Sewing bias tape is the best trim you can add! It’s a personal tribute to your sewing project and the opportunity to dress up any article from dresses to quilts and beyond! If you can make your own bias tape you have a finishing touch for every garment and craft item you can imagine.
Table of Contents
SEWING BIAS TAPE IS THE BEST!
- B- bias tape brings style
- I – interesting contrasts
- A – adds to every project
- S – sews on with ease
Sewing Bias Tape
A step by step guide to using this amazing trim is available through my five-part series all about sewing bias tape. Read the articles and follow the instructions – it really is that simple!
The final outcome is a professional trim to grace any of your sewing projects. Being able to use your own fabrics gives you the cutting edge on something really original.
Five articles lay out the skills needed to make and use your very own bias tape.
Part 1 - Types of Bias Tape
Before you start sewing bias tape, it is important to know the types of bias tape and which is best for your sewing project. That article will show you the difference between single fold and double fold and some other common types.
READ FULL ARTICLE - Types of Bias Tape
Summary of the Article
- Single fold bias tape has the raw edges pressed so they meet in the middle. It is normally used for necklines and armholes and the bias will only show on one side of the fabric when sewn.
- Double fold bias tape has the raw edges pressed like single fold bias tape but then it is pressed a second time so the edges are fully encased. It is used on necklines, armholes and many sewing projects including quilting. The edges of the bias tape will show on both sides of the item.
- Read more types of bias tape.
PART 2 - How to Make Bias Tape
Roll up and read all about stage one of the sewing bias tape process. There is no ‘biased’ opinion, anyone can do it! The outcome will be your very own personal bias tape to enhance any sewing project. This tutorial will show you how to make bias tape with or without a bias tape maker.
READ FULL ARTICLE - How to Make Bias Tape
Summary of Article
- Cut your fabric on the diagonal bias in your required width. Common widths include 1 inch for ½ inch single fold bias and 2 inches for ½ inch double fold bias.
- Join the strips together with right sides together at a 45degree angle.
- Trim and press open to form a long strip.
- Press into either single fold or double fold bias tape.
- Read more about how to make bias tape.
PART 3 - How to Sew Single Fold Bias Tape
Learn how to sew bias tape that is single fold. It’s time to go single on the sewing scene. It’s simple, it’s stylish and it’s your own expression of creativity. A must ‘’know-how trim’’ for every seamstress. You can simply turn something functional, l like serviettes, into something amazing with a unique bias tape trim.
READ FULL ARTICLE - How to Sew Bias Tape
Summary of Article
- For curved areas, start by pressing your bias tape in a curve.
- Open one edge and pin it along the edge of your item. If you want the bias to show on the outside, pin it to the wrong side. If you want the bias tape to be invisible, pin it to the right side.
- Stitch in the first crease.
- Press the bias to the inside so the seam is on the edge.
- Stitch along the edge of the bias.
- Read more about how to sew bias tape.
PART 4 - How to Sew Double Fold Bias Tape
Twice as much fun, double the style, and really professional. The double fold bias tape is just as easy to use and gives an added finish to any sewing project. Make your bias tape a special trim. When you learn how to sew double fold bias tape your project will look great both inside and out.
READ FULL ARTICLE - How to Sew Double Fold Bias Tape
Summary of Article
- Open the wider side of the bias tape and match it to the wrong side edge of the item.
- Stitch in the first crease which is ¼ inch from the edge.
- Wrap the bias tape over the raw edge to the from.
- The folded edge should just cover the row of stitches.
- Stitch close to the edge.
- Read more about how to sew double fold bias
PART 5 - How to Make Continuous Bias Tape
This is your chance to be part of a ’never-ending’ sewing story. Continuous bias tape is an amazing way to cut fabric and turn it into a very, very long piece of bias trim. It is so professional for anyone who tries. It wraps around those raw edges to give your garment a never-ending trim!
READ FULL ARTICLE - Continuous Bias Tape
Summary of the Article
- Cut a large square of fabric and mark the sides.
- Put the marked sides right sides together and stitch with a ¼ inch (6mm) seam.
- Press open the seam.
- Mark strips in your desired width. This will normally be 1 inch or 2 inches depending on whether you are making single or double fold bias in ½ inch widths.
- Join the ends while offsetting the lines by one. This offsetting is very important otherwise you will end up with rings and not strips of bias.
- Join the seam with right sides together.
- Cut a spiral strip of bias.
- Read more about continuous bias tape.
PART 6 - How to Sew Tape Bias Corners
Bias tape corners are the most obliging trim for all kinds of projects. There is no corner too deep or too wide or too long for this pioneer of sewing trims. Just by knowing the basics you can create a multitude of beautiful corners for all kinds of projects. It’s really ’sew’ simple and very effective.
READ FULL ARTICLE - Bias Tape Corners
Summary of the Article
- Open up the bias and pin it along the edge.
- Stitch in the ¼ crease but stop ¼ inch from the end of the corner.
- Fold the bias tape up and then down again for form a triangle.
- Start stitching the next side ¼ inch from the edge.
- Fold the bias tape over to the back and fold the corners neatly.
- Stitch the edge of the bias.
- Read more on how to sew bias tape corners.
PART 7 - Bias Tape V Necks
Using bias tape to finish a v-neck shirt is a common technique that will save you using a facing. It is similar to sewing double-fold bias tape with a couple of extra tips.
READ FULL ARTICLE - How to Sew a V neck with Bias Tape
Summary of Article
- Staystitch around the neckline.
- Clip the point of the neck at the front.
- Open the shorter side of the double fold bias tape and pin it to the edge of the neck.
- Place the join at the shoulder seam. Fold one end over by ¼ inch and then put the other end on top.
- Stitch around the bias ¼ inch from the edge in the first crease.
- Clip and turn to the inside.
- Stitch from the front.
- Turn to the wrong side and stitch the point of the v.
- Read more about how to sew a v neck with bias tape.
PART 8 - Making Piping with Bias Tape
Did you know that you can use bias tape to make piping? Store-bought piping is often thin and created in uninspiring plain colors while you can use printed fabrics for a unique pop of color.
READ FULL ARTICLE - How to Make Piping
Summary of Article
- Cut bias strips 1 ¼ inch (3.1cm) wide for a cord that is ¼ inch (6mm) in diameter.
- Wrap the bias fabric around the cord and pin it so the raw edges match.
- Make sure there is a tail of cord poking out at the ends so there is no chance of pulling it out by mistake.
- Baste the bias close to the edge of the cord.
- Stitch along the cord with a zipper foot. Get as close as you can.
- Remove the basting stitches.
- Read more about how to make piping.
PART 9 - Sewing Piping
Once you have made piping it is time to sew it into a seam. This tutorial will show you how to sew piping along straight edges, curves and corners as well as how to start and finish the piping ends.
READ FULL ARTICLE - Sewing Piping
Summary of Article
- Match the raw edges of the piping with the raw edges of the item.
- Machine baste along the edge of the piping
- For the ends of the piping, overlap them a shown in the photo in an inconspicuous area.
- Curves will need the edges of the piping clipped.
- Place the fabric right sides together and stitch with a zipper foot getting as close to the cord as you can get. You can stitch on top of the basting as a guide.
- Open up the seam and press.
- Read more about sewing piping.
Sewing Bias Tape - In Conclusion
These nine easy tips for sewing bias tape will ensure that all kinds of handmade articles can be enhanced with your own bias tape. By using your own fabric you can add that extra special creative and individual touch to your unique creation. Never a store-bought look, always something original and entirely your own masterpiece.
Bias tape is just the right trim to say - simply the best, a treasure for sure!
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