How to Sew a Corded Seam

8/23/2013

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″)

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.

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

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.

Step 3

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

Step 4

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

Happy Sewing!
Photographed and written by Sheila Wong Studios

9 Comments

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10/9/2015 11:14:43 pm

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.

Sheila Wong

12/24/2015 03:00:25 pm

Corded seam on the side of shorts is very cute! Pass along a photo when you are finished. I would love to see your finished product.

12/16/2015 11:31:56 pm

Blogging for your business is something that often phases people, so it’s great to work with a business that knows the true benefits of having a great blog.

Karen R. Lee link

12/17/2015 10:31:52 pm

Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if thats cool. Thanks.

12/24/2015 02:59:14 pm

Hi Karen,

You are more than welcome to share a link to my blog. Glad you enjoy it!

Thanks,
Sheila

Zenti@ sewing machine link

12/17/2015 10:32:28 pm

I found your this post while searching for some related information on blog search...Its a good post..keep posting and update the information.

12/24/2015 03:01:23 pm

Thank you very much Zenti! I hope to be adding more to the blog in the new year.

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10/28/2016 09:04:25 pm

nice!!

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8/14/2018 11:04:08 am

I am Surprised. 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.