How To Sew Welting
Have you ever looked at a pillow or couch and wonder “could I re-cover it?” I have so been there! There are times when I see such cute fabric and want to make a pillow out of it, but want it to look professional. I have yet to make a pillow with cording, but I have helped a friend reupholster her couch. When she asked me if I was willing to reupholster the cushions, I was hesitant because that was a project I never imagined myself doing AND I wasn’t sure I had the skill to accomplish the task. But I was ready for the challenge.
She wanted to reupholster the couch using denim, which made me a little nervous because I wasn’t sure my sewing machine would be able to handle the thickness. That machine worked like a charm! I have a VERY basic machine, but it has treated me well!
One of the biggest projects I knew, would be the welting/cording. I had never used cording before, but the only way to learn, is to give it a try.
Here is a little tutorial on how I sewed welting. I am sure there are other steps or tricks – if you know of any, please comment below or email me! For me, this was the simple and easy way.
1. Cut strips of fabric.
Make sure the strip(s) of fabric are long enough to cover your cording. Also, cut an inch or two longer so that you can cover the end. For this project, I cut about 2 inch thick strips
2. Pin the cording inside the fabric, leaving a 2-3 inch “tail” at the end, so that you can join the ends at the end
3. Using your zipper foot if you have one, sew next to the cording. You can also use a regular foot – the stitch may not be as close as you may like it though. Make sure to keep the foot as close to the cord as you can, without sewing ON the cording.
4. The next step will be vague only because it depends on what you are making. When you reach the end, join the ends by slipping the exposed cord end, into the opening of the fabric. Sew shut.
For my project, I had to sew the outside edge of the couch cushion with cording, as well as a strip along the front edge. It was a LOT of fabric to sew through, but once I pieced it together, slowly but surely, it all came together!
Hopefully now you are inspired to make that pillow you have been wanting to make! It really is easier than it looks!
