Piping Cords

Upholstery Piping Cords for Cushions and Furniture

Shop upholstery piping cord for making piped cushions, loose covers, upholstered furniture, soft furnishings and decorative furniture edges. Livedale supplies braided cotton, paper, pre-shrunk cotton, washable polypropylene and flexible plastic cords, together with a specialist double-piping profile for concealing staples on suitable furniture frames.

Piping cord is enclosed within a strip of upholstery fabric and sewn into a seam to produce a rounded, defined edge. It can strengthen the visual outline of a cushion, help protect a seam and create either a matching or contrasting decorative finish.

The correct cord depends on the finished application, covering material, required diameter and whether the completed cover will be removable or washable.

Paper cord is best suited to appropriate fixed upholstery, while washable or pre-shrunk options are more suitable where a removable cushion cover may need cleaning. Firmer plastic cord can provide additional definition beneath heavier upholstery materials.

Always consider the whole cover construction. A cord described as washable does not automatically make the fabric, sewing thread, zip or completed cushion cover machine washable.

Shop Upholstery Piping Cord by Material

The range contains six principal product types:

• Braided cotton piping cord
• Paper piping cord
• Pre-shrunk cotton piping cord
• Washable polypropylene piping cord
• Somflex plastic piping cord
• Plastic double-piping cord and blind-seam profile

There are no lower-level categories beneath this page, so the sections below explain the differences between the direct products.

Braided Cotton Piping Cord

Braided cotton piping cord has a smooth outer finish and is particularly suited to scatter cushions, soft furnishings and thinner upholstery fabrics.

The live product is available in:

• No. 4 on a 300-metre reel
• No. 5 on a 200-metre reel

It can be considered for:

• Scatter cushions
• Decorative cushions
• Lightweight loose covers
• Soft-furnishing projects
• Suitable chair and sofa covers
• Piped seams beneath finer fabrics

The smooth braided surface can help the fabric strip wrap evenly around the cord without the underlying construction appearing excessively textured through a lightweight covering.

The precise finished piping diameter will also depend on:

• Fabric thickness
• Whether the fabric is folded once or more
• Sewing position
• Seam allowance
• How tightly the strip is wrapped
• Compression beneath the sewing-machine foot

Where a specific finished diameter is important, make a sample using the actual fabric and sewing setup.

Paper Piping Cord

Paper piping cord is manufactured from recycled paper with a synthetic yarn wrapping.

The current product is available in:

• No. 5 on a 500-metre reel
• No. 6 on a 300-metre reel

Paper piping cord is intended principally for suitable fixed upholstery where the completed item will not be machine washed.

Potential applications include:

• Fixed chair upholstery
• Fixed sofa upholstery
• Furniture facings
• Non-removable seat covers
• Fixed back cushions
• Suitable decorative furniture seams

Paper cord can provide an economical and consistent piping foundation for production upholstery.

It should not be selected for a removable cover merely because the outer fabric itself is washable. Moisture can affect the paper core even where the surrounding textile appears unaffected.

Where the finished cover may be washed or repeatedly exposed to moisture, select an appropriate washable or pre-shrunk alternative.

Pre-Shrunk Bleached Cotton Piping Cord

Pre-shrunk bleached cotton piping cord is supplied on 1kg balls and is manufactured from twisted cotton strands.

The available sizes are approximately:

• No. 8 — 4mm diameter
• No. 10 — 5mm diameter
• No. 12 — 6mm diameter

This softer cotton construction is particularly suitable for loose covers and cushions where a flexible, rounded piping edge is required.

Potential applications include:

• Loose sofa covers
• Removable cushion covers
• Scatter cushions
• Seat and back cushions
• Soft furnishings
• Larger decorative piping
• Natural and medium-weight upholstery fabrics

The pre-shrunk construction helps reduce the risk of the cord itself changing size during suitable cleaning, but the complete cover must still be assessed according to its fabric, thread, zip and care instructions.

Do not promise that the completed cover is machine washable solely because pre-shrunk cotton cord has been used.

Washable Polypropylene Piping Cord

Washable piping cord is manufactured from non-woven polypropylene with a fine synthetic yarn wrap.

It is available in:

• No. 4 on a 500-metre reel
• No. 5 on a 350-metre reel
• No. 6 on a 250-metre reel
• No. 8 on a 140-metre reel

The cord is intended for suitable fixed and removable cushions and is described as machine washable.

