Making Bias Tape: A Comprehensive Guide
Table of Contents
- 1 Master the Art of Sewing Bias Tape for Impeccable Edges on Clothing and Crafts
- 2 How to Make Your Own Bias Tape to Match
- 3 Fashion Tip For Using Homemade Bias Tape
- 4 Understanding Bias Tape
- 5 Types: Single and Double Fold
- 6 Create Your Own Bias Tape
- 7 How to Sew Double Fold Bias Tape
- 8 Mastering Mitered Corners
- 9 Mastering Single Fold Bias Tape Sewing
Master the Art of Sewing Bias Tape for Impeccable Edges on Clothing and Crafts
Embrace the beauty of bias tape as it enhances the charm of your creations. By following this straightforward tutorial, you’ll gain confidence and efficiency in sewing bias tape.
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Understanding Bias Tape | Bias tape is a pre-folded fabric used for finishing edges and adding decorative touches. Its diagonal cut gives it flexibility, making it perfect for curved edges. |
| Types: Single and Double Fold | Single fold bias tape has edges folded once, while double fold tapes have edges folded twice. Double fold bias tape provides a more refined finish. |
| Create Your Own Bias Tape | Creating your own bias tape allows for customization in sewing projects. The process involves cutting fabric strips, sewing them into a continuous strip, ironing the seams flat, and threading the strip through a bias tape maker or under a straight pin to fold and iron the fabric. |
| Sew Double Fold Bias Tape | To sew double fold bias tape, pin the tape to the fabric, sew along the fold, fold the tape over to the other side of the fabric and pin it in place, and then stitch again. Check the wrong side to ensure the stitching has secured the edge of the tape. |
| Mastering Mitered Corners | Mitering corners requires careful attention when sewing near the corner. The binding should be folded at a 45-degree angle before continuing with stitching for a polished look. |
| Sew Single Fold Bias Tape | Sewing single fold bias tape requires a seam allowance equal to half the width of the tape. The process involves folding the raw edge of the fabric under the tape, aligning the tape and fabric, and topstitching them together. For curved edges, steam the bias tape into shape before sewing. |
How to Make Your Own Bias Tape to Match
First, make your own bias tape, unique to your projects. Select a fabric to complement your craft or clothing piece. Cut it diagonally at a 45-degree angle, then simply fold and iron it to create a perfectly pressed tape.
Next, prepare the raw edges by neatly folding the hems and giving them a gentle press with an iron. Now you’re ready to attach the bias tape. Patiently pin the tape along the edge, ensuring it is evenly positioned. Don’t rush – take the time to secure it as you sew, appreciating this elegant way of finishing edges.
With practice and persistence, you’ll master sewing bias tape, elevating your clothing and craft projects to an unmatched level of distinction.
Fashion Tip For Using Homemade Bias Tape
If you want to make a simple skirt stand out, create a contrasting or complimentary double sided bias tape and then use it to “outline” the skirt edge. It’s simple but something I have done to the dresses I made for my nieces. They love to twirl in them to show off the colors. It’s a complete finishing touch that won’t be missed!
Understanding Bias Tape
Bias tape is a versatile material made from fabric that has been cut diagonally along the bias grain. The raw edges are neatly folded and pre-pressed to the wrong side, giving it some stretch even when made from woven fabric. This flexibility makes bias tape perfect for finishing curved edges, such as necklines, and adding a touch of contrast to your sewing projects.
Here are some practical applications of bias tape in sewing:
- Finishing Curved Edges: The stretchy nature of bias tape allows it to be pressed smoothly around curved shapes like necklines, armholes, and other contouring features of your garments.
- Decorative Touch: Bias tape can also provide an attractive contrast against the main fabric, sprucing up the overall design of your piece.
- Seams and Hems: Use bias tape to create clean finishes on seams and hems, or to add a decorative touch while hiding raw edges.
As you venture into the world of sewing, let the creativity flow and experiment with bias tape in your projects. With confidence and perseverance, you can achieve the same breakthrough as Roger Bannister, who defied the odds and broke the 4-minute mile. Embrace the limitless possibilities that sewing offers and craft wearable masterpieces that reflect your unique style and personality.
Types: Single and Double Fold
In your sewing journey, you’ll encounter both single and double fold bias tapes, each with distinct characteristics. Single fold tapes have their edges folded once, while double fold tapes have the edges folded twice.
