Making Fabric Cording
This is one method of making your own fabric cording or rattail cord. Often used as spaghetti straps, drawstrings, button loops, and ties. This works best on fabrics that are a little slippery; if the fabric sticks to itself it will be difficult to turn right side out.
The required materials are:
- 3/4"-1.25" wide strips of fabric, about 2" longer than the finished length you want. A smaller width can be used with thinner, silky fabrics (like satin). A wider width should be used for thicker fabrics. Straps can be cut on the bias for a smoother result, or on the straight-grain to save fabric.
- Thread
- A safety pin
- Patience
 Step 1: Fold the fabric strip in half, with the right side to the inside (inside out). Sew 1/4" away from the edge all the way down the length of the strip. Be sure to backstitch to anchor your sewing at the beginning and end of the strip. |
 Step 2: Pin your safety pin through a good chunk of fabric on the side opposite the seam. If you grab too little fabric, the safety pin will pull out when you turn the fabric. |
 Step 3: Dive the safety pin into the fabric tube. |
 Step 4: Turn the cord right side out. Begin to pull the fabric up over the safety pin, and try to work the safety pin through the tube. Once you get it "started" it will be easy to bunch the fabric on the safety pin and pull the safety pin through. |
 Step 5: Cut the cord into the lengths you want. If you will have a dangling end (like in a tie) finish the end of the cord. You can knot the cord and fray the end as shown in the picture, or tuck the raw edges back into the cord and hand sew the end closed. |
 The end. |
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