How to Sew a Corded Seam

A corded seam can add that special detail to your next sewn garment. Here is a quick step by step on how to sew one. Its easy!

Personally I want a corded seam on the side seams of short shorts for the summer. Now to just wait for mother nature to give me the summer part.

Materials

• Any width cord, cut to the length of your seam. You pick the width as you see fit. I picked a 1/8″ width for a more delicate look.
• Strip of on grain (Cut fabric strip parallel to the selvage edge) fabric. To calculated the width you require take your cord width and multiply by two (1/8″ x 2 = 2/8″). Then take your seam allowance and multiply by two (4/8″ x 2= 1″). Now add the totals (1″ + 2/8″= 1  1/4″)

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Step 1

Change your machine to a zipper foot. Sandwich the cord in the middle of the strip. Sew as close to the cord as possible to encase the cord. Remember to backstitch as usual and ensure you raw edges are lined up. Right sides of the fabric should be facing out.

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After you are done encasing the cord, it should look something like this.

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Step 2

Right sides facing each other sandwich your encased cord between your fabric. Line up all four raw edges and sew as close as possible again to the cord. Throw a few pins in so the corded strip does not move around while your sewing.

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Step 3

Trim away half of the seam allowance on the corded strip. This will remove any unnecessary bulk.

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Step 4

Press all seam allowance to one side. Your now done a corded seam!

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Happy Sewing!
Photographed and written by Sheila Wong Studios