Double piping in sewing is a captivating and versatile technique that adds elegance, refinement, and a polished finish to various sewing projects.
This decorative trim consists of two rows of single piping meticulously sewn together, creating a visually appealing and sophisticated embellishment.
To craft double piping, one encases piping cord within fabric strips, skillfully sewing along the cords’ edges to secure them neatly.
The effect is a more intricate and stylish trim that can be applied to garments, upholstery, cushions, pillows, quilts, and more.
Its dual-purpose nature enhances aesthetics and effectively conceals raw fabric edges and imperfections, making it a valuable and creative tool for sewers seeking to elevate their creations.
What Is A Double Piping In Sewing?
Double piping in sewing is a decorative technique involving two rows of single piping together. Piping is a cord covered with fabric, typically used to add a finished edge to sewing projects. Double piping takes this further, creating a more intricate look.
To make double piping, you first sew one row of single piping by encasing a cord with fabric. Then, a second cord is added beside it, and both are enclosed in fabric, resulting in two rows of piping.
Double piping is attached to the project by sewing or using glue, pins, or other fastening methods. It adds elegance and a polished finish, concealing fabric edges and enhancing the overall aesthetic of garments, upholstery, cushions, and more.
What Is the Purpose of Double Piping in Sewing?
Double piping in sewing serves as a versatile and stylish embellishment technique that enhances the aesthetics of sewing projects while also offering functional benefits.
Here’s an in-depth look at the various purposes of double piping:
Decorative Enhancement
Double piping adds a touch of elegance, sophistication, and visual interest to sewing projects. It is a decorative trim that instantly elevates the overall appearance of garments, home decor items, upholstery, and other creations. Its two-row structure provides a more intricate and refined look.
Polished Finish
One of the primary purposes of double piping is to create a polished and finished edge. Double piping imparts a refined and professional appearance to your work by neatly concealing raw fabric edges and seams. It offers a clean, structured finish that makes your projects stand out.
Concealing Imperfections
Double piping is an effective way to hide imperfections or uneven edges in your fabric or sewing. It can cover up raw edges, stitching irregularities, or fabric fraying, resulting in a neater and more durable final product.
Emphasizing Design Elements
Double piping can be strategically placed to draw attention to specific design elements, seams, or edges within your sewing projects. This can help accentuate the design and make it more visually appealing.
Versatility
Double piping is incredibly versatile. It can be used on various sewing projects, including garments, upholstery, cushions, pillows, quilts, and more. This versatility allows you to tailor the technique to suit different items and styles.
What Can Double Piping Be Used for in Sewing Projects?
Double piping is a versatile and decorative sewing technique that finds application in a wide range of sewing projects, adding a touch of elegance and refinement.
Here’s a closer look at the various uses of double piping in sewing projects:
Garments
Double piping is often employed to embellish clothing items. It can accentuate seams, edges, collars, cuffs, and hems on dresses, blouses, jackets, and pants. This elegant detail can transform ordinary garments into stylish and sophisticated pieces.
Upholstery
Double piping can create tailored and upscale-looking seams and edges on cushions, pillows, and seat covers when working on furniture upholstery or reupholstering projects. It imparts a polished finish to chairs, sofas, and ottomans.
Cushions and Pillows
Double piping is a popular choice for home decor to create decorative borders on cushions and pillows. It adds a touch of sophistication and draws attention to these soft furnishings, making them visually appealing.
Quilts
Quilters often use double piping to create decorative borders and frames for quilts. This technique defines the edges of the quilt and enhances its overall appearance, turning it into a work of art.
Home Decor
Double piping can be applied to various home decor items, such as tablecloths, curtains, valances, and placemats. It elevates the visual appeal of these functional and decorative pieces, making them stand out.
Accessories
Double piping is a valuable addition, from handbags and tote bags to cosmetic pouches and clutches. It reinforces seams, adds a touch of sophistication, and makes these accessories look more refined.
