I bought Susan Cleveland's "Piping Hot Binding Tool", and haven't used it yet, but she uses and recommends drapery cording. It won't shrink as much as cotton, but she still recommends pre-shrinking it by steaming it with steam from an iron. She says to pin one end of it to the ironing board cover and keep it straight while steaming it (don't allow it to curl up), but don't stretch it. Hope this Helps.