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| How to Make Corded Quilting Fabric |
If you love the look of soft, dimensional quilting and want to explore a historic sewing method, the corded quilting (also known as boutis) technique is a beautiful craft to try. This centuries-old French method creates raised, textured designs that look almost sculpted on fabric. In this tutorial, you’ll learn exactly how to make your own corded quilting fabric — from preparing the layers to filling the channels and finishing your project.
What Is Corded Quilting (Boutis)?
Corded quilting, or boutis provençal, originated in southern France and became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. It’s a type of hand or machine quilting where two layers of fabric are stitched together to form decorative channels. These stitched shapes are then filled with yarn from the back, giving the fabric a raised, embossed texture. The result is a beautiful, tactile surface perfect for garments, accessories, or home decor.
Unlike traditional quilting that uses batting between layers, boutis relies on cords or yarns inserted into the stitched motifs to create its dimensional look. You can use plain white cottons for a traditional style or experiment with colored and printed fabrics for a more modern twist.
Materials You’ll Need
Before starting, gather your materials. The success of this technique depends on using the right combination of fabrics and yarn.
Fabrics
- Top fabric: Choose a tightly woven fabric such as fine cotton, silk, or crepe. This layer should be strong enough to hold the stitching without letting the filler yarn poke through.
- Backing fabric: Use a loosely woven fabric like muslin or lightweight wool. This allows the needle and yarn to pass between threads easily.
- Tip: Both fabrics should shrink slightly after washing to help tighten the stuffed channels and make the motifs pop.
Yarn (Filler)
- You can use wool, cotton, or acrylic yarns.
- Make sure they are highly twisted so they slide smoothly through the channels.
- Test different yarns — some give a firm, crisp texture, while others feel softer and puffier.
- Avoid roving or untwisted fibers, which can snag easily.
Tools
- Sewing machine (optional for outlining)
- Hand-sewing needles (size 22 chenille or embroidery)
- Easy-thread needle (for pulling yarn through)
- Needle grabber (a small rubber disc helps when pulling thick yarn)
- Pins, scissors, and an embroidery hoop
- Iron and pressing surface
Step 1: Prepare and Layer the Fabrics
Press both the top and bottom fabrics to remove wrinkles. Lay the top fabric right side up on the backing fabric. Smooth the layers and pin them together. Baste with long stitches or grid-baste to keep the layers from shifting while you sew.If your fabric design includes printed motifs (like flowers, branches, or geometric shapes), you can use them as natural guides for your quilting pattern.
Step 2: Stitch the Design
You can stitch the design by machine, hand, or a mix of both.- Machine stitching: Set your machine to a short straight stitch (around 2 mm). Begin sewing in the center of the piece and work outward. Overlap stitches slightly at the end of each line to secure.
- Hand stitching: Place your fabric in an embroidery hoop for better control. Use a backstitch instead of a running stitch for strength.
Tip: Don’t worry if your stitches look uneven from the back — once filled, the texture will hide small imperfections.
Step 3: Secure and Hide Thread Tails
Before filling, tidy up your stitching lines:- Pull the machine thread tails to the back side using an easy-thread needle.
- Knit the thread ends together and bury them between the fabric layers by sliding your needle between them. This keeps your work neat and prevents unraveling during filling.
Step 4: Fill the Channels (The Fun Part!)
Now comes the sculpting stage, this is where the flat stitched design turns into a dimensional masterpiece.- Choose your yarn: Test color and thickness on a scrap piece. White yarn gives a clean, classic look; colored yarns may slightly tint the top layer for creative effects.
- Insert the yarn: Working from the wrong side, insert your needle between the weave of the backing fabric, not through it. Slide the needle gently between the fabric layers along the stitched channel.
- Work gradually: If the shape curves, move the needle in small steps. Check the top side often to ensure you haven’t pierced through the fabric.
- Finish the channel: Once you reach the end, pull the needle out and gently rub the area with your finger to close any tiny holes.
- Hide yarn tails: Tuck the yarn ends between the fabric layers with a pin or small needle.
Step 5: Add Depth and Adjust the Texture
After filling, take a moment to evaluate your work. You can always add a second pass of yarn to any channel for a puffier effect. The more filler you use, the higher and softer the relief will appear.Step 6: Wash and Shrink the Fabric
Washing is an essential step; it tightens the layers and enhances the raised design.- Soak the piece in hot water and let it cool slowly to room temperature.
- Gently squeeze out excess water (avoid wringing).
- Roll the fabric in a towel to remove moisture, then lay it flat to dry.
- As it dries, the backing fabric shrinks slightly, pressing the filler yarn upward and creating that signature quilted texture.
Step 7: Use Your Finished Fabric
Once dry, your handmade corded fabric is ready to use! You can:- Cut it into panels for garments like jackets, vests, or tunics.
- Turn it into cushion covers, wall art, or handbags.
- Combine smaller motifs into patchwork-style projects.
Final Tips for Beginners
- Always test your yarn and fabric on a small sample before starting a large project.
- Use a hoop or frame to maintain even tension.
- Avoid piercing through the top fabric when inserting yarn.
- Patience pays off — Boutis quilting is slow but deeply rewarding.
Conclusion
Corded quilting, or boutis, is a timeless sewing technique that combines texture, craftsmanship, and artistic detail. Each line of stitching and filled channel transforms a flat fabric into something rich and dimensional. Whether you use it for clothing, decor, or just to explore a new handwork tradition, this method connects you to centuries of textile artistry while allowing endless room for creativity.
Take your time, enjoy the rhythm of stitching and filling, and watch your fabric come to life — one channel at a time.
