Tapes & Elastic

Upholstery Cotton Tape and Elastic Cord

Shop cotton tape and narrow elastic cord for furniture upholstery, loose covers, cushion making, valances and general soft-furnishing work. Livedale supplies cotton tape in a choice of widths and colours, together with black and white elastic for creating gathered and flexible fabric edges.

These products are used principally in sewn fabric constructions.

Cotton tape can be used for:

• Making fabric ties
• Reinforcing suitable seams
• Binding suitable raw edges
• Supporting fabric joins
• Forming hanging or securing loops
• Marking and retaining furniture-cover positions
• Suitable curtain and soft-furnishing work
• General workroom sewing

Narrow elastic can be used for:

• Gathered loose-cover edges
• Flexible cushion-cover sections
• Fitted furniture covers
• Suitable valances
• Removable protective covers
• Soft-furnishing projects requiring controlled stretch

The elastic products on this page are not intended to support the weight of a chair or sofa seat. For structural furniture support, browse Elasticated & Polypropylene Upholstery Webbing.

For reusable cushion and panel fastenings, browse Hook & Loop Tape.

Shop Upholstery Tape and Elastic by Type

The range contains three direct products:

• Cotton tape in four widths
• Black 6mm 8-cord elastic
• White 9mm 16-cord elastic

Cotton Upholstery Tape

Cotton tape is supplied on a 50-metre roll.

It is available in:

• 13mm
• 19mm
• 25mm
• 50mm

The available colours are:

• Black
• Natural or unbleached
• White

Cotton tape is a non-elastic woven tape suited to sewing, binding, tying and reinforcement applications.

Potential uses include:

• Furniture-cover ties
• Cushion ties
• Bed and furniture valances
• Fabric loops
• Seam reinforcement
• Binding suitable raw fabric edges
• Securing loose-cover sections
• Soft-furnishing work
• Curtain and pelmet construction
• General workroom identification or positioning ties

Choose the width according to the required strength, visibility, seam construction and intended finished appearance.

13mm Cotton Tape

The 13mm tape is the narrowest option.

It may be suitable for:

• Fine securing ties
• Small fabric loops
• Lightweight soft furnishings
• Narrow seam reinforcement
• Compact cushion ties
• Areas with limited seam allowance

Its narrow profile is easier to conceal but provides less material for stitching and load distribution than the wider options.

19mm Cotton Tape

The 19mm width provides additional sewing area while remaining relatively discreet.

It may be used for:

• Loose-cover ties
• Cushion ties
• General furniture-cover reinforcement
• Soft-furnishing loops
• Medium-width binding
• Suitable curtain and pelmet work

This width can provide a useful balance between easy handling and a neat finished appearance.

25mm Cotton Tape

The 25mm cotton tape is a practical general-purpose size for furniture and workroom use.

Potential applications include:

• Stronger loose-cover ties
• Reinforcing suitable fabric joins
• Furniture-cover location straps
• Wider binding
• Removable valance attachments
• General soft-furnishing construction

The wider surface provides room for more than one row of stitching where additional security is required.

50mm Cotton Tape

The 50mm option is the widest tape in the current range.

It may suit:

• Broad fabric reinforcement
• Wide bindings
• Strong furniture-cover straps
• Larger securing loops
• Suitable mattress or bedding work
• Applications requiring a substantial sewn tape

The 50mm tape creates more seam bulk than the narrower options.

Make a test section where it must be folded, turned or enclosed within several fabric layers.

Choosing Cotton-Tape Colour

Choose the colour according to where the tape will be used and whether it remains visible.

Black cotton tape

Black can suit:

• Dark furniture covers
• Vehicle and campervan interiors
• Black lining materials
• Dark upholstery fabrics
• Concealed work where workshop marks may be less visible

Natural cotton tape

Natural or unbleached tape can suit:

• Traditional upholstery
• Calico and natural-coloured linings
• Pale neutral covers
• Internal furniture work
• Projects where a natural woven appearance is preferred

White cotton tape

White tape can suit:

• Pale loose covers
• White and cream linings
• Bedding
• Light-coloured valances
• Soft furnishings where a clean pale finish is required

Where the tape will remain hidden, an exact colour match may not be necessary.

Where it forms a visible tie or loop, compare the tape against the actual covering fabric.

Cotton Tape for Furniture-Cover Ties

Cotton tape can be sewn into suitable loose covers to help retain sections around furniture frames, legs, arms or backs.

