Machine Wrapped Cording

Machine wrapped cording is a simple technique that allows you to construct cording that will color coordinate with your projects.

It's a great way to use up old yarn, "what was I thinking" fabric and difficult or brittle thread.

It has many applications, both decorative and functional and can be made in any thickness. It can be used on garments, art quilts or even three dimensional fabric art.

The following "Basic Technique" will guide you step-by-step through the process.

Sewing machine

Machine Feet
You can use a standard sewing machine foot, however a foot with a "tunnel" underneath, such as a beading foot or cording foot is ideal.

Base Cording
Anything that is flexible and thin enough to fit under the foot of your sewing machine will work for this type of cording.
* yarn - a great way to use up old, ugly yarn
* strips of fabric - a great way to use up that "what was I thinking" fabric
* string
* embroidery thread
* piping
* twisted cording

Thread
You will need a variety of threads in cotton, rayon, polyester and metallic. This is a great technique for using up any old thread that you have lying around.

Cut your base cording to the desired length. Three strands of 8ply yarn will produce approx 1/8" diameter cording.

Tip
Some sewing machines are equipped with a 7-piece feed dog system which means that there are extra feeds in the center to assist with smooth feeding. Most sewing machines have only a 5-piece feed dog system which means there is no extra assistance to help with the feeding of the cord.

To overcome poor feeding, try:
- Reducing the presser foot tension (if this feature is available on your machine)
- Use a foot with a "tunnel" such as a beading foot, to allow easy backward/forward movement
- Use some water soluble stabilizer to stabilize the yarn

Set your machine for zigzag stitch wide enough for the needle to swing entirely over the yarn on either side. Suggested stitch length is approximately 1.5 - 2.0mm.

Allow about 2-3 inches of cording to extend out the back of your machine, and holding the tail of the cord with your left hand and twisting the front section with your right hand, guide the cording under the foot. You may need to pull slightly in order for it to feed through smoothly. Zigzag along the length of cording stopping approx 2" from the end.

Shorten the length of your stitch to about .5, or shorter if you are using fine thread and holding the cording in the same manner, and once again satin stitch the length of the cording.

Using the same stitch length, change your top thread and bobbin thread to a different color, and satin stitch the length of the cording.

Lengthen your stitch to 1.5 - 2.0, change to a metallic thread in the top and bobbin and zigzag the length of the cording.