How to apply and join decorative twist cord trim - the right way!

The absolute best and most professional way to invisibly join the ends of twist cord with lip on a pillow or cushion.

[@janicerich8526]

Highly recommend this lesson on cording. So complete and succinct! Thank you!

[@k_golly_g]

What a great tutorial! Thank you. I’ve purchased a remnant of this sort of trim years ago and have been baffled by how to use it. I’m so grateful for this video because I never would have guessed this was the way. Now I’m off to learn a new skill for a new year. Happy New Year to you!

[@joandurand8648]

It's wonderful to see a perfectionist in action! Having taught privately myself, I really appreciate your technique. Thank you for sharing your expertise. There are so many aspiring stitchers who missed out on sewing instruction in school or at home that really need your help.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

What a kind message! Thank you 😊 I hope I’m able to help lots of people for many years!

[@reeciti]

Great tutorial. I also love the way you've matched the front and back of the print so print wraps continuously. That's a sign of quality! Thank you!

[@lemondragon2341]

Thank you for this tutorial! I was nervous about this part of my project but now I'm confident I can make it look great!

[@denisechelpka3936]

Watched a couple times and then Started and stopped the video as I put my piping on step by step. It was perfect! THANK YOU! Very easy to follow.

[@karencox3235]

I'm SO glad I found this video before I attempted to make some throw pillows for the first time! Of course, I had to add lipped cording on my FIRST try, but now I feel equipped to handle it and have it look great! Thank you SO SO much for such a detailed, professional DIY video!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you for the sweet comment. I know you’ll do great!

[@rawhero5703]

watched several versions - this one is the best ! Thank you

[@rachelstevens7336]

What an incredibly helpful video thank you. easy to understand and follow the instructions. I've been a professional upholsterer for years and never had a satisfactory way of joining braided cords-now they are back in fashion I can't avoid it anymore!

[@deemaverick987]

You hair speaks to me. Beautiful curls.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Haha! Thank you, but they definitely have a mind of their own :)

[@user-ht1zt1pp4p]

Thank you so much! Just searched how to join cross stitch peice front to fabric back with large chord trim for pillow and found your wonderful tutorial! Great instruction & sewing examples! Thank you!!😊

[@bettychamplin8751]

I still enjoyed the tutorial. I have such a problem connecting cording but this looks like just the thing to make my pillows look a little better. Thank you

[@1946Norma]

thank you sooo very much for the explanation on how to join the twist cord.

[@a.sobriquet6220]

Pythagoras (sp?) himself would be awed by this application of geometry! I feel like I should have been able to figure this out myself, but…no way. Thank you!!

[@amhung]

Your attention to detail is fantastic! Thanks for sharing.

[@maryhusted9666]

I've watched several videos about joining these twist cord trims. Yours is definitely the best! I made one pillow yesterday following another video and it turned out OK,, but less than perfect. Going to make my second pillow this afternoon and I think your method will work much better!!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

You’ve got this!

[@alexandramoorshead4437]

You explained that very well. Thank you.

[@mariekiraly1101]

FINALLY! I've KILLED myself trying to figure this out!! Thanks!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Love this comment! 😁

[@vegababes123]

Oh my I love it I tried ur pillow for the first time as well as incorporating the size of the pillow an not adding any extra seam allowance to it an it came out really nice I must say an with more tries I will get better am not seeing how to add a pic otherwise I would of send u it but I am so loving ur work thanks a million for sharing ur inspiration an knowledge to us here may u continue to be blessed always !

[@dworsham234]

I’m so impressed! That looks amazing! I’ll be trying that soon. Great job with all the steps and explanation! Thank you! I’ve learned so much! I did did some bias binding yesterday ! Turned out fabulous! Thank you for answering my question so quickly.

[@carolg.6838]

Love this channel. Cannot wait to watch everything. Such clear descriptions and nice presentation.

[@Honestdwarf]

You are an artist a great teacher and a master at your craft! Thanks a million! 😍🙏🌹

[@bethbilous4720]

Your cording came out just perfect.

[@jimnancyearley5287]

Outstanding. You made it look so easy, but your instructions are super. I’ll try again tomorrow 👍

[@karenmarshall9901]

Wow, this is like a magic trick!! I wish I would have found this great video before I attempted this following a video that suggested stripping the cords of their coverings and weaving both ends together. What a mess! Very smart about leaving yourself extra room and not cutting the cords until after the front and back are sewn together. I ended up ordering new fabric and cording to do it the way this video demonstrates. Great technique and instruction! Thanks!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you!! It takes a bit of practice but will work every time once you get the hang of it!

