A Complete Guide to Modern Upholstery

Part 7 - Cutting the piping

with MICAELA SHARP — Sustainable designer and modern upholstery expert. TV presenter and interior design judge.

Lesson 33 of 68

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Part 7 - Cutting the piping - Video thumbnail

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Piping can be bought pre-made; however, to create something really bespoke, I like to make my own. It’s easy to make, and well worth taking the time to do.

From the Lesson Workbook

Part 7- Cutting the Piping

Piping can be bought pre-made; however, to create something really bespoke, I like to make my own. It's easy to make, and well worth taking the time to do.

  1. To calculate how much piping you need, measure the length of all four edges around the top of your cushion. You'll also be piping the bottom of your cushion, so double this measurement to get the total length of piping you need.
  1. Next, divide this total by the length of your long ruler and round up. This will tell you how many lengths to cut to make up the total desired piping length.
  1. Piping is always cut diagonally, or 'on the bias', to give more flexibility – so using a long ruler or measuring tape, mark the amount of diagonal widths you need to make up the desired length onto your fabric using tailor's chalk. These could simply be the width of your ruler or around 1.5 in.
  1. It's a good idea to mark one end of each length. This will help you create a continuous look when you come to join the lengths together.

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Micaela Sharp

Your Instructor

Micaela Sharp

Sustainable designer and modern upholstery expert. TV presenter and interior design judge.

Micaela Sharp is a professional upholsterer, interior designer and broadcaster who champions the art of reupholstery and its ability to breathe new life into pre-loved furniture. Growing up, Micaela learnt both carpentry and sewing skills from her grandparents. It was this knowledge, alongside a passion for sustainability and longevity, that inspired her to take up upholstery and set up her own practice. Whether it’s designing furniture from scratch, reimagining a tired armchair into an heirloom to be cherished for years to come, or creating a room scheme layered with fabric and colour, Micaela brings her unique creativity and inventive flair to every project.

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