Baby and Children’s Clothing
Double piping can be used in children’s clothing, including dresses, rompers, and accessories like bonnets and bibs. It imparts a charming and playful element to these tiny garments.
Costume Design
Double piping can emphasize specific details when creating costumes for theatrical productions, cosplay, or special events, creating eye-catching designs that help bring characters to life.
Bedding
Double piping can provide a more luxurious and tailored appearance on bed linens such as duvet covers, shams, and bed skirts, making the bed a focal point in the bedroom.
Holiday and Seasonal Decor
Double piping is an excellent choice for crafting holiday and seasonal decor items. Whether making Christmas stockings, Halloween costumes, or seasonal table runners, it adds a decorative touch that sets the mood for special occasions.
How Do You Create Double Piping in Sewing?
Creating double piping in sewing is a meticulous process that enhances the look of your sewing projects.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create double piping:
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Start by collecting the necessary materials and tools. You’ll need fabric strips cut on the bias (diagonally) that are approximately 2 inches wide.
You’ll also need a piping cord (or welting cord) in your preferred thickness, a sewing machine equipped with a zipper foot and a double piping foot, scissors, pins, and an iron.
Step 2: Sew the First Row of Single Piping
Place the piping cord along the edge of a fabric strip, aligning it with the fabric’s left edge. Gently fold the fabric over the cord, ensuring it covers the cord but is not folded in half. Leave some fabric extending beyond the cord on the right side.
With a sewing machine equipped with a zipper foot, sew along the cord, securing it within the fabric. Trim off any excess fabric on the right side of the cord.
Step 3: Sew the Second Row of Single Piping
Position a second piping cord next to the first row, ensuring it’s snug and close. Fold the fabric over both cords so they are enclosed within the fabric.
Utilize a double piping foot on your sewing machine to sew along both cords, securely anchoring them in place. Again, trim off any excess fabric on the right side of the cords.
Step 4: Attach the Double Piping to Your Project
Determine the area of your sewing project where you want to incorporate the double piping. This can be along seams, edges, curves, corners, or any part of your project that you wish to embellish.
You have multiple attachment options, such as using a hot glue gun to apply a thin, even glue line along the desired area. Carefully press the double piping onto the glue, ensuring it is aligned and smooth. You can use pins to secure it in place while the glue dries.
Alternatively, for added durability, sew the double piping by hand or with a sewing machine along the edge of your project.
FAQs
What sewing projects can benefit from double piping?
Double piping can be used in various sewing projects, including garments, upholstery, cushions, pillows, quilts, and home decor to add elegance and a polished finish.
What is the history and significance of double piping in the world of sewing and design?
Double piping has a rich history dating back centuries, enhancing textile and garment design. Its significance lies in timeless elegance and a polished finish, enduring in sewing traditions.
Can you create double piping without a double piping foot on your sewing machine?
While a double piping foot can make the process easier, it’s possible to create double piping using a regular sewing foot with some skill and patience.
How can double piping be customized to suit different projects?
Customization of double piping involves selecting appropriate fabrics, cord thickness, and color choices to harmonize with the style and purpose of the specific sewing project.
Can double piping be used for repairing or updating existing garments or home items?
Double piping is an excellent choice for repairing or updating worn or outdated clothing, furniture, or decor items, giving them a fresh and stylish look.
To Recap
Double piping in sewing is a remarkable technique that bridges the realms of artistry and functionality. It offers a world of creative possibilities by infusing elegance and sophistication into sewing projects of diverse kinds.
This decorative trim, composed of two rows of meticulously sewn single piping, provides a polished finish and can transform everyday items into visually appealing works of art.
Its versatility is evident in garments, upholstery, home decor, or accessories. Double piping enhances aesthetics and effectively hides fabric imperfections and raw edges.
In the hands of skilled sewers, it becomes a powerful tool to add a touch of charm and sophistication to any project, demonstrating the timeless allure of this craft.
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