When including decorative cushions and throw pillows as part of your home’s décor, even the smallest touch can make the difference between a run of the mill decoration and something that is elegant and kept for decades. These little touches are things we often don’t notice when they’re present, but if they aren’t there, we get the feeling that something is missing. These additions, like welting and buttoning, can add class and customization to throw pillows, a pattern cushion, or any other comfort decor in the home.

Welting on cushions and pillows, also called piping, is a thin cord of cotton or a similar solid material that is wrapped in fabric to match or accent a cushion’s cover and sewn along an outer seam. This technique is a clean way to cover seams in sofa pillows and an easy way to create a different kind of look. Welting can be done along the top and bottom seams of box cushions, patio furniture cushions, or the outer edges of pinched seam pillows. The box cushion welting reinforces the profile of thicker cushions and helps to keep the cover from sliding by adding a little more rigidity to the seam.

While welting can be used to make a crisp, contemporary look, buttoning can create a tufted appearance for a cushion that looks terrific with antique furniture or a room’s classic styling. Buttoning is done by running a thread through the form of the cushion and tying it off on both ends with a button. This creates a gentle bunching around the button, resulting in tufting. This style can be 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, tufting is even fluffier.

If you want to make a big difference with a small touch, welting and buttoning will fit the bill for your next cushion and pillow project.