Decorative Cords & Cord With Tape
Define the edges of cushions, curtains and upholstered furniture with decorative cord trimmings. Explore colours and textures that blend with your fabric or create a contrasting outline, including cord with tape for insertion into seams.
Choose the cord’s diameter and finish to suit your project, and check how it will be attached before ordering. Compare samples where available, or contact us for help coordinating cord with your fabric and planning the finishing details of a made-to-measure piece.
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A defined finishing detail
Choosing Decorative Cord for Your Fabric
Decorative cord creates a raised line along an edge or seam. A close colour match can quietly define the shape of a cushion, while a contrasting or multicoloured cord makes the outline more prominent. Its diameter and texture affect the result as much as the colour.
Check the construction of the selected product. Some cords have an attached tape or lip for sewing into a seam; others require a different fixing method. Your maker can confirm which construction suits the intended finish.
Colour and contrast
Pick up a colour from your fabric or introduce a contrasting outline. Compare the cord beside the face fabric, especially where either has a noticeable sheen.
Diameter and scale
A fine cord gives a different finish from a substantial twisted design. Check the visible cord diameter rather than assuming a listed width excludes the attachment tape.
Cord with tape
The tape provides a sewing allowance that can be secured within a seam, leaving the decorative cord visible. Confirm its suitability with your maker before ordering.
Upholstery details
A Raised Outline for Upholstered Furniture
A patterned cord can give a plain upholstered piece a distinct outline. In this chair detail, the contrasting cord follows the shape of the upholstery without covering a broad area of the fabric.
Consider where the cord will sit and how much contact it will receive in everyday use. An edge on a chair back may have different requirements from a seat cushion or arm.
Ask your upholsterer to confirm the appropriate cord diameter, fixing method and care requirements. For an existing piece, discuss whether fitting the cord will involve opening a seam or replacing the upholstery.
Curves, corners and seams
Plan the Cord Around the Finished Shape
Cord can emphasise a curved upholstered edge or frame a cushion. A slim contrasting line draws attention to the silhouette, while a softer tonal finish allows the fabric pattern to remain the main feature.
The selected cord needs to follow the shape without pulling or distorting the fabric. Ask your maker to assess its flexibility, particularly around tight curves and corners.
Plan joins and finishing points before cutting. Where cord with tape is inserted into a seam, the seam allowance and sewing method should be agreed alongside the fabric and cushion or furniture construction.
Before ordering
Three Checks for a Suitable Finish
Visible size
Check the cord diameter and the overall width where tape is attached. Compare the visible edge with the size of the cushion, curtain or upholstered panel.
Length and joins
Measure each edge or seam and ask your maker to include allowances for joining and finishing. Confirm the selling unit and minimum order on the product page.
Fabric and care
Check the cord’s weight and flexibility against the fabric. Confirm compatible care instructions for the finished item; decorative cord should not automatically be assumed washable.
Fabric and making services
Include Cord in Your Made-to-Measure Details
For a cushion or other soft furnishing, send us your fabric and cord references together with the finished dimensions and intended placement. A photograph or simple sketch helps show whether you want a subtle seam detail or a stronger contrasting edge.
If you would like cord incorporated into curtains or a Roman blind, discuss the proposed position with us before finalising the specification. Eligible fabric product pages offer made-to-measure configurators where available; additional trimming details and costs should be confirmed through our contact form.
Samples and selection
Compare Cord and Fabric Together
Order a sample where offered on the product page and place it against your chosen fabric. Look at the colour, texture and sheen in daylight and under the room’s evening lighting. A small contrasting edge can look quite different once it sits beside the main cloth.
Use the sample to discuss scale and construction with your maker, alongside the product measurements. If no sample option is shown, contact us with the reference to ask about availability.
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Frequently asked questions
Decorative Cord FAQs
What is cord with tape?
It is decorative cord with an attached sewing tape or lip. The tape can be secured inside a seam so that the cord remains visible along the finished edge. Check the individual product construction and agree the application with your maker.
What is the difference between decorative cord and piping cord?
The terms can overlap. Some products sold as piping cord are finished decorative trims, while plain filler cord is intended to be covered with fabric. This page focuses on decorative cords and cord with tape. Check the product details to establish whether the cord is intended to remain visible.
Can decorative cord be used around cushions?
Suitable cord can define the edge of a cushion. Cord with tape is often inserted into the seam, while other constructions may need a different attachment. Ask your maker to confirm the diameter, flexibility and fixing method for your fabric.
How do I choose the cord diameter?
Consider the scale of the finished piece and how prominent you want the outline to be. Check whether the product measurement refers to the visible cord or includes its attachment tape, and compare a sample with your fabric where possible.
How much cord should I order?
Measure every edge or seam that will receive cord, then ask your maker to allow for joins and finishing. Confirm the product’s selling unit, minimum quantity and ordering increments before purchasing.
Can I use decorative cord as a curtain tieback?
Do not assume a trimming cord is suitable as a complete tieback. Tiebacks need an appropriate length, construction and fixing arrangement. Browse our curtain tiebacks or contact us to discuss the finish you need.
Can I request a sample?
Use the sample option where offered on the product page. If no option is shown, send the reference through our contact form to ask about availability.