What Is Futon Slipcover and Pillow Piping?

Why Welting?

If customization is your thing, you may want to consider piping trim, also known as welting on your futon slipcover or pillow cover. It adds a nice color compliment to your cover or pillow in addition to providing protection.

Upholsterer's sew welting into seams to help the fabric withstand everyday use. The welting is positioned on the corners and edges of the futon cover and run all the way around it. This restricts contact with the sewn seams, adds a reinforced stitch strengthening the seam and protects against abrasions as the futon is used. Contrasting the colors of your futon slipcover with the welting color of your pillows adds a nice customized look.

Welting and piping are sometimes used synonymously, however they are not exactly the same thing. Welting is used to distinguish this product as an upholstery piece, while piping tends to be smaller and is more suitable for dressmaking details. Welting may consist of one or two cords that are covered in fabric and sewn into the seam of slipcovers or cushions. A welt cord is simply a fabric covered cord that follows the seam of a chair cushion, sofa cushion, or pillows. A welt cord helps give upholstery a more finished tailored look. The two types of welt cords are a self-welt & a contrasting welt. A self welt is when the cord is done out of the same fabric. A welt cord that is done out of a different fabric is called a contrasting welt cord. Contrasting welt cords adds a level of style and customization to your slipcover and can be customized to the colors in your room. Double welting uses two cords and is used to cover exposed staples or tacks between the fabric and wood on upholstered furniture.

If you are looking to add a bit of personalized style to your slipcover while adding protection at the same time, welting is an inexpensive way to go.