Piping writing

Writing with icing takes a small plain round tip and icing that is slightly thinner than the icing used for borders. A University of Wyoming extension manual says writing and leaves need a slightly thinned icing, and that thin icing is used for writing, stems and leaves.

The manual's lettering section covers writing and printing messages on a cake, and recommends using the whole arm, not just the hand, as the cook practices. It also suggests that a pattern for the lettering can be pressed into the icing first with a pattern press, and the message then followed with the bag.

Practice on a flat surface first makes the letters even. Plastic lettering guides are another aid for the beginner.