Piping must always be cut on the true bias. The cord that fills it can be cable cord, as sold in fabric stores, but other materials work well. If you want a very soft, small cord, knitting yarn works well. For a stiff cord, sash cord or synthetic twine can give a good effect. To make and apply the cord, you need either a zipper foot or a special piping foot.
Most sewing machines come with a zipper foot.
Most stiff boned bodices and corsets are best constructed this way, as it eliminates the need for turning the garment. Many garments fastened with rows of hooks and eyes . For women the hooks go on the right side, overlapping the eye portion, which is on the left. For men , the opposite is true. For an opening that meets edge to edge, without overlapping, such as the front of a 16th century bodice, alternate the hooks and eyes.