A fabric tie should be long enough to:

• Reach the intended anchor point
• Form the chosen knot or bow
• Allow the cover to be fitted and removed
• Avoid excessive loose length
• Remain concealed where required

The tape should be sewn into a reinforced part of the cover.

Avoid attaching a load-bearing tie only to one thin layer of loosely woven fabric.

Where necessary, reinforce the attachment area with:

• Additional covering fabric
• A folded seam allowance
• A suitable lining
• A secure box or crossed stitch pattern

Use Upholstery Sewing Threads & Bobbins for suitable machine-sewing thread.

Sewing Cotton-Tape Ends

Raw tape ends should be enclosed or secured so they do not fray excessively.

Possible finishes include:

• Turning the end under before stitching
• Enclosing it within a seam
• Folding and stitching the end
• Binding the end within another fabric section

The appropriate method depends on whether the end remains visible and how much tension the tape will carry.

Do not rely on one line of stitching placed immediately against an unfinished tape end where the tie will be pulled repeatedly.

Cotton Tape for Seam Reinforcement

Cotton tape can reinforce suitable fabric seams and help control stretching along selected furniture-cover sections.

It may be sewn:

• Along a seam line
• Behind a fabric join
• Within a folded edge
• Around a suitable opening
• Across a stress point
• Behind a row of fastenings

Reinforcement tape is most useful where the fabric itself needs additional support.

It will not correct:

• An insufficient seam allowance
• Weak or damaged fabric
• Incorrect thread
• A poorly adjusted sewing machine
• A seam placed under excessive load
• Incorrect cover dimensions

The tape, fabric and thread should work together as one construction.

Cotton Tape for Binding Edges

Cotton tape may be used to bind suitable fabric edges where the selected width and construction allow it to fold around the material.

Potential applications include:

• Internal loose-cover edges
• Soft-furnishing panels
• Suitable lining cloth
• Removable fabric sections
• Workroom samples
• Edges that require a neat woven finish

The tape must be wide enough to cover both faces of the fabric edge while leaving sufficient material for secure stitching.

Wider tape may be preferable for thick materials, although it also creates a broader and more visible finished edge.

Test the tape around curves and corners before applying it to the full project.

Black 6mm 8-Cord Elastic

The black 6mm 8-cord elastic is supplied on a 250-metre reel.

It is intended for upholstery and soft-furnishing applications such as loose covers and cushions where a gathered edge is required.

Potential uses include:

• Dark loose furniture covers
• Cushion-cover edges
• Fitted protective covers
• Soft-furnishing gathers
• Concealed elastic channels
• Suitable vehicle or campervan covers
• Flexible fabric retaining sections

The 6mm width creates a relatively narrow elasticated edge.

Its black colour is most suitable where the elastic remains concealed or is used with dark covering materials.

Sewing 6mm Elastic into a Cover

The elastic may be:

• Sewn directly to the fabric
• Enclosed within a fabric channel
• Fed through a casing
• Attached between marked positions
• Used around selected sections rather than the complete cover

The best method depends on the covering material and required finish.

Where the elastic is sewn under tension, divide both the elastic and fabric edge into matching sections before sewing.

This helps distribute the gathers more evenly around the cover.

Use suitable Pins & Skewers to mark compatible fabric sections where required.

White 9mm 16-Cord Elastic

The white 9mm 16-cord elastic is supplied on a 200-metre reel.

It is intended for loose covers, cushions and soft furnishings requiring a gathered or flexible edge.

The wider 9mm construction provides a broader sewing and contact area than the 6mm product.

Potential uses include:

• Pale loose furniture covers
• Cushion-cover gathers
• Bed and divan covers
• Suitable valances
• Removable protective covers
• Soft furnishings
• Concealed elastic channels

Its white colour is particularly suitable for pale fabrics and linings where a dark elastic might show through.

Choosing Between the 6mm and 9mm Elastic

Choose according to:

• Fabric weight
• Required gather
• Available casing width
• Visibility
• Colour
• Amount of sewing area required
• Finished edge thickness
• Existing successful construction

The 9mm product is wider and has a 16-cord construction, while the black product is 6mm wide with eight cords.

The cord count should not be used as the only indication of strength or stretch.

The product pages do not currently publish:

• Stretch percentage
• Recovery
• Breaking load
• Fibre composition
• Maximum extension
• Recommended sewing tension

Make a test section using the actual fabric before cutting elastic for the complete cover.

