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How to Cord Pillows

Corded trim gives the edges of your pillows a finished look and adds a couture effect to plain pillows. Lipped cord is sewn to the edges of the pillow top before the pillow is sewn together. Use cord that exactly matches the color of the pillow for a subtle dressmaker accent. Use contrasting cord to pull in a bit of the room's accent color. For a rich effect, use three-strand cord with two matching strands and one contrasting strand.

Things You'll Need

Pillow top and back
Lipped upholstery cord
Straight pins
Sewing machine
Matching thread

Instructions

- 1
  Pin the cord around the edge of the pillow top with the edge of the lip even with the edge of the top, and the cord pointing toward the center of the pillow. The cord will form a curve on the edges of the pillow; do not force it into a sharp angle. Overlap the ends of the cord in the center of the bottom side, with both ends of the cord extending 1 inch beyond the edge of the pillow top. This will ensure the ends are inside the pillow to create an finished edge.
- 2
  Sew the cord to the pillow, stitching along the line where the cord joins the lip with a straight stitch. Remove the pins as you sew.
- 3
  Pin the bottom of the pillow to the top and sew it on by stitching along the same seam line. You may either sew with the top of the pillow up, so that you can see the line, or feel the edge of the cord through the pillow. Leave an opening for turning it inside out, if the style of pillow requires it, and finish the pillow as usual. Lapped back pillows and pillows with a zipper in the back will not require an opening.

Sewing