How to use Bias Tape

From loops for buttons to decorative elements; from sewing a seam to finishing the edges of quilting fabric – and so much more – there are dozens of things that you can do with bias tape; hence the reason it’s often referred to as the duct tape of sewing.

Bias tape is piece of material that has been cut along the bias of a sewing fabric (hence the name). What’s the bias? – It’s the 45 degree angle that runs across the weave of a textile. Material that has been cut along the bias has more stretch, which is why it is so versatile. There are two different types of bias tape:

Single-fold, which features two folds. It’s usually used as a narrow facing, which means that it’s used on the wrong side of a garment so that it can’t be seen.
Double-fold, which features three folds. It’s commonly used to bind edges together and can be seen from the outside of a garment.

Since it can be used in so many ways, it’s definitely a sewing essential and something that you should always have on-hand in your sewing room. You can make your own bias tape or you can purchase pre-made bias tape at any fabric store. In this sewing help guide, we’ll share some of the uses for bias tape, which you can work into your handiwork on sewing machine or with a hand sewing needle.

Table of Contents

1 Seam Finishes
2 Bindings
3 Button Loops
4 Decorative Elements

Seam Finishes

Using bias tape to create a seam on an unfinished edge is referred to as a Hong Kong Finish. It really makes a huge difference in the outcome of your garments; it instantly makes something that was handmade into something that looks like it was made by a professional. To use bias tape as a seam finish, all you have to do is stitch a side of the tape to the unfinished edge so that it has a ¼ inch seam.

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Bindings

You can also use bias tape to give a raw edge a finished look. Simply remove the seam allowance of the garment you are applying it to and cover the edge with double-fold bias tape with a polished look. Use an edgestitch along the inner fold to attach.

Button Loops

Bias tape is a great way to make button loops; plus, it’s extremely easy. Begin with a double-fold bias tape, use an edgestitch on the open end, and then cut it into strips that will accommodate the size of the buttons. Easy peasy!

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Decorative Elements

Use bias tape to add decorative elements to drapery, toss pillows, blankets, clothing, and anything else you can think of. The way in which you use bias tape to create a decorative element really depends on the look you are trying to achieve; however, as an example, you can pin the lengths of either single-fold or double-fold bias tape to a section of material in any configuration you desire, then use an edgestitch to affix it to the fabric. For the easiest effective, you can sew a straight line; however, you can use bias tape to create curves, too.