Think of how Roger Bannister broke the 4-minute mile; he pursued excellence just like how double fold bias tape improves upon single fold. Double fold tape begins as a single fold, then gets folded in half and pressed for a refined finish.
To utilize double fold tape, ensure no seam allowance exists as it ends right at the main fabric’s raw edge. However, with single fold tape, maintain a seam allowance equal to half the tape’s width. Proceed confidently and broaden your sewing expertise with these versatile tapes.
Create Your Own Bias Tape
Creating your own bias tape can be an incredibly satisfying process, offering you the freedom to customize your sewing projects according to your unique preferences. To do so, you’ll need a few essential tools, including a ruler, fabric marker, scissors, and an iron. By employing the continuous method, you can efficiently cut the fabric into bias strips, requiring just two seams to be sewn for a fat quarter.
Like Roger Bannister achieving the impossible by breaking the four-minute mile barrier, your determination and passion for sewing will be the driving forces behind your success. Soon, you will not only be mastering the art of making bias tape but elevating your sewing projects to new heights.
To create your bias tape, follow these steps:
- Cutting Materials: Use a rotary cutter or a pair of scissors to cut strips of fabric at the desired width.
- Sewing Continuous Strips: Connect the bias strips by sewing them together at a diagonal, creating a long, continuous strip.
- Ironing the Strips: Iron the seams flat and trim any excess fabric.
- Tape Maker or Pin Method: Thread your bias strip through a bias tape maker or under a straight pin secured to your ironing board. Ensure the pinhead won’t be affected by the iron’s heat. For example, glass head pins are a suitable choice.
- Ironing Bias Tape: Gently pull the strip through the tape maker or under the pin while folding and ironing the fabric as it passes.
- Double Fold Tape: To make double fold tape, simply fold the single-fold bias tape in half, align the folded edges, and iron once more.
Remember, as a beginner in sewing, you are on a continuous journey to improve your skills. Inspired by David Ogilvy’s unwavering confidence in his craft, with a clear and knowledgeable approach, you will become a master at making your own bias tape. Embrace this newfound ability and utilize it to enhance your future sewing projects with personalized touches. Enjoy the endless possibilities that lie ahead and continue to push the boundaries of your creative potential.
How to Sew Double Fold Bias Tape
In just 10 minutes, you will master the technique of sewing double fold bias tape. Embrace the confidence of David Ogilvy and the determination of Roger Bannister as you break your own sewing barriers.
Pin the tape to the fabric: Unfold the double fold bias tape and pin it to the right side of your fabric, aligning the raw edges. Remember, one side is wider than the other – pin the narrower side in this step.
Stitch in the fold: Sew along the fold of the bias tape that is closest to the raw edge of your fabric, using your trusty sewing machine.
Wrap the raw edges of the fabric: Fold the tape over to the wrong side of your fabric and pin it in place, just covering the initial stitching line with the folded edge of the tape.
Stitch again: Stitch close to the edge of the tape on the right side, ensuring precision.
Verify the wrong side: Examine the wrong side to confirm the stitching has properly secured the edge of the tape.
Follow these steps and soon you’ll be sewing double fold bias tape with confidence and finesse. All it takes is practice and the belief that you can achieve greatness, just like Bannister breaking the 4-minute mile.
Mastering Mitered Corners
To skillfully miter corners, sew near the corner while paying close attention to the wide end. As you approach, fold the binding at a 45-degree angle, then continue stitching seamlessly. This technique will add polish to your sewing creations, and with confidence and persistence, you’ll soon master the art of mitered corners.
Mastering Single Fold Bias Tape Sewing
To sew single fold bias tape, you’ll need a seam allowance equal to half the width of the tape. Embrace your inner Roger Bannister and conquer the art of sewing single fold bias tape with these confident steps:
Start by preparing: Fold the raw edge of the fabric under the tape, ensuring you have the appropriate seam allowance.
Sew in the straight: For straight edges, align the tape and fabric, then topstitch to secure them together.
Tackle the curves: Curved edges may seem challenging, but they can be mastered by steaming the bias tape into shape before sewing. This technique will grant your hem curves a professional touch.
Use the right tools: Equip yourself with the essential sewing tools for accuracy and precision, such as fabric scissors, sewing needles, and quality thread.
Practice makes perfect: As with every skill, sewing single fold bias tape takes practice.
By following these steps, you’ll add a distinguished pop of color and pattern to your sewing projects, showcasing unparalleled craftsmanship. Keep embracing your sewing journey and remember that, like David Ogilvy, you can break barriers and make incredible progress.
