bias tape

Can I make my own bias tape reasonably easily?

I learned how by renting sewing books from my library like vogue sewing and new complete guide to sewing (readers digest) which i liked alot. it is easy to do and stores also sell bias tape makers that fold the bias strips that you've cut.

Dear Mary,

Bellow I have provided an example of the single fold binding with a (mitered) square corner.

You can find explanations bellow each picture. I will post an example of a double folded binding very soon.

In the near future we are going to make a video lesson covering this topic.

1. To sew a square corner using a biased binding tape, first sew to the edge of the fabric like this. Then reverse stitch the last two stitches to secure the thread.

 2. Now cut off the Threads.

3. Fold the binding tape at the corner so that the folded edge lies at an angle and meets the inside edge of the sewn section

4. Repeat for the other side, underneath.

5. Make sure the edge of the fabric falls in the center fold of the binding tape.

6. Pin the rest of the binding in place. If you like you can hand baste it to keep it in place better before sewing by machine.

Hand basting will make it easier to sew the binding by machine, and prevents puckering.

7. Start with a reverse stitch to secure the binding at the corner.

8. To hide the end of the threads, you can pass them trough a needle and sew two small backstitches by hand then cut the threads.

Dear Jenf,

Yes biased tapes are easy to make.

Part B of the dress sewing video bellow, which we will release this month, will cover how to cut biased strips for the piping and spaghetti straps as well.

The biased strips can be used to sew binding, cording, spaghetti straps, piping and button fabric loops. 

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Dress Sewing with Pleated Skirt, Spaghetti Straps, Piping and Invisible Zipper Video Lessons

 How do I use bias tape?