Potential applications include:

• Removable cushion covers
• Loose covers
• Seat and back cushions
• Family furniture
• Suitable campervan and caravan cushions
• Soft furnishings requiring a synthetic cord
• Fixed upholstery where moisture resistance is preferred

Although the cord itself is washable, check the cleaning instructions for the complete cover.

A cushion cover may also include:

• Upholstery fabric
• Sewing thread
• Zip chain
• Zip slider
• Interlining
• Labels
• Hook-and-loop tape
• Decorative trims

Every component must be compatible with the proposed cleaning method.

Somflex Plastic Piping Cord

Somflex plastic piping cord is manufactured from expanded polyethylene.

It is available in:

• 3mm diameter
• 4mm diameter
• 5mm diameter

The cord is flexible but relatively resilient, making it suitable for heavier covering materials where a defined piping profile is required.

The existing product information identifies applications including:

• Dralon
• Moquette
• Leather
• Heavier upholstery cloths

It may also be considered for compatible:

• Contract upholstery fabrics
• Automotive upholstery
• Vinyl
• Furniture panels
• Firm decorative piping
• High-definition furniture seams

Plastic cord can hold a more defined shape than a very soft textile cord, but it may feel firmer beneath the finished cover.

Test it where the piping will be positioned against the body, particularly around soft seat fronts or cushion edges.

A firm cord is not automatically the best choice simply because the covering material is thick. The required softness, appearance and sewing-machine capability must also be considered.

Plastic Double-Piping Cord and Blind-Seam Profile

The 5mm plastic double-piping cord is also described as a blind-seam profile.

This is used differently from ordinary cushion piping cord.

The profile is covered with fabric to form two parallel piping rolls. It is then stapled to a suitable furniture frame or panel, after which the profile closes over the fixing line and helps conceal the staples.

It can be used for:

• Upholstered chair backs
• Decorative furniture panels
• Headboard edges
• Furniture facings
• Fixed decorative seams
• Areas where a concealed staple line is required

The product is offered by the metre or in a 300-metre quantity.

This profile should not be treated as ordinary cord sewn into a cushion seam. It forms a specialist finishing strip attached to the furniture after being covered.

Double Piping and Upholstery Profiles

Double-piping cord creates a visible decorative finishing line.

The separate Profiles & Edge Rolls category contains materials used primarily to shape, pad or protect furniture-frame edges beneath the finished upholstery.

The difference is:

• Piping cord is covered in fabric and used to form a visible seam or decorative edge.
• Double-piping profile is covered and attached as a visible finishing strip that conceals its staples.
• Edge rolls and profiles generally form or soften the structure beneath the upholstery fabric.

Keeping those purposes separate prevents the two Workroom Supplies categories from competing for the same search intent.

Choosing the Correct Piping Cord

Begin with the finished item.

Consider:

• Fixed or removable upholstery
• Whether the cover may be washed
• Fabric weight
• Required piping diameter
• Desired softness or firmness
• Furniture or cushion application
• Indoor, vehicle or specialist use
• Whether the piping is functional or decorative
• Sewing-machine capability
• Quantity required

Choose braided cotton piping cord for:

• Scatter cushions
• Finer upholstery fabrics
• Soft furnishings
• A smooth, flexible piping profile

Choose paper piping cord for:

• Fixed upholstery
• Non-removable furniture covers
• Production work where machine washing is not required

Choose pre-shrunk cotton piping cord for:

• Loose covers
• Removable cushions
• Softer medium or larger piping
• Projects where a natural textile cord is preferred

Choose washable polypropylene piping cord for:

• Suitable removable covers
• Fixed or loose cushions
• Covers where a washable synthetic cord is required
• A broad choice of cord sizes

Choose Somflex plastic piping cord for:

• Leather
• Vinyl
• Moquette
• Dralon
• Heavier furniture coverings
• A more defined, resilient piping profile

Choose double-piping profile for:

• Concealing staple lines
• Finishing suitable furniture panels
• Fixed decorative double piping
• Applications where the profile is stapled rather than sewn into a cushion seam

Choosing the Correct Cord Size

Piping sizes such as No. 4, No. 5, No. 6, No. 8, No. 10 and No. 12 are product-size references.

