BERNINA #11 Cordonnet Foot: Sewing Corded Edges and Piping

By Colibri Sewing | Sewing & Quilting Supplies | Published: 2026-11-03

Category: Guias Práticos

Learn how to use the BERNINA #11 Cordonnet Foot to couch thick cords, create decorative corded seams, and add raised piping with a step-by-step corded edge sewing tutorial.

Quick answer

Use the BERNINA #11 Cordonnet Foot to couch thick cords, yarns, or piping onto fabric with a wide zigzag or decorative stitch. The large groove underneath guides the cord smoothly, so you can create raised, textured edges without the cord bunching or slipping.

Why the #11 foot works for corded edges

The BERNINA #11 Cordonnet Foot has a large groove on the underside that holds thick threads, cords, or yarns in place as you sew. This groove lets the cord pass under the foot without flattening or jamming, which is essential for couching and cordonnet work. Unlike a standard presser foot, which can crush or misalign thick cords, the #11 foot keeps them centered so your stitches wrap evenly around the cord.

When to choose the #11 over other feet

Use the #11 Cordonnet Foot when you want to couch decorative cords, create raised piping, or add textured embellishments. It is not intended for standard seams or edge finishing. For piping with a fabric-covered cord, you may prefer a piping foot that has a channel to hold the cord and a compensating guide, but the #11 works well for exposed cord couching and decorative corded seams where the cord remains visible.

Step-by-step: corded edges and piping with the #11 foot

Attach the #11 Cordonnet Foot: Snap the foot onto your BERNINA machine and select a zigzag or decorative stitch wide enough to span the cord. Lower the feed dogs if your machine requires it for couching, but most BERNINA models sew this technique with feed dogs up. Always test the foot engagement before threading the cord; a partially clicked foot will cause skipped stitches.
Position the cord under the groove: Lay the cord along the fabric and slide it under the large groove of the foot, aligning it with the needle. Pull a few inches of cord to the back and front so it feeds freely. Lower the presser foot. Do not force the cord into the groove; it should sit loosely. A tight fit will distort the stitch.
Set stitch width and length: Choose a zigzag stitch wide enough that the needle clears the cord on both sides. Increase stitch length slightly for thicker cords to avoid stacked stitches. Sew a test on scrap fabric with the same cord. If the needle hits the cord, reduce stitch width or use a narrower cord; never sew over the cord with a straight stitch.
Sew slowly and guide the cord: Start sewing at a slow speed, letting the foot pull the cord under the groove. Keep light tension on the cord behind the foot to prevent it from looping, but do not pull forward. Watch that the cord stays centered in the groove. If the cord slips out of the groove, stop, raise the foot, reposition, and resume; sewing over a misaligned cord breaks needles.
Finish and secure the cord ends: At the end, sew a few stitches in place, then pull the cord tails to the wrong side and knot or tack them. For piping, leave extra cord at both ends to insert into seams. Always secure cord ends before trimming; loose ends unravel and ruin the decorative effect.

Product facts

#11 BERNINA Cordonnet Foot: Large groove underneath guides thick threads and cords smoothly. This groove prevents thick cords from slipping or bunching, so your decorative stitches stay consistent.
#11 BERNINA Cordonnet Foot