[@realitytc]

I'm making box cushions for the first time and this tutorial was the best instructional video for joining corded piping. Thank you for making it!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I’m so glad you found it helpful!!

[@lovesprung]

This is perfect! Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial!

[@ellagirard2384]

That’s amazing! 😮Thank you so much for sharing this with us all.

[@irenestinson1724]

Thank you for this awesome tutorial; beautifully demonstrated and so clearly explained! Can’t wait to try this technique myself.

[@katherinelaw462]

Thank you for showing how, I never knew the right way to do this. 🙏

[@lynnbrassington1788]

Wow that’s the best Ive ever seen thank you for showing me x

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

That makes me so happy! So glad you found it helpful :)

[@nipper481]

Thank you ! Your instructions and the video are so clear ! I actually did it and like the results!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Awesome!!

[@linato1855]

This is incredibly helpful. My son and wife keep giving me challenging projects to do for them and I’m old enough to not remember if I’ve done this before. The trim I’m stuck with also has stitches through it in the bottom front, I guess I just need to take my time to work through it. Thank you! By the way, I love your much used machine. Lol…Looks like you inherited it because my first sewing machine is almost 60 years old and looks new. 🤭

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

As old as I am I still like the challenge of learning something new! Just be patient as this takes a little practice :) That old sewing machine is a retired machine from a factory I believe.

[@bj2949]

Your hair is GORGEOUS!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Well thank you!

[@luciboras]

Thank you , thank you for you tutorials.

[@florenceobrien5447]

You have made this so simple, thank you so very much 😁

[@sylviaga6696]

This is a very helpful tutorial, Thank you so much for teaching us!

[@sandiwilson5376]

Thanks I learned something. Great teacher and looks professional. 😊

[@sarahkuzma9]

This is awesome!! thanks. I can't wait to try this.

[@kkcopper1]

Thank you, will be ripping out my basted trim and using your method tomorrow!

[@squalleye]

This is brilliant! Thank you!

[@cathym5106]

WOW! Just terrific. Thanks so much.

[@theresamcpherson9676]

I’m subscribing, love your teaching style. I feel like I can do it Ty!!

[@dressformechallenge]

Thank you so much for this! ❤

[@andreanauheimer1987]

Great tutorial !!! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@larysawagner3133]

You are the BEST!!! Thank you!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

You’re so welcome!

[@kristieb1148]

I loved that! Thank you.

[@grandmatwins]

Thank you! Great tutorial!

[@justinerogers1353]

Wow, great job. Thank you.

[@edithcovenas9926]

Excelente, mil gracias desde Peru .America del Sur.Bendiciones💖💟

[@martag8961]

Wonderful tutorial. Thank you

[@user-zh2hu5hw3v]

Thank You, very useful video! Good luck to you!

[@saffyre915]

Exactly what I needed! Your video is so easy to follow and extremely detailed. Thanks for posting!!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you so much 😊

[@julieach71]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@dawnleighty5109]

You did a beautiful job! My machine was just not strong enough to go over the untwisted cording. Yours looks great!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thanks! The bigger twist cord is definitely challenging for many machines. You can hand sew it with strong thread if all else fails 😉

[@dawnleighty5109]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare I kept the twisting at the bottom and hand-sewed it. Thanks!

[@desireeshar2895]

Brilliant, thank you!

[@awakensleeper1300]

Awesome!!! Thank you so much! I was going to burn them together with a lighter. Lol! You saved my project!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

😂 That’s a drastic solution! 🔥

[@lindad.6850]

Beautiful!

[@melissaboss2724]

You look like a magician doing this. I've watched it twice and can't figure out what you have done. Not because of you, I just can't get it! Lol

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Sorry you’re having trouble :( Let me know where you’re getting stuck!

[@debh1191]

Thanks so very much. Now I can do it!.

[@carlajolly2480]

Awesome! Thank you

[@fawnchoate101]

This was a very good tutorial thank you

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

So glad you found it helpful! Thank you for taking the time to comment 🙂

[@mininemallem5948]

Wow so amazing work 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@jeandresley275]

Thanks this video was wonderful.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you!

[@debbiemackenzie5565]

Genius! Thanks

[@sarrah6473]

So amazing!!!!

[@marydsouza3048]

You are very good, thank you.

[@annettemarado3668]

Excellent. Thank you

[@mariamarfil1620]

NEAT, thank you! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤️

[@pattikelley4840]

Thank you!

