I have an obsession with flat piping. Lately, I put it on everything ... well, not everything, but anything that suggests itself.
I hate to make bias strips. I don't even like making a continuous bias strip from a constructed tube of fabric.
So, I have been experimenting with knits used as piping. I usually cut a 2 inch strip of cotton/lycra fabric, fold it in half, right sides out, and press. Then I attach the strip to the edge being 'piped', and stitch it down. In the photo the bottom portion shows a strip being added to a garment piece.
Then I attach the two garment pieces together, clip inside if needed, press, and....beautiful flat piping which works even on the most curved edges.
I have a lot of knit scraps so it has been 'free' as well!
I used this technique when I reviewed New Look 6470 -- tropical print skirt in green/black/red print with red piping between skirt body and flounce.
This is just too easy. I'm sure someone else has thought this up and perhaps even reviewed it before.
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Very clever--send me a pm about what you are making with that fabulous floral...another skirt???
4/21/08 2:16 AM
It's true that a crossgrain-cut [or the stretchy direction] strip of knit has just as much flexibility as a bias-cut strip of woven fabric. When I make this [piping without any filling], I call it a flange...it does give an interesting little extra detail.
As with piping, it's very helpful to sew with the flange stitching showing on top, when attaching the next piece. This way the flange width can be sewn very accurately. :)
4/21/08 6:07 AM
I love this idea. I'll be doing more piping than I used to.
4/21/08 10:13 AM
I am going to try this. Thank you.
4/21/08 4:42 PM
Great idea. Thanks for sharing it!!
5/8/08 1:29 AM
Great tip! I've had many disasters making bias. Since buying a rotary cutter and rule some time ago, I've found it much easier. Thank you, I will definately be trying this. Have you had any probs with the combination of knit and other fabrics?
5/11/08 5:54 PM