The Upholstery Forum

I'm not a big fan of using Welt Cord on upholstery, tending to favor top-stitching and french seams. I realize that many folks do use welt cord and it certainly has its place. I have wondered about the functional use of welt cord vs. purely cosmetic reasons.

Does the use of welt cord result in a more durable seam? How does it compare to a top-stitched seam? etc.?

I am also wondering if welt cord helps hide the threads that normally might be somewhat exposed on a basic seam?

TIA for any insight, thoughts, comments.

You and i have similar taste. Sometimes you need that pop of color on a white cushion and it's great for filling gaps on top of the seat backs or coaming pads that get bolted on. But in my opinion less is more with the welt on a boat seat. Although necessary sometimes, i see it as a place for dirt and water to collect.

@BigRig , I am a welt cord enthusiast. It is something I feel is a sewing art and ads elegance to a seam. I believe it may have originated as a way to prevent the seam from pulling apart from abrasion but am not sure.

You can reinforce a french seam, welt isn't required. John demonstrates this in his course and Chechaflo shows it well on YouTube.

One thing that I was thinking is that Welt cord may hide the stitch exposure that you may get on a basic seam.

My preference is to top stitch seams to add strength and I like the appearance.

I dont really see how welting would add any seam strength. If your using quality thread the material almost always fails before the thread does.