Making cording to match your patio cushion

Now it’s time to make the cording for your cushion.

See yesterday’s post for the cutting instructions for making the bias strip. Fold the bias strip around the cording, right side out. Using a zipper foot and Coats & Clark outdoor thread, stitch as close to the cording as possible. Be sure to keep the outside edges of the striped fabric even. You will have a seam allowance that is approximately ½”.

Place one end of the cording in the center of one side of the cushion top. Starting about 3″ from the corner, sew the covered cording to the cushion front. Make sure to stitch as close to the cording as possible and keep all outside raw edges even. When you come to the corner, stop stitching about ½” from the corner and back stitch. Make a diagonal cut in the seam allowance of the cording. This will help to ease the cording around the corner.

Continue sewing the cording around all sides of the cushion top. When you come to the last side, stitch about 3″ past the corner and back stitch. Remove the cushion top from the machine. Adjust the cording so it lies flat. Stitch the 2 ends of the cording fabric together using a 45° seam. Finger-press seam open. Trim excess fabric.

Trim the cording so the two ends butt up against each other. It’s a good idea to tape these ends to prevent fraying.

Finish sewing the covered cording on the cushion top.

Place the cushion back and front right sides together. Pin the corners together first. Then pin as needed to keep all outside raw edges even. With the back section on top, sew the 2 pieces together using Coats and Clark outdoor thread. Stitch as close as possible to the cording. Using a small, flat headed screwdriver pushed against the cording will help you stay close to the cording. Leave an opening in center of one side so you can insert the pillow form.

Insert the pillow form and adjust it as necessary for a good fit. Hand-stitch the opening closed.

And now you have your cushion all ready to enjoy in your outdoor space. The outdoor fabric and Coats & Clark outdoor thread will stand up well to all the summer elements! Be sure to check out the Coats & Clark Blog for more great quilting and sewing projects.