[@marymac2754]

Outstanding/wow! I’m off to my Bernina 💃🏻

[@angelacrockett4627]

Wonderful video! You made it very easy to understand how to join the cording. Where can I find a Welt Foot like the one you have in the video? Who makes it? Do you have a part number? Thank you for your response.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I don’t know the brand of foot - it’s just a standard welt foot for an industrial machine. I know that type of foot fits on many machines. I’d contact the closest industrial sewing machine dealer in your area and they can hook you up :)

[@juliefreshman3830]

I’ve learned a lot from your videos, thank you! What type of sewing machine are you using?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

So glad you like my video content! My machines are nothing fancy. At the moment I’m primarily using 4 sewing machines: a very basic Juki HZL-HB 5020 so I have the ability to zig zag and make automatic buttonholes, my industrial Mitsubishi LS2-2210, a Singer serger, and a blindhemmer

[@pamelaanderson4211]

Brilliant!

[@CootiePootieTootie]

Is that a Bouvier des Flanders at the end? I love Bouvs ❤ Thanks for the nice tutorial! Well explained and thought out

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you! No, not a Bouv… a Portuguese Water Dog :)

[@CootiePootieTootie]

Omg we had one too! He was so sweet! They look so much alike to Bouvs that when we adopted him, the shelter told us he was a Bouvier. But he was slinkier and curlier than Bouvs normally are. Yours is so cute!

[@floryrodrigues1311]

Thank you for showing how to fix the corded edging.. I would like to know what the cord foot you used called so I can purchase one.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

It’s just a standard welt foot for an industrial machine…not sure who makes it but if you call any dealer that sells and services industrial machines they can hook you up! I have them in 4 sizes - 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2”

[@sharonberg24]

You make it look effortless….

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Years and years of practice :)

[@Ms88keys1]

FANTASTIC JOB, I LOVE THIS VIDEO. By golly I think I’ve watched all the right videos to gain confidence in making my first, HIGH END pillow! Is this type of cord considered high end or is a same color fabric considered higher end? I don’t know, I’m just asking. In my opinion this shiny fancy cord looks better than any same color fabric pillow out there.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I don’t think either is necessarily more high end… just different looks! Twist cord comes shiny, matte, and even super casual like cotton or hemp, so it’s all in the design :)

[@Ms88keys1]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare I FINISHED MY FIRST PILLOW:) It came out very nice for a beginner. Two things I wish I gave more focus to. 1. I shoulda basted the cord to the front of the pillow first, I was trying to get too close too soon and it created a sucking and grabbing motion. 2. I laid the ends of the cord out just as you showed and I found the curve appeal however when I sewed on top, I sewed too far in the cord area so when I flipped it inside out there wasn’t enough cord showing as I hoped. It was almost perfect. So with my 2nd pillow I know what to do better, thanks for the video.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@Ms88keys1 Good for you! Sounds like a really good first try. It definitely takes a little practice, but you’re already learning and soon it’ll be PERFECT!

[@danabery7999]

Thanks for great video.💪🏻What type of sewing machine do you have & what size of the needle do you use for this task?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

This particular task is easiest on an industrial upholstery machine but since I have neither I just take my time and sew over the thickest parts by turning the hand wheel on my standard machine. I have an industrial Mitsubishi LS 2-2210 and a household Juki. Use a sharp strong needle - size 14 on average should work fine

[@danadouin1042]

Perfection

[@kimcup5000]

Amazing.

[@jackjenkins485]

Thank you!!!!!

[@donaunsworth5620]

Thank you so much. You've hopefully saved me a major headache. I was trying to figure out how to use the trim as I have 3 sections of fabric with the trim to hide the endings of each as they are different for a Pelmet. I'm a novice sewer and don't have a zipper foot ( mainly use a walking foot) I can now hopefully manage this. I have a question please. How can I add the trim to an existing lampshade? Is it possible? Many Thanks

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Twist cord with a lip for sewing into a seam like the one in this video is not going to work as an exterior trim on a lampshade.The most common trim you see on shades are gimp or tassel trim as they are they provide the least noticeable joins. Good luck on your projects!!

[@donaunsworth5620]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare thank you for your reply. I wanted to make bedding too but have issues on fabric sizes. The only way I can think of is to add additional panels. It seems that bedding size fabric is a trade secret. Thank you on the project it’s an ongoing Tiffany Style. I half wish I’d not began it now lol x

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@donaunsworth5620 When making bed covers with 54" home dec fabric you do indeed need to piece it. Use a full width in the middle, and split the extra evenly with a piece on either side. The only other option is to use bedsheets, or 108-110" fabric. Ado has a fairly decent selection of wide width fabric, although not too many prints. Best of luck!!

