Continuous Bias Tape – Step by Step TUTORIAL

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.

            

What you will need –

• At least 1/2 yard (0.45m) of tightly woven fabric.
• Marking pen
• Sewing machine
• Ruler

HOW TO MAKE CONTINUOUS BIAS TAPE

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

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.

 

On the wrong side of the fabric, mark lines at your desired width.

• 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.)

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

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.

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

Cut along the lines and you will have a continuous strip ready for ironing into bias tape.  See my blog post on how to make bias tape.

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Learn more about sewing bias tape in my 6 part series

PART 1 – How to Make Bias Tape with a Bias Maker
PART 2 – How to Make Bias Tape with no Special Tools
PART 3 – How to Sew Single Fold Bias Tape
PART 4 – How to Sew Double Fold Bias Tape
PART 5 – How to Make Continuous Bias Tape
PART 6 – How to sew Mitred Square Corners with Bias Tape