Using Bias Tape for a Professional Finish
Stacy GrissomUsing bias tape is a great way to finish off the edge of a project on anything from clothes to quilts. However it can be easy to miss an edge of the tape while stitching because it is a narrow strip of fabric and you can’t see both sides while stitching. Stacy Grissom shows you a great technique to use to ensure that both side of the bias tape are secured to the fabric every time.
Double Fold Bias Tape
Another tip to help ensure both sides are caught in the stitching when using bias tape, whether using the technique shown in this video or another method, is to first look at the bias tape and determine which way it should be placed on the fabric. One side of the bias tape will be slightly longer than the other. Place the longer side of the bias tape on the wrong side, or under side of your fabric before stitching. This will give you a slightly wider margin of error for catching the other side of the bias tape in the seam. Most commercial double fold bias tapes will already be made this way, and it might also be something you want to do if you make your own bias tape.
Single Fold Bias Tape
The method shown in this video for bias tape with a double fold is similar to using bias tape with a single fold. The only difference is that there isn’t a fold in the bias tape to stitch along, and a narrow seam allowance from the edge is needed instead. Single fold bias tape is narrower that double fold once attached to your project and has a more subtle look.
Professional Finish
The technique Stacy uses for attaching the bias tape to a project can also be combined with some hand stitching for a very professional finish. Stitch the first side of the bias tape to the project as shown in the video, then fold the tape over the project edge, pin in place and hand stitch using a blind stitch so the threads are not seen. This is a technique used when binding quilts that can also give a nice finished look to other projects as well.
Attaching bias tape is something that I know a lot of sewers don't enjoy doing. Some patterns will tell you to just unfold it slip in your project and sew it on. The problem with that is you almost always end up missing one of the sides and at least a few spots. So if you want your bias tape to look a little bit more professional and to be a little bit more sturdy you're gonna have to do a little extra work but it's worth it. Most bias tape has one side that's wider than the other.
So you want to start with that side, you're gonna unfold. Pin. So that the right edges are lined up. And then your first step it's going to be the stitch in the ditch. And I like to use my little stitch in the ditch foot because it has this nice little blade on it.
It's not gonna cut anything but it really lets you keep that line where you want it. If you don't have one, that's fine. It's not necessary I just think it makes it easier. Make sure your needle is right in the middle. You can kind of see I've got the little blade on the presser foot lined up with the crease in the bias tape.
And I'm gonna sew write down, that crease. That's my ditch here. And now you can see I've sewn right down that crease. Now I'm gonna fold my bias tape up and over. And it should come at right over, see that seems kind of hard to see.
Those are my stitches that I sewed. And when I fold this over, it goes just past that. Now, When I sew this side, I should hit that side as well. And you can still with any sort of stitch that you prefer, straight stitch if you're doing a quilt binding. I like to use a stitch that kind of comes in, like this.
Throw a couple pins in. You can also use a zigzag stitch. I'm just gonna use a straight stitch today. So I'm gonna line up. So my needle is just inside the edge of the bias tape.
Now it's attached on this side and it's attached on that side.
Is it a sanitary napkin ?
She should have mentioned if she was sewing from the front or back on the last step...or written top and back on the sample
Thank you! I didn't know that one part of the bias tape was wider than the other! Also how do I finish neatly if I use bias binding on the hem of a doll dress. The bias binding is going around the hem but I have difficulty finishing it neatly. This would be very hepful to me. Thank you in advance.
Anyone can sew it along a straight edge- what about fitting it around the curves/