[@paulagallucci9448]

What size is the welt foot you are using? I'm in need of one for very large twisted cording like in your tutorial. Would love to know where to buy the presser foot too. Thanks for the great videos ❤️

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I used a 1/2” welt foot for that cord. They are easily available at any supplier of industrial sewing machines. I’ve found for very large twist cord you might need a 5/8” foot, and you can really only do it on an industrial walking foot machine. But there is always hand sewing if all else fails! Glad you like the videos :)

[@paulagallucci9448]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare That's great! I found one online that fits my JUKI DDL 8700 industrial machine! I haven't found a 5/8" one but I did find the half inch. Thanks so much for replying so quickly!

[@DiannaAtherton]

Can you share the sewing machine model you used and is that a left or right one sided zipper foot? Really does a nice job.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

It’s an old Mitsubishi LS2-2210. I like these and also the Juki industrial needle feed machines. The zipper foot accommodates the needle on the left side of the foot.

[@DiannaAtherton]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare thank you so much for sharing.

[@Sewgood58mp]

Perfect

[@Ms88keys1]

Is it possible to have a this cord trim pillow with an invisible zipper instead of an envelope opening in the back?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

It’s possible but not ideal. The zipper can easily get caught on the threads of the trim. I usually install a zipper an inch or 2 up from the bottom on the back on this style. Maybe I’ll do a video on that 😃

[@bethbilous4720]

Please advice what size cording foot I would need for 1/4 in cotton piping.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

For lightweight fabrics use a 1/4” welt foot. If you might use thick fabric like chenille or upholstery weight fabrics also get a 3/8” foot.

[@erinbline1006]

That fabric! Do you remember where you purchased?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

There’s a fabric outlet near me called The Interior Alternative. I think they have a few locations nationwide. That fabric is printed burlap :)

[@karencopp4397]

Do you have a video of how to put a zipper on the pillow edge with corded trim?.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Yes. It’s called “How to put an invisible zipper in a pillow with welt”

[@acceptnone46]

I found the tutorial excellent but my domestic sewing machine is having difficulty with the thickness of the overlapping unraveled cord. Any advice?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

That’s tough because some of that twist cord is just so thick nothing but an upholstery machine can go through it. The only thing you can do in that case is hand sew it with strong thread.

[@JJ-gc8du]

This size lip cord is still at Joann's in many colors. Having some success with a small lip cord, I naively bought a 3/8" lip cord to complete an ensemble of pillows. Using the zipper feet (two) was a big "Well THAT won't work...either", bc it just pushes the cord aside and is impossible to get a snug stitch. I'm off to Joann's again for...a cord foot. This will be one of 4 visits to Joann's (so far!) just on these 5 pillows. Don't you love (I really mean hate) projects like this where you learn on-the-sew?? GRRRRR 😝

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Not gonna lie - a zipper foot doesn't work very well on anything but the small twist cord. Sorry you're having so much trouble, but if all else fails, this method works when hand sewn!

[@JJ-gc8du]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare I am waiting for a special order from a tailoring-supplies place for the 3/8" cord foot. Today I'm going to try the cut-n-twist of the two meeting ends. I was hoping to just overlap them and snug them inside the seam, but they are too thick, plus, I want to add a zipper where the two ends meet (at the 'bottom' of the pillow). Deep breath. I take a lot of breaks, and only tackle this in stages as feels right. Your video is very helpful, and I'm glad to have that. Worse case: I find an alterations shop and see if they can put together this last 2". And maybe the darn zipper, too. Humph.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@JJ-gc8du So just a quick tip… if I’m putting a zipper in the bottom I never put the join there. I’ll put the join on one of the sides near the bottom and leave the bottom with a clean line for the zipper.

[@hobbyhopper3143]

@@JJ-gc8du I'm so glad you posted that note. Where did you find the foot that will accommodate the 3/8" lip cord? That's almost 9mm and the largest I can find is 7mm. I found that by looking for "bridal" sewing supplies and I'll try tailoring next but Just in case, if you remember where you got your large groove foot I'd appreciate hearing where. It was only after seeing this video that I dared try making a pillow with this trim and I don't know how I'm going to get the back and front sewn together neatly. Thanks so much. I still appreciate your note even if you can't remember. I have another search term to use.

