Bias towards the pretty ~ a tutorial!

Bias tape is a multitasking trim that's utilitarian yet fashionable. It binds raw edges quickly and travels around curves with ease, never pucker. Each time i visit my local quilting-supply shop, i am inspire by the bright prints from almost any woven fabric to want to make my very own bias tape.

Bias tape can be made easily by using bias-tape maker that comes in a variety of sizes, creating strips of fabric 1/4 inch to 2 inches in width. The maker creates single-fold bias tapes that work on almost any project requiring trims. While in the stores, you can buy double-fold bias type, which is folded lengthwise a second time, making it quick work for large projects.

Since i don't own such a cute maker, i came out with my own way of making my own double-fold bias tape. As this is my first tutorial {and i really want to share it with you}, i am bound to make mistakes and if i did, i hope you find the heart to forgive me.  

Tools/materials:

 

• 1 yard fabric
• pattern you want to bind
• rotary cutter
• fabric cutting mat
• sewing machine {optional hand stitching is also fine}
• needle, pins and thread

Directions:

1. Start with folding one corner of the fabric into 45-degree angle.

2. Then fold it again into another 45-degree angle. Creating a triangle. To create longer lengths of bias tape for larger projects, you can join strips end to end.

I'm using this triangle as a guideline to make sure that my strips are at 45-degree angle. This way i don't have to use a dressmakers' chalk or air erasable pen to make these strips side by side.

3. Cut out strips of 1 inch in width.

4. Yipee...your handmade bias tape is ready!

5. Get the pattern that you would like to bind the raw edges.

 
6. To bind raw edges or embellish seams. Align the bias tape over the edge of the project. Pin to secure.

 
7. Stitch 1/8 inch in from tape's edge, making sure needle passes through underside of the tape. You may either use your lovely sewing machine or hand stitches.

 
8. Once done, fold end over the edge of the project's fabric. Press open and smooth out with an iron. Snip corners. Close bias tape, and stitch in place. And there you have it, you very own bias towards the pretty!

 
Simple and fast ~ such a great combination! I hope you enjoy my little simple tutorial. Happy creating and  have a lovely merry happy week. Lots of love from me to you! 

Comments

[Kizzy]

Very Nice Tutorial!
摇头摆尾!
Keep delivering such Detail, you do a Great Job there! :D

[Helen (Dixon Hill Girl)]

Congratulations on your first tutorial, Jacqueline! Nice, clear pictures....and I love your flower-headed pins!

[Koralee]

Oooh you talent sweet one...I love it! Good job. Now if I could only sew! xoxox

[Sam]

Wow! How cool is this!! I'm not very good at sewing - but I totally appreciate the neatness of this tutorial!!

[Meg]

Thanks! I did some sewing today with my mother in law, I made some aprons, I really liked how they turned out. I am posting a pic of them later so you can check them out!! Thanks for the Birthday wishes, you are so sweet!! I had a wonderful one!!
xoxo~Meg

[Nia]

oh I need to buy a rotary cutter!!
Thank you for the tutorial!! :)

[Enrouge (karla)]

Thank you for the tutorial Jacqueline. I really didn't understand bias tape very well, but now I think I understand a little better. Is this what you would use to hem a skirt also? I think your idea of making bias tape out of different prints and fun colors is terrific. I've only seen very plain ordinary colors in the store. I think it looks so much more interesting to have a fun print as edging like you showed in your tutorial. Maybe you are on to something?!

[Enrouge (karla)]

p.s. Your photos are superb! Your tutorial is so professional!

[Elle]

So cute! :) Makes me want to learn how to use the sewing machine.

[theUngourmet]

Thanks for the great instructions!! I wish my machine wasn't broken! I need to get a new one I think. :)

[kim hicks]

Hi,
Great pictures for your tutorial and clear instructions. I love your fabrics. The yellow polk a dot reminded me of a piece my mom had sewn for me years ago. Great memories:)
I enjoyed our class today...
Cheers

[Ravenhill]

How brilliant! Thank you so very much for sharing your delightful secrets with us!

[linda]

Wow...I wish I could do that! Thanks for sharing!

[Kate England]

How clever you are! And what a great tutorial! I love the fabrics you are using and the photos beautifully capture your fabulous work!

[Valarie Budayr]

This is so cute and the tutorial is fabulous. I've never made my own bias tape but I will give it try now that you've made it look so easy.
Take care friend and have a great day.

[Faith]

Very well done tutorial, I am so impressed! Your photos are lovely and you captured every step and made it so clear. I did not understand bias tape before this! I really love the combination of your yellow dotted fabric with the black embroidery on white cloth, sooo inspiring! Can't wait to see what your finished product will look like! xo

[BK]

Interesting tutorial! I felt like I was sitting through the 'actual' session with you. Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you.

[Tracy]

This is a wonderful, Jacqueline! You've created such excellent tutorial... very good photos and simple, easy instruction. And gives us confidence to give it a try. I've been sewing a long time, but doing the bias takes time and patience still, I think. Thank you! :o) Happy Day, my friend ((BIG HUGS))

[Afi]

WOW!! What a fantastic tutorial Jacquleine! I loved it! I never knew that something like "rotary cutter" can cut fabric too! I guess mom my will get so happy if I buy her one! And of course with the cutting mat ;)

Thank you for sharing your lovely tutorial with us!

Big hugs!! xo

[Brigitte]

Gah! I love your tutorials. So pretty and detailed.

[frauheuberg]

hej thanks for your comment...lovley tutorial...and a great instruction...and your life story is very exciting...thanks for commenting and sharing...;)...a big hug

cheers

ines

[lisa h.]

Yay, congratulations on your first tutorial! The photos are great and the instructions are easy to follow -- win!

I've never made bias tape without the special gadget you mentioned, although I did make the binding for my quilt sort of the way you did...except I didn't cut on the 45 degree angle because the quilt has no curves ;).

It's so great to be able to make any kind of tape you want; the shops have such a limited range of styles.

(and the embroidery on your pouch? pocket? bib? is so cute!)

[Pinktulipza]

Jacqueline, thanks for sharing your tutorial. This is the simplest, and prettiest, tutorial for making bias tape I have ever seen! I always admire your extremely neat work! Now, when you have time for more tutorials, I would love to see you share some neat finishing techniques. I still battle with the metered corners, so that would be great to see too! Hope you have a lovely weekend!

[CreativeButterflyXOX]

Makes me want to work on my sewing skills to try it out. Thanks for sharing.

[Allison]

I agree with everyone here - what a great tutorial! Clear concise instructions and fantastic photos ... lovely. This post must have taken you some time to put together! Allison xx