Continuous Bias Tape – Making Bias Binding the Easy Way

If you want to make your bias tape without having to piece together lots of fiddly strips then try making continuous bias tape. This is especially handy when you have large amounts of bias to make for quilts or other big projects. This method can save you a lot of time and even beginners can start to make continuous bias tape (also called continuous bias binding).

What you will need –

• At least 1/2 yard (0.45m) of tightly woven fabric. I like to use quilting cotton. Try and choose fabrics with a small scale print.
• Marking pen
• Sewing machine
• Ruler

Continuous Bias Tape: The Video

Watch this quick video from my YouTube channel so you can visualize the process before you start.

Making Continuous Bias Tape

Step 1: Cut a large square piece of fabric. The larger the square the less piecing you will have. Mark halfway down 2 opposite sides. (see the circles) Cut along the diagonal so you have 2 equal sized triangles.

Step 2: Place your triangles right sides together with the marks matching. Stich down the seam about 1/4 inch (6mm) from the edge. Trim the seam to 1/8 inch (3mm) and press it open.

Step 3:  On the wrong side of the fabric, mark lines at your desired width. Notice that the lines are drawn parallel to the longer sides of the fabric.

• For single fold bias, this will be 2 x your final width. (For example, cut 1 inch (2.5cm) for 1/2 inch (12mm) bias.)
• For double fold bias, this will be 4 x your final width. (For example, cut 2 inches (5cm) for 1/2 inch (12mm) bias.)

Step 4: Now we need to create a tube. Bring the short diagonal sides together forming a tube as above.

Step 5: Move the edges so that the lines are offset by one strip.

VERY IMPORTANT – note I said offset lines. If you join the lines up with the edges even you will have tubes and not a continuous strip. Offset the rows by one.

Step 6: Stitch a 1/4 inch (6mm) seam. Trim the seam to 1/8 inch (3mm) and press the seam open.

Step 7: Cut along the lines in a continuous spiral.

Step 8: Your continuous bias tape is now ready for pressing with a bias maker. See my blog post on how to make bias tape for pressing instructions if you are new to this.

I have put together some diagrams below to help you better visualize the process. Good luck and enjoy your new continuous bias tape. I’d love to hear in the comments what you are going to use it for.

More Articles on Bias Tape

• How to Make Bias Tape with a Bias Maker
• How to Make Bias Tape with no Special Tools
• How to Sew Single Fold Bias Tape
• How to Sew Double Fold Bias Tape
• How to Make Continuous Bias Tape
• How to sew Mitred Square Corners with Bias Tape
• Types of Bias Tape
• Bias Bound Seam
• Hong Kong Finish
• Sewing Bias Tape
• How to sew a v neck with bias tape