Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: babybyamy
Date: 09-29-2003, 12:19 PM (1 of 10)
|
Can anyone explain what exactly a bias is? Does it have multiple meanings? I have seen the word used several times in some of these forums, but not always using it to reference the same thing. I thought it was like a 45 degree angle from the selveges. Thanks! |
User: babybyamy
Member since: 09-25-2003 Total posts: 18 
|
From: Woodsy
Date: 09-29-2003, 12:59 PM (2 of 10)
| You thought right!! Sometimes the word"bias" is used as a shortcut for bias tape. Where else have you heard it? |
User: Woodsy
Member since: 07-22-2001 Total posts: 19 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 09-29-2003, 01:17 PM (3 of 10)
bias is also 'across' the grain of fabric...ie...take a corner in one hand, take the other corner in the other hand, stretch. Thats the bias of fabric....(of course you only want to stretch your fabric IF you're making bias tape...or it's already stretchy )
Chrys
|
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
|
From: babybyamy
Date: 09-29-2003, 03:05 PM (4 of 10)
|
Thanks Woodsy & Chrysantha! Woodsy: I reading some posts in Garment Construction and this is one that talked about bias, and I can't find the other one I read: Originally posted by lovemyfabric I like making clothes with princess seams, because you can easily make something bigger or smaller. You have more seams to work with. You should try a blouse with princess seams, or what about a bias cut blouse? They drape nice. so I a bias cut blouse means you turn the fabric and lay the pattern peice so that it is along the bias? |
User: babybyamy
Member since: 09-25-2003 Total posts: 18
|
From: babybyamy
Date: 09-29-2003, 03:05 PM (5 of 10)
| Oh and also, what would you use bias tape for? Thanks. |
User: babybyamy
Member since: 09-25-2003 Total posts: 18
|
From: stitchmd
Date: 09-29-2003, 05:02 PM (6 of 10)
| Yes, bias cut means you lay the pattern on a 45 degree angle giving a drapey effect to the garment. Bias tape is stretchy and easy to curve, so is used wherever those qualities are desireable, usually to go around curved edges. |
User: stitchmd
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 226 |
From: babybyamy
Date: 09-29-2003, 05:16 PM (7 of 10)
|
fyi..I have never sewn garments, strickly home decor, pimarily baby bedding....I want to start making garments for myself so I really appreciate everyone's help! Curve for like for a waistband? is it something that is sewn inside that you don't see? What is the benifit in the tape? Does it act like interfacing giving strength? |
User: babybyamy
Member since: 09-25-2003 Total posts: 18
|
From: habanerohutch
Date: 09-29-2003, 06:35 PM (8 of 10)
|
In garment construction, bias tape would most often be used to cover raw edges, such as those at a neckline. It could be turned inside and not intended to be seen or it could be on the outside for decorative effect. On the smocked little girl dresses I make, there is no sleeve cuff to finish off the puffed sleeves, but a bias strip of the fabric is used for the same purpose. Bias tape can also be stitched to the outside of a garment in colorful patterns for no other reason than pure decoration. Bias tape or strips of bias cut fabric can be used to wrap around cording to make piping. The uses seem to be endless. Lala Chile Pepper from Texas
|
User: habanerohutch
Member since: 07-01-2000 Total posts: 49 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 09-30-2003, 05:41 PM (9 of 10)
Bias binding is used to finish raw edges in making a lot of kitchen accessories also.. Potholders, casserole covers, hot pads, to name a few..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
|
From: Woodsy
Date: 10-02-2003, 10:22 AM (10 of 10)
| I often use bias tape instead of the facing at a neckline. There I let it show. In home dec - cutting a strip or plaid on the bias makes a very interesting design and looks great to edge things or to make piping to insert somewhere. I piece of bias can also be used as an insert in the middle but because it is so-o-o stretchy it is hard to do without wrinkles - not a beginner project - but it can be so good looking. |
User: Woodsy
Member since: 07-22-2001 Total posts: 19 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-11026.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft