Making bias strips
Bias Tape is a strip cut on the diagonal of the fabric, at a 45° angle to the grainline. This strip thus has some elasticity, allowing it to cover raw edges (even curved ones) to reinforce them or create a neat finish.
You can find ready-made and pre-folded bias tape in haberdasheries. However, it is very easy to make your own and coordinate it with your fabric.
Make Your Own Bias Tape in 3 Steps
I - Cutting
To make a bias tape that is 1.5 cm wide:
Align the ruler with the bias line of the fabric.
Mark parallel lines spaced 4 cm apart.
Cut the strips 4 cm wide.
II - Joining
If you need a longer bias tape:
- Place the strips at a 90° angle to each other, right sides together.
- Stitch the junction of the two strips with a straight stitch.
- Cut above, leaving a 0.5 cm seam allowance to trim the excess.
III. Folding
To easily use the bias tape when applying it to garments, it is recommended to pre-fold the edges:
You can also purchase a small special tool at haberdasheries that allows you to pre-form the folds. The device is inexpensive (illustrated model from ©Prym available on Amazon in different sizes).
Finally, there are special sewing machine feet that allow you to attach bias tape without pre-forming the folds (this purchase is only useful if you sew regularly).