Calculating Elastic Length

The required elastic length depends on:

• Fabric length
• Required gather
• Elastic stretch
• Cover shape
• Fabric weight
• Whether the cover must pass over a wider furniture section
• Required finished tension
• Method of attachment

Do not use one fixed elastic-to-fabric ratio for every project.

Begin with a test section.

The finished elastic should:

• Hold the cover in position
• Allow the cover to be fitted
• Avoid overstretching the fabric
• Avoid curling the edge excessively
• Recover after removal
• Remain comfortable to handle
• Avoid placing excessive tension on seams

An elastic edge that is too loose will not retain the cover.

An elastic edge that is too tight can make fitting difficult, distort the fabric and overload the stitching.

Dividing the Fabric and Elastic

For a more even gather:

1. Join the elastic into a loop where the construction requires it.
2. Mark the elastic into equal sections.
3. Mark the fabric edge into the same number of sections.
4. Match the corresponding marks.
5. Stretch the elastic evenly between them while sewing.

This helps avoid one heavily gathered section and another section with almost no tension.

For long furniture covers, additional reference marks can improve control.

Sewing Elastic Directly to Fabric

Elastic can be sewn directly to suitable fabric using a stitch and thread compatible with the material and sewing machine.

Consider:

• Elastic width
• Fabric stretch
• Thread construction
• Needle size
• Stitch type
• Seam allowance
• Required extension
• Number of stitching rows

Avoid using a stitch so short or tight that it cuts through the elastic cords.

The elastic should still stretch and recover after sewing.

Test the seam by extending it several times and checking for:

• Broken thread
• Popped stitches
• Elastic damage
• Fabric puckering
• Poor recovery
• Uneven gathers

Elastic Casings

A casing encloses the elastic within a folded or separately sewn fabric channel.

This can provide:

• A cleaner appearance
• Protection for the elastic
• Easier elastic replacement
• Reduced direct stitching through the elastic
• A smoother gathered edge

The casing must be wide enough for the elastic to pass through without twisting.

Allow enough room for:

• 6mm or 9mm elastic width
• Fabric thickness
• Seam construction
• Any bodkin or threading tool
• Smooth movement

Secure the elastic ends firmly after the required tension has been established.

Loose Furniture Covers

Elastic can help retain suitable loose covers around:

• Seat bases
• Chair backs
• Sofa sections
• Footstools
• Dining-chair seats
• Removable arm caps
• Bed and divan bases

Browse Upholstery Fabric & Vinyl for suitable furniture-covering materials.

Before adding elastic, make sure the cover:

• Fits the furniture correctly
• Has sufficient seam allowance
• Can pass over the widest furniture section
• Does not obstruct mechanisms
• Does not trap controls or cables
• Can be removed for its intended cleaning method

Elastic should improve the location of an accurately made cover. It should not be expected to pull a badly sized cover into the correct shape.

Cushions with Gathered Edges

Narrow elastic can be used in suitable cushion-cover designs where a gathered, fitted or flexible edge is required.

A cushion project may also require:

• Foam Cut to Size
• Polyester Wadding
• Upholstery Fabric
• Sewing Thread & Bobbins
• Piping Cord
• Zipping Supplies

Elastic and zips perform different functions.

A zip provides a defined opening for removing the cushion interior. Elastic creates a stretchable gathered edge.

Some cover designs may use one or the other; others may use both in separate areas.

Skirts and Valances

Cotton tape and elastic may also be used in suitable furniture skirts, bed valances and pelmets.

Browse Skirt & Valance Stiffener where the fabric section requires additional body and shape.

Cotton tape may be used for:

• Ties
• Attachment loops
• Reinforcement
• Suitable bound edges

Elastic may be used where a valance or cover requires a gathered flexible edge.

The stiffener and elastic perform different jobs:

• Stiffener supports the visible drop.
• Elastic gathers or retains a flexible edge.
• Cotton tape creates non-stretch ties or reinforcement.

Cotton Tape, Elastic and Hook-and-Loop Tape

These products should be selected according to the required fastening or support.

Choose cotton tape for:

• Non-stretch ties
• Binding
• Seam reinforcement
• Fabric loops
• General sewn workroom use

Choose narrow elastic for:

• Flexible gathered edges
• Fitted loose covers
• Cushion-cover gathers
• Soft-furnishing sections that must stretch

Choose hook-and-loop tape for:

• Reusable opening and closing
• Removable cushion attachment
• Furniture panels
• Covers that must detach from a fixed surface

Browse Hook & Loop Tape for sew-on and self-adhesive fastening options.

