your cording without a lip, you can attach it to your project. Pin or clip the cording in place along the edge where you want to apply it. Stitch the cording to your project, making sure to maintain an even distance from the edge for a polished look.

Step 9: Backstitch and Finish When you reach the starting point, backstitch to secure the cording, trim any excess, and finish your project as needed.

Tips for Sewing Cording Without Lip:

1. Use a longer stitch length when sewing the cord to prevent puckering.
2. Adjust your machine’s tension if necessary to ensure even stitching.
3. Practice on scrap fabric before working on your final project.
4. Choose a cord that complements your fabric for a cohesive look.

Additional Tips:

1. Mitering Corners: When sewing cording along corners, consider mitering the corners for a clean, professional look. To do this, stop sewing a short distance from the corner, remove the fabric from the machine, and fold it to create a 45-degree angle. Then, fold it back down along the adjacent edge and continue sewing. This technique eliminates bulky corners and provides a smooth transition.
2. Matching Seams: If you’re working on a project that requires multiple pieces of cording, such as a cushion cover, ensure that your seams align neatly. Measure and mark the placement of the cords before sewing to maintain symmetry and uniformity.
3. Practice Stitching Techniques: Experiment with different stitch types to attach the cord. A triple stitch or a zigzag stitch can add extra strength and visual interest to your cording. Adjust the stitch width and length to achieve the desired effect.
4. Use a Walking Foot: A walking foot can be incredibly helpful when sewing cording without a lip, especially if you’re working with multiple layers or thicker fabrics. It helps feed the layers evenly through the machine, preventing shifting and puckering.

Creative Ideas:

1. Contrasting Colors: Don’t be afraid to mix and match fabric and cord colors for a bold and eye-catching look. Contrasting colors can create striking accents on pillows, cushions, or garments.
2. Embellishments: Enhance your cording with embellishments like beads, sequins, or embroidery. You can hand-sew these decorative elements onto the cording before attaching it to your project.
3. Textured Cord: Instead of using a smooth cord, consider using a textured cord, such as rattail cord or twisted cord. Textured cords can add an extra layer of dimension and interest to your sewing projects.
4. Cording Appliqué: Sew cording without a lip in decorative patterns or shapes directly onto your fabric. This technique is excellent for creating intricate designs, monograms, or personalized motifs.
5. Mixing Materials: Combine different materials for your cording, such as using leather cord for a rustic project or metallic cord for a glamorous touch. Mixing materials can elevate your sewing projects and make them stand out.
6. Layered Cording: For a unique and luxurious look, layer multiple rows of cording along the edges of your project. This technique works exceptionally well on garments like coats and jackets.

In conclusion, sewing cording without a lip opens up a world of creative possibilities for your sewing projects. Whether you’re aiming for a tailored, classic look or want to experiment with textures and colors, mastering this technique will help you achieve professional results and add a personal touch to your creations. Don’t be afraid to explore new ideas and techniques to make your sewing projects truly one-of-a-kind.

Materials Needed

Preparation Steps

Sewing Machine Settings

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

Finishing and Care