They should not be assumed to represent a universal millimetre measurement across every cord construction.

For example, the current pre-shrunk cotton range provides approximate diameters of:

• No. 8 — 4mm
• No. 10 — 5mm
• No. 12 — 6mm

The finished appearance can still vary because the fabric wrapped around the cord adds thickness.

Before committing to a full cover:

1. Cut a short length of the chosen cord.
2. Wrap it in the intended upholstery fabric.
3. Sew it using the intended piping foot and seam allowance.
4. Place it against the cushion or furniture.
5. Check the finished diameter and firmness.
6. Test it through corners and seam intersections.

A cord that looks suitably modest while uncovered can become unexpectedly substantial after it has been wrapped in thick fabric.

Matching Piping Cord to Fabric Weight

Lighter fabrics generally suit smoother, more flexible cords that will not show excessive texture through the covering.

Heavier fabrics may require a firmer cord to maintain a defined rounded edge.

Consider:

• Fabric thickness
• Weave
• Stretch
• Back coating
• Surface pile
• Pattern
• Seam bulk
• Whether the fabric is leather or vinyl
• Whether several seam allowances meet at one point

Browse upholstery vinyl and fabric when choosing the material that will cover the cord.

Make the test piping from the exact covering rather than a vaguely similar offcut. Differences in thickness and stretch can materially change the result.

Self Piping or Contrast Piping?

Self piping uses the same fabric as the main cushion or furniture cover.

It provides a coordinated finish and can outline the upholstery without introducing another colour.

Contrast piping uses a different colour, texture or material.

It can:

• Emphasise cushion shapes
• Highlight furniture lines
• Coordinate with other room colours
• Create a traditional or contemporary detail
• Distinguish adjoining panels

Contrast piping draws attention to the sewing line, joins and corners. Accurate cutting and stitching therefore become particularly important.

Check that the two materials have compatible:

• Stretch
• Cleaning requirements
• Abrasion performance
• Colourfastness
• Thickness
• Fire-performance requirements where applicable

Cutting Fabric Strips for Piping

Piping cord must be enclosed within a suitable fabric strip.

Use sharp upholstery shears and snips to produce clean, consistent strips.

The strip must be wide enough to:

• Wrap around the cord
• Sit beneath the piping foot
• Provide the required seam allowance
• Remain secure during later cover assembly

The necessary width depends on:

• Cord diameter
• Fabric thickness
• Piping-foot position
• Seam allowance
• Whether the fabric edge frays
• Whether the strip is cut straight or on the bias

Make a short test strip before cutting the full fabric quantity.

Straight-Grain Piping Strips

Straight-grain strips may be suitable for:

• Long straight furniture edges
• Stable fabrics
• Projects where fabric use must be economical
• Piping with limited curvature

They normally use fabric more economically than bias-cut strips.

However, they have less natural flexibility around tight curves and corners.

Bias-Cut Piping Strips

Bias strips are cut diagonally across the fabric grain.

They provide greater flexibility and can form more smoothly around:

• Rounded cushions
• Curved chair backs
• Bolsters
• Circular cushions
• Shaped furniture panels
• Tight corners

Bias cutting can require more fabric and produces more joins, but it often gives a smoother result around curves.

Check patterned and striped materials carefully. A bias-cut strip changes the visible direction of the pattern.

Measuring Fabric Strips

Use rulers, tape measures and upholstery marking tools to maintain a consistent strip width.

Mark the cutting line with a suitable fabric chalk or marking product that can be removed from or concealed within the intended material.

Useful workroom methods include:

• A long ruler and chalk
• A measured cardboard template
• A rotary or straight cutting guide where suitable
• Repeated marks taken from the fabric edge
• A dedicated strip-cutting template for production work

Inconsistent strip width can make the piping seam wander and leave too little fabric at the narrowest points.

Calculating the Required Piping Length

Measure every edge that will contain piping.

For a rectangular cushion, add:

• Two cushion lengths
• Two cushion widths
• Additional allowance for the join

For a cushion piped on both faces, double the perimeter before adding waste and joining allowance.

For shaped cushions, measure around the actual seam line using a flexible tape measure.

Allow extra cord for:

• Starting and finishing joins
• Pattern matching
• Curves
• Corners
• Production waste
• Test pieces
• Mistakes and repairs

Do not calculate directly from the foam dimensions without considering the finished cover seam line.

