“Why would I want a piping/cording foot for my serger?” you might ask. Well, let me tell you. You can improve your serging with a piping/cording foot. The foot can be used to create custom piping, to attach piping, and even to install a plastic coil zipper in home decor, bags, and more with great results. So if you do any of those types of sewing and have a serger, you will benefit from a serger piping/cording foot.
The Anatomy of the Foot
Your serger piping/cording foot may look a little different than the ones pictured below. But they all function pretty much the same way. Feet designed for standard 4 thread overlock sergers will be narrower than those designed for machines that both overlock and coverstitch. The feet for 8 thread machines will be wider, because they can be used with either the overlock needles or the coverstitch needles. All of the serger piping/cording feet have a special groove on the bottom that wraps around the piping or zipper coils, keeping them in position. Since the foot guides the piping or zipper coils, you only have to worry about guiding your fabric as you serge. Insert piping and zippers nice and evenly with this foot!
Uses for a Serger Piping/Cording Foot
As the name implies, use this foot to make custom piping.
And also to attach piping.
Or to insert piping into a seam.
But you can also use the foot to install a zipper.
Project Example
I made the garment bag and travel set picture below using a serger. The zipper and the piping were both serged using a piping/cording foot.
Serge a Zippered Bag
My favorite use for this foot is to install a zipper. A zippered bag is the perfect project to practice inserting a zipper with a serger. You can make them in all shapes and sizes. Click on the links below to view my Serge a Stylish Zippered Bag Tutorial or my Simple Serged Bag with a Zipper Youtube video.
https://overtheedge.blog/tutorials/serge-a-stylish-zippered-bag/
Try it out and see if the piping/cording foot helps you get great results with your serger projects!
Resources
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcn9466SI0g – Babylock cording foot used to make and insert piping.
https://www.asg.org/serger-piping/ – American Sewing Guild – Making and inserting piping with a serger.
https://babylock.com/learn-and-create/projects/serged-and-corded-story-time-pillow – Serger project which uses this foot for piping and zipper.