Learn the difference!

In this post, we'll go over key differences between lip cord trim and welt.

But first, it's important to understand lip cord trim and how it compares to flat trim (and again, flat trim is described in our band vs trim video.

While braided cord or rope trim with lip are also considered "trim," they differ from flat & grosgrain trim in both their appearance and the way they are applied on the product.

Braided cord/rope trims all have a rounded section, often called the CORD, which is attached to a small flat part along the side called the LIP. The lip is concealed in the seam of the fabric when the cord is applied onto the product.

See how lip cord trim brings a sleek finish to the tops of these custom valances below.

before lip cord trim...

after lip cord trim!

trim brings finishing touches to the top of a soft valance

Lip cord trim is a great addition to ANY of our custom products, not just pillows or valances pictured above!

From accessories and bedding, to draperies, valances and shades...

cord with lip trim between the leading edge band and face of this drapery panel

white cord with lip trim along the edges of this boxed cushion

Lip cord trim brings an eye-catching finishing edge to your design!

bead cord trim with lip around a custom pillow

braided lip cord along the top of this stationary roman shade

rope cord with lip along the bottom of a custom valance

But how does CORD differ from WELT?

While both custom accents are applied similarly to our products, WELT is made from a fabric sent to our workroom, while CORD is readymade.

Welt can often be paired with flat trim (as shown above), and can be made from the same face fabric known as a self welt or a contrasting fabric.

contrast bands and welt fabric on these custom bolsters

lip cord trim in place of the standard welt on this custom bedspread

Certain products, like bolsters, throw pillows, bedspreads, all include a self welt in the base labor charge. You may choose a contrast fabric for your welt for an added pop of color! Or, you might want to replace the welt with a decorative lip cord!

Just be sure to specify this in the quoting stage, because material yardage for welt and lip cord are calculated quite differently.

lip cord trim with mitered flange and flat mitered trim on this custom pillow

And let's not forget that additional layers of welt and/or decorative cord as shown above will be an added customization on your quote, with the labor charge & yardage adjusted accordingly!

Find the standard add-ons for welt and decorative cord in our Price Catalog, available to download for ACTIVE CUSTOMERS only.

The custom pillows below were made with NO welt. Some designers may request this look, also called a "knife edge," on certain designs for pillows or duvet covers.

custom knife edge pillow with contrast buttons

custom patterned pillow with knife edge

A knife edge simply brings the front face and back fabrics together with a seam instead of a welt or decorative trim separating the two layers of fabric for a sleek look.

While a knife edge can be appropriate for certain styles, welt and decorative cord are still a fabulous finishing touch for your custom design.

notice the size difference between the top and bottom welt on this valance

Keep in mind that because we make welt in our workroom, there are different sizes available, and different fabrics finish with varying thickness, depending on the material makeup of the fabric.

Standard welt will become especially thick when made with upholstery weight fabric. However, everything is customizable, and we will make your product to your exact specifications!

Understanding the differences between cord and welt is crucial for communicating your design accurately and efficiently, so we'll know exactly how to make your product in our workroom!

Our products are requested by designers across the country, up and down the East Coast, from Florida, to Georgia, South Carolina, and our home state North Carolina.

Our customers extend as far North as Northern Virginia, Maryland, New York, Connecticut, and Maine, and as far West as Colorado and California.

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Cord vs. Welt, what's the difference?

Learn the difference!

In this post, we'll go over key differences between lip cord trim and welt.

But first, it's important to understand lip cord trim and how it compares to flat trim (and again, flat trim is described in our band vs trim video.

While braided cord or rope trim with lip are also considered "trim," they differ from flat & grosgrain trim in both their appearance and the way they are applied on the product.

Braided cord/rope trims all have a rounded section, often called the CORD, which is attached to a small flat part along the side called the LIP. The lip is concealed in the seam of the fabric when the cord is applied onto the product.

See how lip cord trim brings a sleek finish to the tops of these custom valances below.

before lip cord trim...

after lip cord trim!

trim brings finishing touches to the top of a soft valance

Lip cord trim is a great addition to ANY of our custom products, not just pillows or valances pictured above!

From accessories and bedding, to draperies, valances and shades...

cord with lip trim between the leading edge band and face of this drapery panel

white cord with lip trim along the edges of this boxed cushion

Lip cord trim brings an eye-catching finishing edge to your design!

bead cord trim with lip around a custom pillow

braided lip cord along the top of this stationary roman shade

rope cord with lip along the bottom of a custom valance

But how does CORD differ from WELT?

While both custom accents are applied similarly to our products, WELT is made from a fabric sent to our workroom, while CORD is readymade.

Welt can often be paired with flat trim (as shown above), and can be made from the same face fabric known as a self welt or a contrasting fabric.

contrast bands and welt fabric on these custom bolsters

lip cord trim in place of the standard welt on this custom bedspread

Certain products, like bolsters, throw pillows, bedspreads, all include a self welt in the base labor charge. You may choose a contrast fabric for your welt for an added pop of color! Or, you might want to replace the welt with a decorative lip cord!

Just be sure to specify this in the quoting stage, because material yardage for welt and lip cord are calculated quite differently.

lip cord trim with mitered flange and flat mitered trim on this custom pillow

And let's not forget that additional layers of welt and/or decorative cord as shown above will be an added customization on your quote, with the labor charge & yardage adjusted accordingly!

Find the standard add-ons for welt and decorative cord in our Price Catalog, available to download for ACTIVE CUSTOMERS only.

The custom pillows below were made with NO welt. Some designers may request this look, also called a "knife edge," on certain designs for pillows or duvet covers.

custom knife edge pillow with contrast buttons

custom patterned pillow with knife edge

A knife edge simply brings the front face and back fabrics together with a seam instead of a welt or decorative trim separating the two layers of fabric for a sleek look.

While a knife edge can be appropriate for certain styles, welt and decorative cord are still a fabulous finishing touch for your custom design.

notice the size difference between the top and bottom welt on this valance

Keep in mind that because we make welt in our workroom, there are different sizes available, and different fabrics finish with varying thickness, depending on the material makeup of the fabric.

Standard welt will become especially thick when made with upholstery weight fabric. However, everything is customizable, and we will make your product to your exact specifications!

Understanding the differences between cord and welt is crucial for communicating your design accurately and efficiently, so we'll know exactly how to make your product in our workroom!

Our products are requested by designers across the country, up and down the East Coast, from Florida, to Georgia, South Carolina, and our home state North Carolina.

Our customers extend as far North as Northern Virginia, Maryland, New York, Connecticut, and Maine, and as far West as Colorado and California.

TAKE ACTION

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