Cushions with Perfect Piping

March 25, 2020

Here is a slightly more comprehensive version of the how to create cushions with perfect piping that I did for the Autumn edition of the Ruth Magazine...

This year as Christmas presents for the in-laws I made some cushion covers with invisible zippers and piping around the edge. No pattern was needed and it was a super simple sew. Here's how...

1. First gather your supplies.

You will need:

1 piece of fabric 52 cm x 7.5 cm (Back A)
1 piece of fabric 52 cm x 47.5 cm (Back B)
1 piece of fabric 52 cm x 52 cm (Front).
2 x strips of interfacing both 2 cm x 52 cm
Piping (2.5 metres)
Invisible zipper at least 50 cm long
Sewing machine feet: invisible zipper foot and a regular zipper foot.

A quick note on seam allowances

It's important to understand the seam allowances (S.A) when cutting the fabric. The diagram below should help. For example, the front 50 x 50 cm piece has a 1 cm S.A all the way round hence needing a 52 x 52 cm piece of fabric.

2. Insert the invisible zipper between the two back pieces.

Zip Tips:

I like to use interfacing where I insert the zipper to stop the fabric from stretching.

Also, I use an invisible zipper that is about 5 cm longer than you need. This way you can pull the zip-pull out of the way whilst you stitch. You can cut the excess zipper off once it’s finished.

3. Attach the piping to the front cushion piece.

Tips for perfect piping:

When attaching around a curve, snip into the piping seam allowance to help manipulate it around the corner. Sewing glue is great for holding the piping in place on the corner before basting the piping to the front cushion piece.

5. Join the piping at the bottom of the cushion (it will be less visible here).

A.Overlap the piping exactly one width of piping longer (when unpicked) than what is needed.

B. Unpick a few cm of piping at each end.

C. Place the ends of the piping right sides together.

D. Sew diagonally across the piping.

E. Trim the seam allowances as well as the cord.

F. Fold the piping in half again ready to attach to the cushion edge. Baste in place.

6. Assembly Time.

Place the front cushion pieces and back cushion pieces right sides together, with the piping sandwiched in between. Move your needle position to get nice and close to the piping. Sew around the edge.