Today I will show you how to make quick DIY fabric cording; an easy addition to your projects! They are very simple and straightforward to make. Let me show you how.
Sometimes, it’s the little things. As with most things in life, taking the time and extra effort with the little things goes a long way to making something special.
Sewing projects are no different; to add a nice finishing touch to a home decor project or clothing design, we need to remember the details.
Why you’ll love making fabric cording
Looking to add a handmade touch to your projects? You can add fabric ties to just about any sewing design!
They work great on pillows, duvet covers, cushions, drapes, Roman shades, blouses, skirts, and more.
Ties can be purely decorative, for example, in bows, or highly functional, sewn onto fabric face masks.
In this easy sewing tutorial, you’ll learn how to make these versatile fabric ties that are perfect for sewing beginners and fun to personalize with your choice of fabric. It’s a great and easy way to use up fabric scraps or small pieces of fabric you have in your stash.
With just a few materials and steps, you’ll have beautiful, durable ties to add to any craft or decor project.
Check out the Personalized Pillow DIY where I used these fabric ties.
Materials List
Here’s what you need to get started. (affiliate links included)
Fabric
Thread
Sewing Scissors or
Rotary Cutter Olaf cutter
Sewing Board or
Rotary Cutting Mat
Iron
Straight Edge
Sewing Machine
My Favorite Tools
Below are the sewing tools I rely on for almost all of my projects! Click photos below to shop. (Affiliate links included.)
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Variations
These versatile fabric ties can be customized to suit countless projects, adding a handmade touch to both functional and decorative items.
These ideas can add personality and uniqueness to your fabric ties, allowing you to match them perfectly with any project!
Here are some creative ways to use DIY fabric cording ties.
Bag Handles and Drawstrings
Use wide fabric ties for DIY handles for tote bags or skinny drawstrings for cute drawstring pouches and backpacks.
Gift Wrapping Ribbons
Replace traditional ribbons with thin or broader fabric ties for a reusable, eco-friendly gift wrap. This idea is good use for colorful scrap fabric!
Hair Accessories
Make adorable headbands, hair ties, or wrap around a ponytail for a stylish, fabric accent.
Apron Straps and Waist Ties
Sew onto DIY handmade aprons, kitchen, or bath linens to create adjustable straps, waist ties, or hooking loops.
Home Decor Accents
Use as curtain tiebacks, napkin rings, seat cushion ties, or decorative bows and ties on pillows.
Garment Closures
Add waist ties for wrap skirts, robes, or wraps, or create adjustable straps on dresses, blouses, or tops.
Pet Accessories
Turn into decorative pet collar ties, dog bandanas, or cute bows for an extra adorable touch.
Bookmarks
Attach a tassel and charm to one end and use it as a fabric bookmark for a soft, personalized touch.
Shoe and Sneaker Laces
Replace shoelaces with fabric ties for a unique, custom, and colorful twist.
Instructions
1 Firstly, cut a long piece of fabric. (using a bias strip is optional). To determine what size to cut it, take the finished size width you want the tie to be and multiply that number by 4.
In other words, the finished width of the tie will be roughly 1/4 of the total width of the starting fabric. The length of the cord will not change much.
Allow about 1/4 inch fold on each end so your fabric tie will be approximately 1/2 inch shorter overall.
2 Next, fold the tie in half lengthwise with wrong side of the fabric together (right side out) and press with an iron.
3 Open up the fabric strip. First, turn in and press EACH END approximately 1/4 – 3/8 inch. Press. Second, fold in both sides of the lengthwise edges towards the center but not touching each other.
Press again, tucking each of the (raw edge) ends under the second fold as you iron.
4 Now, fold in half again so the folded edges meet and line up. Press.
5 With a sewing machine, top stitch along the length of the tie along the open edges and also across each end.
6 Your tie is complete! It’s time to add to your project. To see how it was added to a pillow, see the Personalized Pillow DIY tutorial, shown in the photographs above.
FAQ
Lightweight to medium-weight fabrics like cotton or linen work will work best for fabric ties. These fabrics are easy to work with and do not get too bulky.
To make fabric ties stronger, use a sturdy thread, and cutting on the bias can also add flexibility and strength to the fabric.
Yes, DIY fabric cording can be made by hand sewing. It will take a bit longer, but with good hand stitching, they can be just as durable as machine-sewn ties.
Fabric scraps are absolutely perfect for making fabric ties! This project is a great way to use leftover scrap fabric and create unique, customized fabric cording or laces.
Cutting fabric on the bias (diagonally) gives it more stretch and flexibility, which is helpful if your ties will be curved or tied frequently.
More Beginner Sewing Projects
Get inspiration and a free tutorial in each of these great projects.
Make a Basket Liner
Easy Pillow DIY
Table Runner Project
Easy No-Sew Tablecloth DIY
Free Sewing Patterns
Download any of these free patterns after you subscribe.
Child or Adult Apron Pattern
Monogram Letter Pillow DIY
Drawstring Bag with French Seams
Hobo Bag Free Pattern
Crossbody Shoulder Bag DIY
I hope you will find an opportunity to try this simple project and great idea for using up scrap fabric pieces. Please let me know how your fabric cording ties turn out in the comment box below. I love to hear from you.
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Thanks for following along,
xo,
Cindy