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• • • • •
Time
30 mins

make your own bias tape.
Bias tape is infinitely useful for trimming, edging and finishing a wide variety of projects. Once you’ve mastered bias tape application, try this easy method for making continuous bias tape. Whether you are in need of single or double fold bias, explore the possibilities and creative freedom that making your own bias tape allows. From 2/3 yd of 44 inch wide fabric, this technique yields approximately 11 yards of ½ inch double fold bias tape.

Posted by Heather M. Love from New York, New York, United States • Published See Heather M. Love's 8 projects »
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  • How to make a supplies. Continuous Bias Tape Tutorial - Step 1
    Step 1

    Fold fabric in half with right sides facing.

  • How to make a supplies. Continuous Bias Tape Tutorial - Step 2
    Step 2

    With fold oriented at the top, stitch fabric to itself with one continuous seam 1/2 inch in from the outer edge along all three open sides. Your fabric will be stitched completely closed with no openings left for turning.

  • How to make a supplies. Continuous Bias Tape Tutorial - Step 3
    Step 3

    With tailor's chalk and a ruler, draw a line diagonally across fabric.

  • How to make a supplies. Continuous Bias Tape Tutorial - Step 4
    Step 4

    Trim corresponding corners, insert scissors into opening at corner and cut through just the upper layer of fabric along the diagonal line you just drew.

  • How to make a supplies. Continuous Bias Tape Tutorial - Step 5
    Step 5

    Turn panel over and repeat process on other side of the fabric square, drawing a diagonal line across the fabric between the remaining uncut corners.

  • How to make a supplies. Continuous Bias Tape Tutorial - Step 6
    Step 6

    Trim remaining corners, insert scissors and cut through the top layer of fabric along the diagonal line.

  • How to make a supplies. Continuous Bias Tape Tutorial - Step 7
    Step 7

    Unfold the panel into a tube.

  • How to make a supplies. Continuous Bias Tape Tutorial - Step 8
    Step 8

    Lay panel out flat with openings at top and bottom. Press seams open.

  • How to make a supplies. Continuous Bias Tape Tutorial - Step 9
    Step 9

    With tailor's chalk, measure and mark a parallel line 6 inches from the fold at one side of the tube.

  • How to make a supplies. Continuous Bias Tape Tutorial - Step 10
    Step 10

    Now measure and mark lines perpendicular to the parallel line you just drew. Space these lines at 2 times the finished width you desire for single fold bias or 4 times the finished width you desire for double fold. (e.g. 1/2” double fold bias tape will need to be cut to a width of 2 inches.)

  • How to make a supplies. Continuous Bias Tape Tutorial - Step 11
    Step 11

    Cut through both layers of fabric along perpendicular lines just to the parallel line. Do not cut beyond this line!

  • How to make a supplies. Continuous Bias Tape Tutorial - Step 12
    Step 12

    Unfold the uncut portion of the panel, shifting work so that the section is folded out completely and flat against the tabletop. Be sure to adjust the strips that you just cut are organized out from under this section.

  • How to make a supplies. Continuous Bias Tape Tutorial - Step 13
    Step 13

    Now draw a line from the bottom of the fabric on the right up to the first cut line on the left, shift your ruler up and draw a line from the first cut line on the right to the second cut line on the left. Continue in this manner up the chain.

  • How to make a supplies. Continuous Bias Tape Tutorial - Step 14
    Step 14

    Cut fabric along the each of the lines that you just drew to create a continuous strip.

  • How to make a supplies. Continuous Bias Tape Tutorial - Step 15
    Step 15

    Trim segments at the beginning and end so that tape is even.

  • How to make a supplies. Continuous Bias Tape Tutorial - Step 16
    Step 16

    Fold over and press to create single or double fold bias tape as desired. To make quick work of this you can use a bias tape maker that corresponds to the sizing of your tape. Remember that the sizing on bias tape makers is for single fold bias tape.

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