How to Make Continuous Bias Tape (Fast, No-Waste Method)
Learning how to make continuous bias tape is one of the fastest ways to create long strips of bias tape without joining multiple pieces. This method uses a simple tube technique to produce continuous bias tape with fewer seams, saving time and reducing bulk. This is especially handy when you have large amounts of bias to make for quilts or other big sewing 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). In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to make continuous bias tape step by step, plus how to calculate the fabric needed.
How Make Continuous Bias Tape (Quick Guide)
Continuous bias tape is made by sewing fabric into a tube, marking strips, and cutting in a spiral to create one long strip.
- Method: Tube + spiral cutting
- Fabric: Square piece
- Key step: Offset seams correctly
- Result: One long continuous strip
- Best for: Quilts and large projects
Skill level: Beginner–Intermediate
Time required: 20–30 minutes
💡UPDATE: Now includes an easy continuous bias tape calculator. If you like easy calculations, see my other sewing calculators.
What is Continuous Bias Tape?
Continuous bias tape is the method used to create bias tape in a spiral tube. Many sewers prefer continuous bias tape as it has fewer joins and no individual piercings, which saves time and frustration. This is the favorite bias tape method used by quilters and clothing sewers doing larger projects. For a complete guide, see how to make and sew bias tape.
Continuous Bias Tape Calculator
How to Use:
- Bias Length (in inches): Enter the desired bias length.
- Bias Width (in inches): Select the bias width from the dropdown menu (options from 1 inch to 6 inches).
- Calculate Fabric Required: Click the “Calculate Fabric Required” button, and the required fabric size will be displayed.
The formula is: bias length x bias width = square inches needed (convert to square root and round up)
Supplies
What you will need to make continuous bias tape:
- FABRIC – At least 1/2 yard (0.45m) of tightly-woven fabric that can be pressed. Natural fibers such as cotton are best. I like to use squares of quilting cotton. Try and choose fabrics with a small-scale print, as they will look the best when cut into strips. Fat quarters are great for making continuous bias tape.
- MARKING – Marking pen or chalk with a sharp tip
- MACHINE – Sewing machine that does a small straight stitch
- FOOT – All-purpose sewing foot
- MEASURING – Ruler
How to Make Continuous Bias Tape (Step by Step)
Watch this quick video from my YouTube channel so you can visualize the process before you start. It is just a few minutes, so relax and enjoy!
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making continuous bias tape:
1. Cut Fabric on the Diagonal
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.
Use a rotary cutter and a quilting ruler for a really clean straight cut. If you use a rotary cutter, don’t forget to put a self-healing mat underneath to protect your table.
2. Join the Triangles
Place your triangles right sides together with the marks matching. See how they overlap and offset each other.
Stitch a seam about 1/4 inch (6mm) from the raw edge. Trim the seam to 1/8 inch (3mm) and press it open.
TIP: We sew a 1/4 inch or more seam and trim it down because most sewing machines do not like sewing much narrower than that without getting the fabric caught underneath.
3. Continuous Bias Tape Formula
On the wrong side of the fabric, mark lines at your desired width.
💡IMPORTANT – Notice that the lines are drawn parallel to the longer sides of the fabric.
Here is how you work out the width of these strips for continuous bias tape.
- Single fold bias – this will be 2 x your final width. (For example, cut 1 inch (2.5cm) for 1/2 inch (12mm) bias.)
- Double fold bias – this will be 4 x your final width. (For example, cut 2 inches (5cm) for 1/2 inch (12mm) double-fold bias tape.)
4. Create a Tube
Now we need to create a tube of continuous bias tape. Bring the short diagonal sides together, forming a tube as below.
💡IMPORTANT – See how it is the shorter ends that we are bringing together in the center. Do not sew the seam yet.
5. Offset The Strips
Move the edges so that the lines are offset by one strip, and carefully pin matching the ends of the lines.
💡VERY IMPORTANT – Note I said offset lines. If you join the lines up with the edges even, you will have tubes (a bit like calamari) and not a continuous strip. Offset the rows by one.
6. Stitch the Edges
Stitch a 1/4 inch (6mm) seam. Trim the seam to 1/8 inch (3mm) and press the seam open.
7. Cut in a Spiral
Cut along the lines in a continuous bias tape spiral. A couple of my lines went a little off at one of the seams, but I just cut as carefully as I could. If you are off just a small amount, you can cheat the width when you do the pressing later.
8. Press into Continuous Bias Tape
Your continuous bias tape is now ready for pressing. Learn how to use a bias maker.
Pressing the Continuous Bias Tape
You can press the strips into single or double fold bias.
See my blog post on how to make bias tape for pressing instructions if you are new to this, but here is a summary.
- For single fold bias, press the raw edges to the center on the wrong side. You can do this with a bias tape maker or just freehand. If you do it with your fingers, just go slowly as the tape does get hot, and you don’t want to burn your fingers. Generally, if I am pressing long strips, I will use a bias tape maker, and if it is only a small bias strip I will just use my fingers.
- Double fold bias is pressed a second time so the folded edges meet and no raw edges are visible. If you’re new, start with types of bias tape.
Continuous Bias Tape Diagram
I have put together some diagrams below to help you better visualize the process. Good luck, and I hope you enjoyed learning how to make continuous bias tape.
