Piping (sewing)

Cotton day dress edged with contrasting piping, 1836–1840, Victoria and Albert Museum
Piping on the armrest of a sofa

In sewing, piping is a type of trim or embellishment consisting of a strip of folded fabric so as to form a "pipe" inserted into a seam to define the edges or style lines of a garment or other textile object. Usually the fabric strip is cut on the bias. It may be made from either self-fabric (the same fabric as the object to be ornamented) or contrasting fabric, or of leather.[1]

Today, piping is common on upholstery, bags, and decorative pillows, but it is also used on clothing. Piped pocket openings, garment edges, and seams are characteristic of Western wear.[2]

  1. ^ Khalje, Susan (August–September 2005). "Create Ripple-Free Piping". Threads. Vol. 120. Taunton Press. pp. 40–45. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
  2. ^ George-Warren, Holly; Freedman, Michelle (2001). How the West Was Worn. Harry N. Abrams. pp. 181, 194, 199. ISBN 0-8109-0615-5.