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Welt Cords ~ Why So Many Choices?
Welt Cords ~ Why so many choices?
With so many choices available, you can end with enough
questions about applications to make your head spin.
My intention with this basic primer is to give you a start
at sorting it all out.
First, I find the brands to be nowhere near as important as
choosing the right one for your application (as long as it
is quality).
Tissueflex or Fiberflex ~ The most common type used for
furniture because of its semi-rigid feel and ability to
support heavier upholstery fabrics and stay straight when
sewn into cushion covers and stapled to furniture frames.
The size you normally see on most furniture is 5/32nds
diameter. You can size up or down from here depending on
your fabric; chenilles and some velvets are thick fabrics
and can end up with some good heft on a 5/32nds cord, your
personal tastes if a do-it-yourselfer or what your client
wants if you are a retail uphopsterer. My clients tend to
go with the smaller but its 'all to taste'. If you are a
retail upholsterer, buy the 5/32nds in bulk.
FiberFlex type welt cords can be made from tissue
wrapped cotton, wrapped tissue and some are made of
polypropylene fillers. The polypropylene fills claim to dry
faster when dry cleaned or washed. Not always a plus.
These semi firm welt cords are also great for cornice
board welts. They again keep their straightness, support
and are still soft enough to turn corners.
Cotton Welt Cords ~ Yes, made of cotton and softer in
nature than Fiberflex. This cord comes in many different
diameters also and you can really get creative with this
type because there are endless applications and ways to use
it. One example would be throw pillows with a contrast
color in a larger welt. (This leaves the pillow comfortable
enough to not jam into your back). You could gather the
fabric on the welt cord, or use it on 'shabby chic'
slipcovers, duvet covers, other bedding and even stitch
into the hem of a table skirt for a different effect.
Create away!
Double Welt Cords ~ Available in both Fiber and Cotton.
Fiber having more choices of size. Double welts are used as
an end treatment to cover staples. These also come in
different sizes. There are ways to fabricate double welt
from single welt cord which I will cover at a later date.
(If you want the scoop now, contact me). This you can do
with any size cord.
If you are sewing on an upholstery machine and have a
double welt foot, all the better. If not, you can do the
former and still have what you want. If you are a
do-it-yourselfer, you can perhaps take your fabric to a
local upholstery shop and have them fabricate it for you.
Poly-Vinyl ~ Poly or Poly-Vinyl Welt Cord is an extruded
foam cord that is waterproof and used in marine and
automotive applications. It generally only comes in 5/32nds
although I have seen it available smaller. It is covered
the same way as other welts and is a must for boats.
Poly Rod ~ High Density plastic rod. A solid welt rod for
special applications that require an absolute straight
edge.
Windlace Core or Sponge Rod ~ All that the name implies,
its use is for automotive applications. Fabricated the same
way as regular welt and used mostly for Windlace. No Fluff
here.
Paper Welt Cord ~ This is twisted Kraft paper and its
rigidity makes it perfect for automotive applications. Do
not use for marine applications. I do not say this to speak
down to you, I say it because I have torn down boat seat
covers with this in it. If you are going to do it, do it
right please.
Wire Stake Welt Cord ~ A 16 gauge wire wrapped with kraft
paper. This is a superior automotive cord as it has several
possible uses. It can be used as stabilizer wire for ladder
springs (Auto seats, also called seat-a-lators), and is
strong and durable enough to be used in seat listings and
secured with hog rings.
This about covers the basics on welt. If you need anymore
info or have any specific questions, please
Contact me and I am glad to help.
About the Author: Jennifer Liske is a 13+ year veteran of
the upholstery and has been around the design industry all
her life. You can visit her website at
www.creativethreadarts.com. You may reprint this article in
its entirety including the links contained within and with
full credit given to the author.
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