Welting and Buttons Add an Extra Touch to Pillows and Cushions

In decorative cushions and pillows, a minor touch can make all the difference between a run of the mill decoration and something elegant that is kept for decades. These little touches are things we can see but don’t really notice except in the case of when a cushion or pillow doesn’t have them and we feel something is amiss. These touches; welting and buttoning, can add elegance and class to new pillows, replacement cushions, or any other comfort accessory in the home.

Welting, also known as piping, is a thin cord of cotton or a similar form-retaining material that is wrapped in fabric to match or accent a cushion’s cover material and sewn along an outer seam. Welting is an excellent way to cover seams neatly in sofa pillows and an easy way to boost a cushion’s aesthetics. Welting can be done around the outer edge in a pinched seam pillow or along the top and bottom of a box cushion, often seen on patio furniture cushions. Box cushion welting enforces the strong profile of thicker cushions and keeps the cover from sliding and slipping in use by giving the cover a tighter corner seam.

While welting helps to create a tighter, sleeker cushion, buttoning can create a traditional tufted appearance in a cushion to outfit antique furniture or enhance a room’s classic styling. Buttoning is accomplished by running a thread through the cushion’s form, tied off to two buttons on either side of the cushion. This creates a gentle pinching in the area the button is placed, resulting in a fluffy bunching of the cushion in the surrounding areas. This is most commonly done with a single button in the center, four buttons located near the four corners of a cushion, or with five buttons, four in the corners and one in the middle. When the foam cushion insert is wrapped in fiberfill, the tufting is even more pronounced.

If you’re looking to make a big difference with a little touch, consider adding welting and buttoning to your next cushion and pillow project.