The fabric, wadding and cushion shape can affect the final perimeter.

For cushion interiors, browse foam cut to size and polyester wadding.

Making Piping

Fold the fabric strip around the cord with the visible face of the material on the outside.

Align the raw fabric edges.

Sew close to the cord using a suitable piping or zipper foot.

The stitching should hold the cord securely without sewing through it.

Keep the cord positioned consistently while sewing. If it moves away from the foot, the finished piping diameter may vary along its length.

Avoid stretching the fabric strip or cord unnecessarily.

Stretching one component more than the other can cause the completed piping to twist, ripple or shrink back after sewing.

Sewing Thread for Piping

Use thread appropriate for the upholstery fabric, sewing machine and finished application.

Browse upholstery sewing threads and bobbins for bonded nylon, polycotton corespun, monofilament and overlocking options.

For most structural piping seams, choose a construction thread rather than a lightweight overlocking thread.

Check:

• Thread strength
• Thread size
• Needle compatibility
• Fabric thickness
• Colour
• Expected cleaning
• Indoor or automotive use
• Number of layers beneath the foot

Test the thread through the full piping seam, including fabric strip, cord, cushion panel and border material.

The machine may sew two flat fabric layers successfully and then object strongly when asked to cross a completed piping join.

Attaching Piping to a Cushion Panel

After making the piping, sew it to the cushion panel with its raw edges aligned to the panel edge.

Position the cord towards the centre of the panel and the seam allowance towards the outer edge.

Sew around the panel progressively.

Check frequently that:

• The piping remains against the intended seam line
• The raw edges stay aligned
• The panel is not stretching
• The cord is not being sewn through
• Patterned fabric remains correctly positioned
• Corners are forming smoothly

The second cushion panel or border can then be attached using the first stitch line as a guide.

Stitch close enough to the cord that the original construction stitching does not show in the finished seam.

Sewing Piping Around Corners

For a square or rectangular cushion, reduce speed as the corner approaches.

Depending on the fabric and corner shape:

• Make small relief clips within the seam allowance
• Keep clips away from the sewing line
• Turn the piping progressively
• Avoid folding the cord sharply
• Keep the visible outer edge smooth
• Check that the panel itself is not puckering

Do not cut through the piping stitching.

A rounded corner usually provides a smoother piping line than an extremely sharp point, particularly with thicker cord and fabric.

Joining Piping Ends

Plan the piping join in a less prominent position, normally along the rear or lower edge of the cushion.

Avoid placing the join at a corner.

Possible joining methods depend on the cord construction and cover design.

The aim is to create:

• A continuous-looking cord
• No obvious gap
• No doubled bulky section
• A secure fabric overlap
• A smooth transition through the seam

For suitable textile cords, one end of the cord may be trimmed so the two core ends meet without overlapping, while the surrounding fabric is folded and joined neatly.

Plastic and paper cords may require a different finishing method.

Test the join before using it on the finished cushion.

Piped Removable Cushion Covers

A removable piped cushion cover will normally require appropriate zip chain, sliders and components.

Plan the zip and piping together.

Consider:

• Zip position
• Piping join position
• Cushion border width
• Slider access
• Seam allowance
• Cover removal
• Cleaning instructions
• Pattern direction

The zip is usually placed in the rear border or another unobtrusive area.

Avoid creating a bulky combination where the piping join, zip end, border seam and several fabric layers all meet at the same point.

A well-planned cushion distributes these unavoidable complications rather than arranging a formal gathering for them.

Piping Foam and Fibre Cushions

Piping can be used around covers containing:

• Foam
• Foam wrapped in polyester wadding
• Fibre cushion interiors
• Feather cushion interiors
• Combination fillings

For made-to-measure foam interiors, browse foam cut to size.

For a softer cushion profile, browse polyester wadding and cushion wrap.

The cushion interior affects how the piping sits.

An overfilled cushion can force the piping outwards and distort the seam. An undersized interior can leave the piping loose and poorly defined.

The cover and interior should be designed as one complete cushion rather than produced independently and introduced to each other at the end.

Piping Leather, Vinyl and Heavy Fabrics

Leather, vinyl and heavily coated materials require careful testing.

