If you are wanting to make your own pretty patterned bias tape but don’t have a bias maker then keep reading! You can learn how to make bias tape with no special tools!
(If you already have a bias maker then click here to learn how to use it – how to make bias binding.)
Start by cutting your strips of bias. Bias strips are cut on the diagonal of the fabric (45-degree angle) so they have a slight stretch enabling them to be sewn to curves nicely.
If you haven’t done this before then read these 2 easy methods.
- How to make continuous bias strips
- How to make bias strips (make the strips the same way as if you had a bias maker.)
HOW TO MAKE BIAS TAPE WITHOUT A BIAS MAKER
Take a long needle and stick it in and then out of your ironing board cover.
Now measure a gap the width of the tape you need to make and stick it back in the ironing board and out again.
- If you are making 1/2 inch (12mm) single fold bias then the gap should be 1/2 inch(12mm)
- If you are making 1 inch (2.5cm) single fold bias then the gap should be 1 inch
- If you are making double fold bias then the gap should be double the final width of the tape. For example, to make 1/2 inch (12mm) double fold bias this gap should be 1 inch (2.5cm).
Repeat for the second needle 1 inch (2.5cm) directly under the first one.
Fold your fabric edges to meet in the center and then pull the end under the pins.You can use your ruler to make sure that the edges meet in the center.
Pull the fabric through the needles and start ironing. Check every now and again that the edges are still meeting in the middle and that the width is still correct.
Keep ironing the whole strip and you are finished!
If you need double fold bias, press the bias in half again. Usually, one side should be 1/8 inch (3mm) wider than the other. This helps you sew it more accurately later.
STORAGE IDEA – You can wrap your finished bias around a rectangle of cardboard to store it neatly.
What are you planning on making with your bias tape? Please share below.
PIN THIS IMAGE FOR LATER 🙂
Learn more about sewing bias tape in my 6 part series
PART 1 – How to Make Bias Binding Tape with a Bias Maker
PART 2 – How to Make Bias Tape without a Bias Maker
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
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