Bias Tape | How it's Made & How it's Used

You may be thinking what in the world is bias tape or 'I've heard of it, but don't know what it is.' This post will explain what bias tape is, how it's made and how it's used.
Bias tape is also known as Binding. It's a narrow strip of fabric that has been cut on the bias (at a 45 degree angle to the grain) to give it more of a stretch. The great thing about bias tape is that it hides raw edges. It also can be used in a variety of colors to add a nice colorful trim to your item.
Go here to read more about the bias and how to find it on your fabric.

You can buy bias tape prepackaged for pretty cheap - it's usually near the zippers in the craft department. However, if you want a specific color or patterned bias tape, you can make your own.

Here's how to make your own.
1. Find the bias on your fabric, as shown in the image above.
2. Determine how long you need your bias tape to be. Add 1" to that measurement for overlapping where the ends will meet.
3. Now, how wide do you need it? If it is going around the edge of an armhole, for instance, you won't want it more than 1/2" wide. Now, multiply that by 4.
4. Cut your fabric on the bias at the length and width you chose.
5. Now, fold fabric in half lengthwise and iron. Open it back up and fold each long edge over to match the rough edge with the fold that you previously folded and opened up. Iron again. See below image.

{Source}

Now, that your bias tape is made. How do you attach it?
1. Place the center fold of the bias tape over the top of the fabric edge, fold both sides down onto the fabric and pin it in place.
2. Edgestitch {just start sewing a normal stitch} along the bottom edge of the bias tape. The seam will go through all layers of bias tape and fabric. You'll see that when you buy prepackaged bias tape, when folded, one edge is a little shorter than the other. Put the narrower side on the top of the fabric and the wider side on the back. That way when you stitch along the bottom edge {in front}, you will catch the back fold with your stitches.

{See how to make these cute hotpads with bias tape here.}

Have you ever made your own bias tape? What projects have you made using bias tape?

You can find other basic sewing tips and methods at the {Sewing Basics} page above.

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