Consider:

• Needle type
• Needle size
• Thread
• Stitch length
• Machine feeding
• Piping-cord firmness
• Surface marking
• Permanent needle holes
• Seam bulk
• Heat and friction

Somflex plastic cord may provide a defined piping line beneath suitable heavier materials.

Do not repeatedly unpick and resew vinyl or leather. The original needle holes remain and can weaken or mark the finished seam.

Use a sample to establish the piping-foot position and stitch length before sewing the completed furniture panel.

Installing Double-Piping Profile

Cover the double-piping profile with a strip of suitable fabric according to the profile shape.

Keep both rolls even and the fabric free from twisting.

Position the covered profile along the intended furniture edge.

Staple through the fixing channel into sound supporting material, using appropriate upholstery staples and a compatible staple gun or tacker.

After fixing, close the profile so the finished double piping conceals the staples.

Check that:

• The furniture edge is smooth
• The supporting frame is sound
• Staple length suits the frame
• The fabric strip remains aligned
• The profile does not twist
• Joins remain neat
• Corners are formed without excessive bulk

Use the double-piping profile only where the furniture construction and finished design suit a stapled decorative edge.

This is one of the few occasions where staples and pneumatic tackers are genuinely associated with a product in this category; ordinary cushion piping is sewn rather than stapled.

Tools and Associated Products for Making Piping

The most relevant Livedale ranges for a piping project are:

Upholstery Fabric and Vinyl

Browse upholstery vinyl and fabric for the material used to cover the cord and make the cushion or furniture panel.

Sewing Thread and Bobbins

Browse sewing threads and bobbins for constructing the piping and sewing it into the finished cover.

Upholstery Shears and Snips

Browse upholstery shears and snips for cutting fabric strips, trimming thread and opening incorrectly sewn seams.

Measuring and Marking Tools

Browse measuring and marking tools for setting strip width, calculating cushion perimeters and marking cutting lines.

Cushion Zips

Browse upholstery zipping supplies when constructing removable piped cushion covers.

Foam and Cushion Wrap

Browse foam cut to size for custom cushion interiors and polyester wadding for wrapping suitable foam cushions.

Staples and Tackers for Double Piping

For the stapled blind-seam profile only, browse upholstery staples and pneumatic guns and tackers.

Those links follow the actual construction process. Adhesives, furniture brackets, fire labels and unrelated hand tools have deliberately not been added merely to increase the number of links.

Common Piping Mistakes

Avoid:

• Choosing paper cord for a washable loose cover
• Assuming every No. 5 cord has the same diameter
• Cutting every curved piping strip on the straight grain
• Failing to make a fabric-covered sample
• Measuring only the foam rather than the cover seam line
• Forgetting allowance for piping joins
• Stretching the fabric while enclosing the cord
• Sewing through the cord
• Using thread that is too light for the cover
• Placing the piping join at a corner
• Creating excessive bulk beside a zip end
• Using cord too firm for a soft cushion edge
• Using soft cord where a sharply defined heavy-fabric edge is required
• Stapling ordinary cushion piping to the furniture
• Treating double-piping profile as ordinary sewn cord
• Assuming a washable cord makes the entire cover washable

The cord is only one part of the piping. Fabric selection, cutting accuracy and sewing control have an equal say in the finished result.

Related Workroom Supplies

Return to the Workroom Supplies hub for sewing products, zips, tapes, panels, fixings and other upholstery sundries.

Browse Profiles & Edge Rolls where the job requires structural edge formation or frame protection beneath the upholstery rather than visible decorative piping.

For a typical piped cushion project, the most relevant product journey is:

• Foam cut to size
• Polyester cushion wrap
• Upholstery fabric or vinyl
• Piping cord
• Sewing thread and bobbins
• Continuous zip and sliders
• Shears and snips
• Measuring and marking tools

Trade Upholstery Piping Cords

Livedale supplies cotton, paper, polypropylene and plastic piping cords to professional upholsterers, cushion makers, furniture manufacturers, automotive trimmers and soft-furnishing workrooms throughout the UK.

Several products are available as individual reels or larger trade quantities, making the range suitable for one-off projects and repeated furniture production.

Approved trade customers can access preferential trade pricing across eligible products after registering for a trade account.

Choose the cord according to the finished cover, fabric weight, required diameter and cleaning method rather than size number alone.