In this Learn to Sew (LTS) post, we're going to show how to easily add piping to your sewing projects - and then we'll tell you how we use this technique in more complicated ways to create really special trim detailing on our aprons.

You're going to need extra wide double fold bias tape and yarn - and of course a project to add this technique to.  For this example, we're going to add "piping" to a pocket for the Jessie Pattern so we are going to need the pocket pieces as well.  And, of course, you'll need a sewing machine, thread, and pins.


Let's get to it.

The first step is to measure the required length of your extra wide double fold bias tape and yarn. 


Now sandwich your yarn in between the two main flaps of the bias tape.  Make sure that the yarn is all the way at the bottom and pin in the bias shut along the top.


Now you will need to put your piping in the seam of whatever it is that you are working with.  In this case, it's the top portion of a pocket and the curved bottom portion.  Simply pin along the right side edge of the fabric and cut any excess piping you may have.  With right sides facing each other, you'll want to pin the top portion (or whatever the other side of your seam is for the project you're working on) to the pinning you just completed.


Now you're going to stitch your seam using a normal seam allowance (ours is a 3/8" seam allowance which works perfectly for this technique).  Once you stitch your seam all the way across, "open" the top portion up and press flat.  Top stitch the seam and you are all finished with adding piping!

 

See, that was super easy!  And by taking these few extra steps when you are creating a project, you can step up your sewing game so easily it's ridiculous.

What else can you add this piping technique to?  Pretty much anything with a seam.  We have added this piping to bodice seams (see the gorgeous one below), skirt bottoms, pockets, waistbands, and even my nieces twirl skirts.  You can add piping like this to pillowcases, sheets, pillow shams, dresses, towels, and so many more things - seriously, the sky is the limit!    



And because you created the piping yourself, you are not limited to the colors or fabrics offered in packages.  You have complete control over how thick or stiff to make the piping - depending on the type of yarn you use.  And the biggie (for me anyway) is that you don't have to worry about the stitch line of the piping itself not catching in the seam that you are putting it in.  Becuase let's face it, every one of us sewists have had that stitch line show through a time or two!

Hope you enjoyed this LTS post and if you have any questions, post the below.

Credits // Author and Photography: Kate Mark for Sew With BA