Narrow Elastic or Structural Upholstery Webbing?

The black and white elastic products in this category are narrow sewing elastics.

They are not intended to replace the broad webbing fitted across furniture frames.

For seat and back support, browse Elasticated & Polypropylene Upholstery Webbing.

Structural furniture webbing includes products designed to span a frame and support foam, cushions or upholstery layers.

Narrow elastic is used within fabric covers and soft furnishings.

Keeping these products separate helps prevent a sewing elastic from being ordered for a chair-seat repair.

Cutting Cotton Tape and Elastic

Use sharp Upholstery Shears & Snips for clean, controlled cutting.

Cut cotton tape squarely where it will be folded, joined or enclosed within a seam.

Keep elastic relaxed while measuring unless the project specifically requires it to be measured under controlled extension.

Use separate general-purpose shears where repeated elastic cutting could affect fine fabric blades.

After cutting:

• Keep pieces labelled
• Prevent the elastic from recoiling into a mixed bundle
• Secure tape ends where necessary
• Check that left- and right-hand sections remain paired
• Retain product information for production work

Measuring and Marking

Use Measuring & Marking Tools to record:

• Tape lengths
• Elastic lengths
• Cover perimeter
• Gathering sections
• Seam positions
• Attachment points
• Finished edge depth
• Tie positions

Use suitable Chalks & Fabric Markers to mark compatible upholstery materials.

Test the marker on an offcut and keep marks within the seam or concealed construction where practical.

Sewing Thread

Browse Upholstery Sewing Threads & Bobbins for bonded nylon, polycotton corespun and other machine-sewing products.

Choose thread according to:

• Fabric
• Cotton tape or elastic
• Sewing-machine type
• Needle
• Stitch construction
• Expected tension
• Required colour
• Cleaning method

The thread must tolerate the movement within an elasticated seam.

A strong elastic sewn with unsuitable thread may remain intact while the stitch line fails around it.

Cleaning and Care

The cleaning method for the finished item depends on every material used, including:

• Fabric
• Elastic
• Cotton tape
• Sewing thread
• Zip
• Hook-and-loop tape
• Lining
• Stiffener

Do not assume a completed loose cover or cushion is machine washable solely because its fabric can be washed.

The elastic and tape product pages do not currently publish detailed washing temperatures, shrinkage or chemical-cleaning information.

Use a cleaning method suitable for the complete construction.

Common Tape and Elastic Mistakes

Avoid:

• Using narrow elastic as furniture-seat webbing
• Confusing cotton tape with hook-and-loop tape
• Choosing elastic length without making a test section
• Pulling the elastic unevenly while sewing
• Using too small a casing
• Stitching through elastic with an unsuitable needle or stitch
• Sewing a tie into one weak layer of fabric
• Forgetting to secure raw cotton-tape ends
• Using tape too narrow for the required load
• Assuming wider tape automatically suits every seam
• Choosing elastic colour without checking whether it shows through
• Failing to allow the cover to pass over the furniture
• Using elastic to compensate for incorrect cover dimensions
• Assuming all components share the same cleaning instructions

Related Workroom Supplies

Return to the Workroom Supplies hub for sewing products, fastenings, zips, piping and other upholstery sundries.

For a loose-cover or gathered-cushion project, the most relevant product journey is:

• Upholstery Fabric or Vinyl
• Cotton Tape or Elastic
• Sewing Thread & Bobbins
• Hook & Loop Tape where a reusable fastening is required
• Zipping Supplies where the cover needs a defined opening
• Piping Cord for piped cushion and cover seams
• Skirt & Valance Stiffener for supported furniture skirts
• Shears & Snips
• Measuring & Marking Tools
• Pins & Skewers

Trade Cotton Tape and Elastic

Livedale supplies cotton tape and narrow sewing elastic to professional upholsterers, loose-cover makers, furniture manufacturers, cushion makers, curtain workrooms and soft-furnishing businesses throughout the UK.

Cotton tape is available in four widths and three colours on 50-metre rolls. The black and white elastic products are supplied in larger trade-length reels for repeated cover and cushion production.

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

Choose cotton tape for non-stretch ties, binding and reinforcement. Choose narrow elastic where a gathered or flexible fabric edge is required.