How to Sew Cording on a Pillow: A Step-by-Step Guide

Adding cording to a pillow is a simple yet effective way to create a high-end, decorative finish.

Whether you’re making a new pillow from scratch or upgrading an existing one, cording enhances both structure and style.

This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring professional results every time.

How to Make a Pillow with Cording

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather these essential materials:

• Fabric for the pillow cover (cotton, linen, or upholstery fabric works well)
• Cording or piping cord (available in various thicknesses)
• Bias tape or fabric strips (to cover the cording)
• Thread matching the fabric
• Sewing machine with a zipper foot attachment
• Pins or fabric clips
• Scissors and fabric marker
• Sewing needle (for hand finishing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut the Fabric

• Measure and cut two equal-sized pieces of fabric for the pillow cover.
• If making a square or rectangular pillow, add a 1/2-inch seam allowance to each side.
• For a round pillow, trace and cut a perfect circle using a template.

2. Create the Cording

• Cut bias strips of fabric long enough to wrap around the cord with extra seam allowance.
• Place the cording inside the fabric strip and fold it over.
• Using a basting stitch and a zipper foot, sew close to the cord to encase it securely.

3. Attach the Cording to the Pillow Cover

• Pin the cording around the edge of one fabric piece, aligning raw edges.
• Clip the fabric at corners for easier manipulation.
• Using a zipper foot, stitch as close to the cord as possible.

For a more structured and supportive sleep setup, pairing decorative pillows with a Puffy Lux Mattress can enhance both comfort and aesthetics.

How to Put a Zipper in a Pillow with Cording

Adding a zipper closure to a cording-trimmed pillow ensures easy removal for washing and maintenance. Follow these steps to seamlessly integrate a zipper:

Materials Needed

• Fabric and cording (prepared as above)
• Matching zipper (invisible or standard)
• Zipper foot for precise sewing
• Pins or fabric clips
• Sewing machine and thread

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pillow Pieces

• Attach the cording to one fabric panel, leaving an opening where the zipper will be inserted.

2. Insert the Zipper

• Place the zipper face down along one pillow edge.
• Pin it in place and use a basting stitch to secure it.
• With a zipper foot, sew along both sides of the zipper for a clean finish.

3. Complete the Pillow

• Align both fabric panels, ensuring the cording and zipper match up.
• Sew around the pillow’s perimeter, keeping stitches close to the cording.
• Turn the pillow right side out and insert the pillow form.

Tips for Sewing Cording on a Pillow

• Use bias-cut fabric strips to wrap around the cording for flexibility and smooth corners.
• Pin or clip cording securely to prevent shifting while sewing.
• Sew slowly and carefully around curves to maintain an even stitch line.
• Match thread colors to fabric and cording for a seamless appearance.
• Reinforce corners with backstitching to keep cording securely in place.

For those who love plush comfort, combining cording-trimmed pillows with a Puffy Cloud Mattress can create a cozy and stylish bedroom setup.

Conclusion

Learning how to sew cording on a pillow elevates your home decor and enhances the durability of your cushions.

Whether you’re crafting a simple design or adding a zipper closure, mastering this technique allows for endless customization.

With the right materials and careful stitching, you can create beautifully finished pillows that look store-bought yet have a personal touch.