[@JJ-gc8du]

​@@hobbyhopper3143 I'm seeing that my first two attempts to get back to you today didn''t go through. Perhaps it's the links. In short: if your machine takes a long shank 3/8" cord foot, order from WAWAK (a pro-tailoring online vendor) in LA. If your machine takes a short shank (my Singer did) you're as good as you can get with the 1/2". I wrote to an Etsy vendor (LAIARTISTIC) for a 3/8" but they don't have it. Bought their 1/2" & it worked fine...project came out beautifully. But never again...!! Good luck!

[@kimberlylucas3310]

Hi, thank you for the video! I am really confused about the corners because you didn't slow down or mention anything about that. So can you tell me how to do the corners? thank you so much!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Are you talking about the tapered corners? Instructions are in my very first video - How to make the perfect pillow - No more pointy corners 🙂

[@kimberlylucas3310]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare no I’m not talking about the pillow, I’m talking about the cording how to do the corners with the cording? Tia

[@kimberlylucas3310]

When your sewing on the cording, you don’t say anything about the corners in the video goes very fast over the corners, but I have wondered how to do that to make it look great. I have a table runner that I am wanting to put this same cording on.

[@kimberlylucas3310]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare I do see that you clipped the corner. That helped it bend around. Anything else a newbie needs to know?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@kimberlylucas3310 Nope..the clip (or 2) is what makes it create a nice corner :)

[@pplasko]

On a pillow, how do you join narrow .125" lip cord that is not the TWIST variety, but a woven type that cannot be unraveled to merge the two pieces? I cannot locate any tutorial videos for this. Would appreciate your expertise!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

On that type of trim I do a gradual overlap on one of the bottom corners. I taper off one end as I taper onto the other end. That’s a good idea for a video though! I’ll add it to the list :)

[@pplasko]

Thank you - and would LOVE a video! @@ASquarePillowIsntSquare

[@margaritajaime1727]

What type of foot are you using? 😮

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@margaritajaime1727 They are standard feet for industrial machines. I use a zipper foot to baste on the trim and a welt foot to sew the front and back together. Welt feet come in several sizes to fit over different size cords or trims, from 1/8” up. I probably used a 3/8” or 1/2” welt foot for the larger cord trim.

[@loredelore7286]

Its called flanged cord trim.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Well actually there are many styles of decorative trim that have what I call a lip and you call a flange. This particular style is commonly called twist cord, as there are other types of cord trim with a lip (or flange) that do not have a 3 ply twist like this one.

[@kelleyshropshire4170]

I have a very intricate cord with 6 strands, 3 of which are 2 colours twisted together. I’m stuck 😞

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Without seeing the cord it's a little hard, but I'm wondering if you can't treat the double twisted strands as single strands, thus resulting in a standard 3 strand cord? It sounds like you can since the 2 colors are twisted together to make one strand. However this method works regardless of how many strands there are!

[@gshropxpx582]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare I got my comment slightly wrong. It’s 2 small strands twisted together, gold and red, there’s 2 lots of that.those are then twisted together (so 4 strands in total) then there’s a thick gold strand and a thick red strand twisted around the twists of 4. I can’t treat them as one because they are too thick and hard, 5 machine needles broke.I bet that sounds too confusing 😂 I ended up not joining them but finishing them off in the selvidge of either side of the zip at the bottom. Got my sanity back at least 😂

[@kelleyshropshire4170]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare I got my comment slightly wrong. It’s 2 small strands twisted together, gold and red, there’s 2 lots of that.those are then twisted together (so 4 strands in total) then there’s a thick gold strand and a thick red strand twisted around the twists of 4. I can’t treat them as one because they are too thick and hard, 5 machine needles broke.I bet that sounds too confusing 😂 I ended up not joining them but finishing them off in the selvidge of either side of the zip at the bottom. Got my sanity back at least 😂

[@MsJoybird1]

You make this so hard!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I'm sorry you feel that I am making it hard, but it's not a super easy thing to do without some practice. Once you get the hang of it, it works really well and gets easier!

[@Consuelo728]

I must have watched this video a dozen times and joining the cord still looks very messy. I am at the end of my rope with this and I’m an advanced seamstress.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I hate to hear this! I will do a live demo at some point to help the people who are having trouble. Are you a subscriber? If so you’ll get a notification. Not sure when but I will do it!

[@wog1949]

You did a good job but I couldn't figure out how the cords blended together. I watched the video at least 6 times and slowed the playback down but it still baffled me. Sorry, maybe I'm just frustrated.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I’m so sorry you’re struggling with this. Perhaps have a friend come over and watch it with fresh eyes? Sometimes having another person’s perspective can be helpful.