You may have noticed that I really really like bias-binding tape. It features in a couple of patterns for good reason – the Darling Ranges dress, the Banksia top, the Crescent blouse and the Eucalypt tank– it’s just seriously awesome. The end.
Oh, you need more explanation than that?! hehe Ok, let’s chat. In case you haven’t yet discovered the joy that is bias tape – here’s the run down, it’s basically a strip of fabric cut on a 45-degree angle with the edges pressed in to make it easy to use. Look I made a picture 🙂 Why is it awesome? It’s awesome because since the strip is cut on the 45-degree angle, it has some stretch to it, which means it can conform beautifully to curves (making your life easier) and more than that, it makes finishing the raw edges on many garments a breeze (your life easier again). No, it can’t do everything, but it can do a lot. So what can you do with bias tape? Well, a lot 🙂 – I like to use it instead of facings a lot. I have a personal hatred for facings – I think they look icky, they’re generally a pain to sew – and even worse a pain to wash (please tell me I’m not the only one whose facings turn inside out and get all crazy after going through the washing machine?!). I use it on necklines and armscyes the most often – and I like that you can get a nice clean edge and completely enclose the raw edge. – My second favourite use for bias tape is hemming – it’s fantastic for curved hems, and if you accidentally cut your skirt or pants too short – you can use bias tape as a teeny tiny hem on the inside. – It also makes a pretty cool design detail – since it conforms so easily you can top stitch it on pretty much anything to create an interesting design. – It’s also a favourite for quilters and crafters who use it to bind the edges of quilts and pot holders and cute stuff like that. – But sometimes – I also like to use it to cheat 🙂 It can make pretty good simple straps for dresses – wide tape is a nice cheat for a waistband. And you can make it yourself! I know, how cool is that? There is something alluring about buying bias tape because it’s so cheap and convenient – but I love homemade bias tape so much more because it’s just so much cuter, and you can match it perfectly to your garment, which is pretty darn cool. There’s something so satisfying about a garment that’s pretty on the inside and outside. But I think the even more surprising point is that is super cheap – you can get more bias out of a yard of fabric than you could buy premade for the same amount. But most of the time, it can be free. yeah free! Lately, my favourite thing to do with cute fabric scraps is to cut them on the bias and make some quick bias tape – I save it for later, and then when I want to sew I have something cute waiting for me! I almost never have a project where I don’t have enough fabric left over to make matching bias. Ready to learn how to make some? Have I convinced you that you need bias tape in your life?! I promise it’s easy! Click through for instructions!People often overcomplicate making bias tape, but the concept is simple. You take a piece of fabric and cut strips at a 45-degree angle. That’s the core of it.
I prefer a straightforward approach. When I make bias tape, I start with my fabric (a square is easiest, though my piece wasn’t perfectly square) and fold it along the bias to create a triangle. Then, I cut my strips from there. Using a quilter’s cutting guide has made the process even easier for me. The guide has grooves every 1/2 inch, which makes cutting the tape incredibly quick. I simply place it on top of the fabric, zip my rotary cutter along the grooves, and nice, even strips appear. Once you have your bias strips, it’s time to join them. The best method is to join them on an angle. This prevents the seam from becoming bulky in one spot. Since I started with a square, all my tape ends were already at a 45-degree angle. In this case, you can simply overlap them, ensuring the edges stick out by your seam allowance so the tape lines up properly. Sew them with a 1/4″ seam allowance, press the seams open, and trim the edges. If your strips have square ends, you can join them by matching the short ends perpendicular to each other and sewing diagonally across. Then, trim the seam allowance back to 1/4″ and press it open. Another option for square ends is to join them short end to short end with right sides together. Sew 1/4″ from the edge and press the seam open. Some people avoid this method as it can create a bulkier seam. You can leave the tape as is. I often do this because it’s versatile and ready for any project. Alternatively, you can use a bias tape maker to create single-fold tape, just like the store-bought kind. The process is simple: you pull the tape through the maker, and it folds the two edges inward. Then, you press it flat. A pin works well to initially pull the tape through. I have a personal trick for using the bias tape maker. Instead of pulling the maker and moving the iron, which I find irritating and hard to control, I iron the first few inches of tape. Then, I pin the bias maker to my ironing board, lay my iron down, and slowly pull the tape through. The tape goes through the maker and straight under the iron, coming out perfectly folded on the other end. This is my lazy girl’s method. It may scorch the ironing board cover a bit, but I don’t mind as I replace my covers frequently. When you’re finished, roll the bias tape onto a piece of card and save it for a future project! Have I convinced you to go out and make a tonne of bias tape? Yes? Next time you’re sewing a pattern, try making your own bias tape instead of buying it. You might just become as obsessed as I am. SOME OF MY FAVOURITE PATTERNS WITH BIAS BINDING: Darling Ranges dress | Banksia top | Eucalypt tank & dress | Olive dress & blouse Just a final note: There are other methods for creating bias tape, such as the continuous bias method. However, I personally find those methods too cumbersome and tricky. I prefer this method because it’s straightforward and easy to remember every time.Discover the joy of creating beautiful and functional fabric items for your home with simple DIY techniques. These projects are perfect for beginners and experienced crafters alike, offering a personalized touch to your living space.
Essential Materials for Fabric Crafts: – Fabric (cotton, linen, or felt) – Sewing machine or needle and thread – Scissors – Measuring tape – Stuffing for pillows or toys Simple Steps to Get Started: 1. Choose a project, such as a pillow cover or tote bag. 2. Measure and cut the fabric to the required size. 3. Sew the pieces together, leaving openings if needed. 4. Add stuffing or final touches for a polished look. Tips for Successful Projects: – Pre-wash fabric to prevent shrinkage. – Use sharp scissors for clean cuts. – Practice stitching on scrap fabric first. – Experiment with colors and patterns to match your decor. Benefits of DIY Fabric Crafts: – Customize items to fit your style. – Save money compared to store-bought decor. – Enjoy a relaxing and creative hobby. – Make unique gifts for friends and family.