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Sew What's New Archive > GENERAL SEWING > Bias Tape???

From: MAD14kt

Date: 04-26-2006, 03:58 PM (1 of 12)

I have a few dresses that need bias tape added to the neck and arm areas. I bought some basic colors that I used on some of the dresses. Is making your own bias tape time consuming or hard to make? THANKS!!! :nervous:

"What is to give light must endure the burning"

User: MAD14kt
Member since: 12-21-2005
Total posts: 31

From: paroper

Date: 04-26-2006, 04:32 PM (2 of 12)

I don't enjoy it but it isn't really that hard. It can take a lot of fabric because you have to cut it at a 45 degree angle but the more you cut at one time the less you seem to loose. Sometimes you can also lay your pattern pieces around the bias cut and not really loose much of anything. You just decide how wide you want the tape add a 1/4 inch seam allowance and then double the amount. That is the width of your tape. If you have a good long yardstick or t-square, a mat and a rotary cutter you can do it in pretty short time. There is also a method where you cut a wide swath the wideth of several bias tapes, mark your cutting lines and off set by the bias tape amount at the end, sew the end together (with the offset). Then you start cutting. When you get through you have a long continuous strip of bias tape and it is already joined. Then just press it in half and press under 1/4 inch on one side. Sew at 1/4 inch on the unpressed side, press and then gold on the center line and sew again.

pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)

User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775

From: AndreaSews

Date: 04-26-2006, 05:00 PM (3 of 12)

I think it's worthwhile for some projects, especially for garments that call for bias tape. Pre-packaged bias tape is fine for quilt binding, but it may not have the right texture, weight, or even color for your garments. You can make your own in the same (or purposely contrasting) fabric as your outfit, or if it is used invisibly as a mini-facing for necklines or armholes, then you can pick something lighter and/or softer for your comfort.

Andrea

User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005
Total posts: 1007

From: dmoses

Date: 04-26-2006, 09:05 PM (4 of 12)

It can be a tad confusing at times, but well worth the effort. It is nice to have matching bias tape, and can be fun to have bias tape in contrasting colours, or unusual prints.

Here are some instructions.

Continuous bias tape (http://www.sew-whats-new.com/sewing/bias.shtml)

Take care,
Donna

User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002
Total posts: 964

From: Kaitlinnegan

Date: 04-26-2006, 09:55 PM (5 of 12)

Those directions for continuous bias tape are pretty interesting! My only question is the method there seems to leave a lot of seams. Does this look weird on the finished product, if you were using it somewhere where it might show? I suppose on some things it might be less obvious, especially if you were using bias tape for finishing seams in a jacket or something. In particular, I have the book "Bridal Couture" by Susan Khalje from the library -- one of the dresses has bias strips around the skirt -- they kind of look like the skirt was just folded around the hem a couple of times, to create a couple layers. It says some fabrics will piece "imperceptibly"...any thoughts on this? It's kind of a neat look -- actually one of the few details in the book I'd actually consider doing. Lots of them are just too frou frou for me.

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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006
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From: Chrysantha

Date: 04-26-2006, 10:35 PM (6 of 12)

Actually Clover (the company) makes a 'folder' that makes bias tape. You cut the fabric, sew the seams, put it through the folder, pressing (with an iron) as it comes out and you can also use Clover tape, to put in the bias tape to make it stick. They come in different sizes. Joann's, Hancocks and your local quilt shop should have them. (I don't know about Wally World....)(you can also goole for them online...)

Chrys

User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002
Total posts: 2414

From: Sancin

Date: 04-27-2006, 01:36 AM (7 of 12)

If cut true, joined correctly and pressed well after the inital sewing and then pressed well with each turning the seams do not show very much and are not bulky. If your fabric is a print sometimes it is even hard to see the seams.

*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."

User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005
Total posts: 895

From: DorothyL

Date: 04-27-2006, 07:02 AM (8 of 12)

If you are as lazy as I am -- they sell wide, printed bias tape -- not folded yet -- at some quilt stores.
Dorothy

User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883

From: bluebirdie

Date: 04-27-2006, 01:35 PM (9 of 12)

Yes the Bias tape maker from Clover helps a lot. It saves time and iron burnt fingers. Another thing that helps a great deal was a binder foot. It's forgiving and allow me to sew bias in a breeze on not-so-neatly cut&pressed bias tape. It's very helpful to me coz I don't cut so well and don't press very neatly.

- Robin

User: bluebirdie
Member since: 03-12-2006
Total posts: 139

From: Clarkia

Date: 04-27-2006, 01:50 PM (10 of 12)

I very seldom buy bias tape because I like using up smaller pieces of leftover fabric for bias tape. I just cut it into strips, package it so it stays neat in the drawer and then I have a pleasant surprise when I go looking for a special color or fabric later. I don't sew it into long strips any more since the time I made yards and yards of bias, all nicely pressed and then when I started to bundle it up I had a very time consuming job on my hands. I also have a stash of binding not cut on the bias which is also very handy.

Kay

Kay

User: Clarkia
Member since: 05-05-2003
Total posts: 23

From: AndreaSews

Date: 04-27-2006, 03:05 PM (11 of 12)

how nice