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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: weezyrider
Date: 06-21-2006, 11:34 AM (1 of 11)
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You experts have made me do a lot of thinking. Now I've got a couple of questions about bias tape. If you make your own - the tape makers have equal sides. The awful stiff stuff that you can buy packaged seems like it has one pressed under side wider than the other. What's the proportion and how do you iron it? The same goes for purchased piping. It's too darn stiff. I make a lot of my own, and since I prefer narrower cord (almost baby piping) I wind up basting the cord in the bias tape first, then stitching it down with whatever foot happens to work the best.(Pfaff) Sometimes it's the 5 pintuck or the 3 cord. Is there any way to keep the cord in the fold so you don't have to baste it first? I've tried pressing, cord doesn't stay put, and I've gotten myself with steam. Thanks, Weezy |
User: weezyrider
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 218 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 06-21-2006, 05:24 PM (2 of 11)
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The purchased tape is pressed that way so that if you apply it in one step, you put the wider portion underneath, so that when you stitch it , you are sure that you get both edges stitched without any skips.. You can press it whichever way you like..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: esrun3
Date: 06-21-2006, 11:56 PM (3 of 11)
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The purchased tape is pressed that way so that if you apply it in one step, you put the wider portion underneath, so that when you stitch it , you are sure that you get both edges stitched without any skips.. You can press it whichever way you like.. Somehow I always miss the tape if I do it in one step LOL I've just keep doing it one side at a time-takes longer but works for me. Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: MissTaraTara
Date: 06-22-2006, 07:12 PM (4 of 11)
| For attaching bias to very long edges I like to use a bias tape foot (http://pic11.picturetrail.com/VOL388/2170133/9904999/159146828.jpg). I have had great success with it. When I make my own baby piping, I use a zipper foot and stitch slowly. I do stop often with the needle down to reposition the cording within the fabric strip having raw edges even. |
User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 06-23-2006, 07:03 PM (5 of 11)
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If you always start out with the right part on the bottom, you will not have any skips.. But that is a MUST.. to have the wider portion underneath when you start.. I have 2 tape makers.. and I love them also, but sometimes its just quicker and easier to use the purchased stuff. When I make place mats or wall hangings , I make my own and I always double that, so that the edges don't wear so quickly..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: DorothyL
Date: 06-23-2006, 10:15 PM (6 of 11)
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If you always start out with the right part on the bottom, you will not have any skips.. Oh Libby, don't I wish. Isn't it funny how something that seems so easy for one person is a bane for another? Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 06-24-2006, 11:24 AM (7 of 11)
Sometimes, Dorothy, It even means unwinding the tape from the card it came on and starting from the other end.. This is necessary to keep from having all the bulk of the fabric to the right of the needle, but it is worth it, because it saves wear and tear on the nerves and keeps the frustration level to a minimum.. After all, I sew for fun, not frustration.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: DorothyL
Date: 06-24-2006, 11:38 AM (8 of 11)
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So now you are telling me you do it without pins? I think I better stick to one side then the other. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 06-25-2006, 12:31 PM (9 of 11)
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MissTaraTara - question for you. does the bias tape foot sew both sides down at the same time in one step rather than having to sew it twice??
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: MissTaraTara
Date: 06-25-2006, 11:59 PM (10 of 11)
| Actually, yes it does. I like the fact that it is adjustable. It takes a little practice to go around outer curves (I've never done inner curves) but once you get it down, it makes attaching the bias tape so much easier and faster. |
User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 07-03-2006, 06:38 PM (11 of 11)
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Thanks, I may have to check into a bias tape foot for my machine. It sounds like it would sure make it easier.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
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