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Home > Tips/Tutorials/Free Patterns > How to Apply Piping Like a Pro
 
How to Apply Piping Like a Pro

 

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Please see our tips on cutting bias strips for piping first.  The example we are sewing here is based on the Erin Valance. Pin or staple layers of treatment (face fabric, lining and interlining) together as described in our curtain pattern instructions.  We use a velvet foot as shown above in our first steps of application.  We will later change to a zipper foot.
 
To save time, we cover the piping and apply it at the same time.  Tuck under the interlining and the face fabric to that it is out of the way.  Wrap the fabric around the piping.
 
 
 
 
Place the covered piping underneath the lining, right sides together, aligning raw edges.  Begin stitching the piping to the lining starting 1" from the end of the piping.  It is not necessary to stitch extremely close to the piping at this point.
 
Continue stitching, covering the piping as you stitch it to the lining.  Use a little less that a 1/2" seam allowance.
 
 
 
 
As you approach an outside corner, stop sewing 1" from the corner.  Make one clip in the piping 1/2" before the corner of the fabric.
 
Make one clip in the piping exactly at the corner and one clip 1/2" past the corner.
 
 
 
 
Continue sewing, but stop 3/8" from the corner of the fabric with the needle in the down position.
 
With the presser foot in the up position, pivot the lining fabric, bending the piping to turn the corner.
 
 
 
 
Continue sewing the piping to the lining.
 
When approaching an inside corner, stop sewing 1" from the corner
 
 
 
 
Make a 1/2" cut at the inside corner of the lining.
 
Continue sewing slowly to the clip, pulling the inside corner of the lining open at the clip.  Do not clip the piping at this time.
 
 
 
 
Continue sewing across the clip.
 
Continue sewing around the entire window treatment.
 
 
 
 
After you finish sewing around the entire window treatment, stop sewing about 2" from the beginning of the piping
 
Clip the ending piping where it meets the beginning piping.
 
 
 
 
Clip the piping fabric so that it overlaps the other end by     1-1/2".
 
Fold under 1" of piping fabric at the end of the piping as shown.
 
 
 
 
Wrap the fabric around the beginning piping.
 
Stitch across closure, making sure all layers are smooth.
 
 
 
 
Turn over and make sure everything is neat!
 
This is how your treatment will look at this point.
 
 
 
 
We change to a zipper foot at this point
 
You will now be flipping the interlining and face fabric back up, aligning all raw edges.  Place the layers under the presser foot with the interlining down against the feet dog and the lining on top.  Begin sewing through all layers, sewing as close to the piping as possible.  We used a darker thread for illustrative purposes.  You can see that you are stitching about 1/8" closer to the piping than the previous seam.  This ensures that the previous stitch line will not be visible when you turn the treatment right side out.
 
 
 
 
As you turn the outside corners, stitch to 1/2" from the edge of the fabric, leaving the needle in the down position.  Raise the presser foot and pivot the entire treatment.
 
On the inside corners, clip all layers to the previous stitch line.  Overlap the clipped piping fabric at the corner and work out flat for a smooth corner while stitching.
 
 
 
 
Pivot the treatment at the corners with the presser foot in the up position and the needle in the down position.
 
Continue stitching around the entire treatment, sewing as close to the piping as possible.
 
 
 
 
Be sure to leave about a 6" opening for turning the treatment right side out.
 
Clip outside corners without cutting through the inside stitch line.
 
 
 
 
Clip all inside corners and trim all seams.
 
Turn the treatment right side out and press.

 




Tips/Tutorials/Press


Southern Lady July/Aug 2011
Pate-Meadows Designs specializes in the creation of professional sewing patterns. We have created a line of valance patterns and drapery panel patterns for the latest designs for high-end window treatments. These curtain patterns include details not found in most home-sewing drapery patterns. By using our curtain patterns, you will be able to create your own beautiful, professional-looking curtains with your choice of fabric and design. Our patterns cater to all levels of sewing experience so you don't have to be a sewing expert to achieve stunning results.

Our step-by-step sewing instructions and detailed illustrations will give you all the necessary expertise needed to achieve fabulous-looking curtains. In addition, our curtain patterns provide instructions on custom sewing techniques such as piping, interlining and contrast bandings. Unlike Simplicity or Butterick valance patterns, Pate-Meadows curtain patterns give instructions and techniques used in professional workrooms.

If you have basic sewing skills, you should have no problem achieving truly stunning results with our valance curtain patterns. Take a look at our testimonials and also our picture gallery to see some of the fantastic window treatments our customers have created using our curtain patterns. These curtain pictures will inspire you with all the fantastic window treatment ideas.

There are two lines of curtain patterns available: Southern Living Patterns, created for Southern Living Magazine and its Idea Houses, and Pate-Meadows' own Show Home Patterns which includes lots of valance patterns in addition to drapery panel patterns. Pate-Meadows Designs has also introduced a line of drapery hardware that includes unique knobs and finials that are great for hanging many of our curtain valances and drapery panels. This website also provides lots of window treatment ideas and pictures of window treatments in addition to a tips & techniques section.

Curtains-To-Go by Pate-Meadows Designs offers exquisite, high-end silk draperies and linen curtain panels ready to hang in your home today. All of our ready-made silk panels come with dressmaker details usually reserved only for designer custom-made draperies. No more sorting through endless fabric books and having to wait weeks for fabrication. You can literally order these fabulous silk curtains today and have them up for your party this weekend.