This is the last in my bias tape series. By now you have learned how to make bias tape and how to sew bias tape. But what about how to sew bias tape corners (also called mitered corners)? Here are 2 easy methods you can use to sew bias tape around the corners of your quilt, napkins or sewing project
HOW TO SEW BIAS TAPE CORNERS – MITERED CORNERS
When sewing bias tape corners (mitered corners) it is easiest to use a double fold bias tape. This will make the raw edges of your projects look neat and professional on both the top and bottom.
Related reading: Types of bias tape, How to sew double fold bias tape
METHOD 1: Sewing Bias Tape Corners – The Fast Way
Open up your double fold bias tape and slip it over the raw edge of your fabric. The wider side of the tape should be on the bottom. Pin all the way along the edge and stop at the first corner. I generally find that vertical pins work the best to hold the bias in place.
PRO TIP: Plan ahead by running your bias tape around your fabric roughly to ensure none of the joins will fall in the corners. It is generally best to start your bias tape in the middle of the longest edge.
Stitch along the bias edge , stopping when you get to the corner. You need to stop exactly in line with the edge of the corner. It is fine to back stitch as long as you don’t go past the edge.
Now open up the tape and fold it down along the raw edge. See how it forms a 45-degree angle at the corner.
Fold the bias over the edge and pin it in place. You will need to fold the corner as shown so that the fold forms a 45-degree angle. Try and make the corner look neat. You will need to do this on both sides.
Start stitching in the inner corner and continue along the edge of the bias. I back stitched to ensure it didn’t unravel. Now repeat for the other corners. Fast and easy mitered bias tape corners!
METHOD 2 – Sewing bias corners: The Traditional Method
Open up your double fold bias and pin the wider side along the raw edge of the wrong side of your fabric. Stitch along the crease, stopping and backstitching before you get to the corner at the seam allowance. The crease of my bias was at 1/4 inch (6mm) from the edge so I stopped at 1/4 inch (6mm) from the corner.
Fold the bias down around the corner and along the edge. The outer edge will be smooth and there will be a large fold on the inside.
This is what the corner looks like from the outside edge.
Start stitching from the seam allowance at the point of intersection. Back stitch and then continue stitching in the crease.
Fold your bias over to the other side. See how the corner already has a mitered fold in it.
Pin the bias in place on the right side of the fabric. You will need to fold the corner into a 45-degree angle with your fingers and pin it in place. Repeat for the other corners of your quilt. Click here to read how to overlap the ends.
Stitch along the inside folded edge of the bias. So now you have just learned how to sew bias tape corners. It wasn’t so hard was it?
What will you be making with your beautifully finished bias corners? Share below if you have any extra tips for others.
PIN THIS IMAGE FOR LATER 🙂
Brooke says
Thank you for this. I’ve seen many people go over the traditional method but not the first one you did. I’m making a a little one seat strap that doesn’t need to be perfect, but would like to have neat corners. Since I’d like to do it quickly and not sew 2x I’ll be trying your first method on a scrap piece to see if it is easier and faster than the traditional version. If it’s too fiddly then I’ll go the other, but I want to be lazy on this project to keep cost down. If i can 15mins then it will be worth it since the gal I’m doing these for wants 8 of them.