I’d love to hear what you will use it for in the comments.
Fabric Size Chart for Continuous Bias Tape
Here is a table with fabric sizes required for different widths and lengths of fabric. The fabric is rounded to the nearest whole inch to ensure sufficient fabric.
Example if you wanted 60 inches of bias tape that was 2 inches in width, you would need a square of fabric 11×11 inches.
| Bias | 1 inch width | 2 inch width | 3 inch width | 4 inch width | 5 inch width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 inches length | 4 x 4 inches | 5 x 5 inches | 6 x 6 inches | 7 x 7 inches | 8 x 8 inches |
| 24 inches length | 5 x 5 inches | 7 x 7 inches | 9 x 9 inches | 10 x 10 inches | 11 x 11 inches |
| 36 inches length | 6 x 6 inches | 9 x 9 inches | 11 x 11 inches | 12 x 12 inches | 14 x 14 inches |
| 48 inches length | 7 x 7 inches | 10 x 10 inches | 12 x 12 inches | 14 x 14 inches | 16 x 16 inches |
| 60 inches length | 8 x 8 inches | 11 x 11 inches | 14 x 14 inches | 16 x 16 inches | 18 x 18 inches |
Common Mistakes When Making Continuous Bias Tape
- Not offsetting the lines correctly
- Sewing edges without shifting the strips
- Cutting uneven strip widths
- Using fabric that is too thick
Continuous Bias Tape FAQs
This usually happens when the strips are not offset before sewing the tube.
Yes, it has fewer joins and is faster to make for large projects.
Lightweight cotton works best because it presses easily.
Pin for Later
In Conclusion
Continuous bias tape is one of the most efficient ways to create long, seamless bias strips for sewing projects. By using the tube method, you can save time, reduce bulk, and achieve professional results.
Once you understand the process, this method becomes a go-to technique for quilts, garments, and any project requiring long lengths of bias tape.
Now that you know how to make continuous bias tape, you are ready to sew some projects. The makeup roll sewing pattern is a free pattern, so why not give it a try? It is great for storing pens for kids.
More Articles On Bias Tape:
- How to Sew Mitred Square Corners with Bias Tape
- Bias Bound Seam
- Hong Kong Finish
- How to Sew a V Neck with Bias Tape
Tools
- Sewing Basics
Materials
- Square Piece of Fabric
Instructions
- Cut a large square piece of fabric. Mark halfway 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. Stitch with a 1/4" seam and trim to 1/8". Press seam open.
- On the wrong side of the fabric, mark lines at your desired width. (1" for single fold, 2" for double fold) Mark paralell to the longer sides.
- Bring the short diagonal sides together, forming a tube.
- Move the edges so that the lines are offset by one strip, and carefully pin matching the ends of the lines.
- Stitch a ¼ inch (6mm) seam. Trim the seam to ⅛ inch (3mm) and press the seam open.
- Cut along the lines in a continuous bias tape spiral.
- Press into single fold or double fold.
Author - Luisa Clare
Luisa Clare is the founder of Treasurie, a sewing and crochet education platform offering step-by-step tutorials and printable patterns. With over 15 years of experience in dressmaking, pattern design, crochet, and craft education, she specialises in teaching beginners through clear, easy-to-follow lessons. Her tutorials and patterns are used by home sewists and crocheters worldwide to build practical skills and confidence. Learn more about Luisa and Treasurie.
yes, definitely wash it if the final product will be washed. Wash your main fabric too.
This looks like an excellent time saver! Do you usually prewash the fabric for the binding?
Make sure NOT to use heat-erasable pen for the markings, as it will… erase…. with heat… from pressing the seams open (dangit!)
This is well written. I am using it to finish the neckline & make straps for an apron.
I am making bias binding for 6 table runners that I made as Christmas gifts for my daughters. I have been quilting for over 15 years and this is my first attempt at bis binding. I watched several videos and yours was the best. Thank you.
Double fold bias is folded in 4. Single is folded in half. So if you want 2 inch single fold bias you will cut 4 inch strips.
There is one part I still do not understand – if I want to use the 2″ bias tape maker to make double-fold bias tape, how wide do my strips of fabric have to be? 2″ or 4″? That is, does the 2″ bias tape maker make 2″ single fold out of a 4″ wide strip? Thank you for the help!
Hi Tamara, that was a great idea. I’m going to try that next time I do bias. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I found putting the tube on the end of my ironing board to cut it out was very helpful in cutting the tape and letting the cut strip pile on the floor. THis way I didn’t accidentally cut the material in the wrong place while twisting it to cut. THis was one of best explanations on how to make bias tape!
This is a very helpful tutorial. I have the folders in all sizes and have not used them. Thanks again.
Thanks so much for your kind words 🙂
This is the best explanation of sewing with double fold bias tape that I have come across, including mitered corners and v necks. Thank you.
Hi Maria, For the continuous bias tape, you stitch the ends together so there is a tube. Then you can start cutting along your lines in a spiral motion. This will save you so much time. Thanks for reading and commenting. 🙂
When you stitch the second diagonal that is offset by one row, do you stitch it to the other piece so it is all shut or do you somehow stitch it so there is a tube or a letter O?