• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Header: Learn Sewing
Menu
  • Home
  • Embroidery
    • Embroidery Sewing Machines
  • Fashion
  • Find Fabrics
  • Free Sewing Patterns
  • Reviews
    • Computerized Sewing Machines
    • Electronic Sewing Machines
    • Heavy Duty Sewing Machines
    • Mechanical Sewing Machines
    • Overlocker Sewing Machines
  • Tools
  • Tutorials
  • Quilting
    • Quilting Sewing Machines
  • Seams of Influence Podcast
  • About Us
Header: Learn Sewing
Menu
  • Home
  • Embroidery
    • Embroidery Sewing Machines
  • Fashion
  • Find Fabrics
  • Free Sewing Patterns
  • Reviews
    • Computerized Sewing Machines
    • Electronic Sewing Machines
    • Heavy Duty Sewing Machines
    • Mechanical Sewing Machines
    • Overlocker Sewing Machines
  • Tools
  • Tutorials
  • Quilting
    • Quilting Sewing Machines
  • Seams of Influence Podcast
  • About Us
Home » How to use Bias Tape

How to use Bias Tape

July 25, 2023 By Joleen Washington Leave a Comment

How to use Bias Tape From loops for buttons to decorative elements; from sewing a seam to finishing the edges of quilting fabric  – and so much more – there are dozens of things that you can do with bias tape; hence the reason it’s often referred to as the duct tape of sewing.

Bias tape is piece of material that has been cut along the bias of a sewing fabric (hence the name). What’s the bias? – It’s the 45 degree angle that runs across the weave of a textile. Material that has been cut along the bias has more stretch, which is why it is so versatile. There are two different types of bias tape:

  1. Single-fold, which features two folds. It’s usually used as a narrow facing, which means that it’s used on the wrong side of a garment so that it can’t be seen.
  2. Double-fold, which features three folds. It’s commonly used to bind edges together and can be seen from the outside of a garment.
Since it can be used in so many ways, it’s definitely a sewing essential and something that you should always have on-hand in your sewing room. You can make your own bias tape or you can purchase pre-made bias tape at any fabric store. In this sewing help guide, we’ll share some of the uses for bias tape, which you can work into your handiwork on sewing machine or with a hand sewing needle.

Table of Contents

  • 1 Seam Finishes
  • 2 Bindings
  • 3 Button Loops
  • 4 Decorative Elements

Seam Finishes

Using bias tape to create a seam on an unfinished edge is referred to as a Hong Kong Finish. It really makes a huge difference in the outcome of your garments; it instantly makes something that was handmade into something that looks like it was made by a professional. To use bias tape as a seam finish, all you have to do is stitch a side of the tape to the unfinished edge so that it has a ¼ inch seam.

Bindings

You can also use bias tape to give a raw edge a finished look. Simply remove the seam allowance of the garment you are applying it to and cover the edge with double-fold bias tape with a polished look. Use an edgestitch along the inner fold to attach.

December 3, 2023 3:43 am
  • Madam Sew XL Bias Tape Maker, 50mm Single and Double
    Madam Sew XL Bias Tape Maker, 50mm Single and Double Fold Bias Tape Binding Tool for Quilting Makes Coordinating Quilt Seam Binding – Transform Any Fabric into Quilt Binding Bias Tape for Sewing
    • CREATE CUSTOM BINDINGS quickly and easily with Madam Sew XL Bias Tape Maker. Use complementary fabrics to make double fold and single fold bias tape that showcases your sewing and quilting prowess.
    • ELIMINATE TEDIOUS FOLDING and
    Amazon Amazon
    $ 11.49
  • Mandala Crafts Double Fold Bias Tape for Sewing - 55
    Mandala Crafts Double Fold Bias Tape for Sewing - 55 Yds Cream Bias Tape Double Fold 1/2 Inch Hem Quilt Binding Cream Seam Binding Tape - Fabric Piping Bias Binding Tape
    • Edging Fabric Bias Tape: Our polyester double bias tape or cinta bies de tela holds shape better than cotton bias tape and has no sheen like satin bias tape & silk bias tape. The colorfast thin
    Amazon Amazon
    $ 14.99
  • Mangocore Cotton Bias bindnig Tape,Size: 25mm, Width:1",2.5cm,30yds Various Color,DIY Garment
    Mangocore Cotton Bias bindnig Tape,Size: 25mm, Width:1",2.5cm,30yds Various Color,DIY Garment Accessories wholesales (Black)
    • 【Quality Material】The bias tape is made of cotton, strong and durable, soft texture, comfortable to the touch, excellent craftsmanship, not easy to fade or tear, hand and machine washable, non-elastic.
    • 【Easy to Sew】These 30yds bias tape
    Amazon Amazon
    $ 10.99

Button Loops

Bias tape is a great way to make button loops; plus, it’s extremely easy. Begin with a double-fold bias tape, use an edgestitch on the open end, and then cut it into strips that will accommodate the size of the buttons. Easy peasy!

Decorative Elements

Use bias tape to add decorative elements to drapery, toss pillows, blankets, clothing, and anything else you can think of. The way in which you use bias tape to create a decorative element really depends on the look you are trying to achieve; however, as an example, you can pin the lengths of either single-fold or double-fold bias tape to a section of material in any configuration you desire, then use an edgestitch to affix it to the fabric. For the easiest effective, you can sew a straight line; however, you can use bias tape to create curves, too.

Filed Under: Reviews, Tutorials Tagged With: How-To, Informational articles

About Joleen Washington

My name is Joleen Washington and I have been sewing ever since I was eleven years old which makes me a homegrown expert. After my mother died, I inherited the few remaining pieces of sewing my great-grandmother had created, and I treasure them dearly.
You can contact me by sending an email to joleen at teachyoutosew.com

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Author Box

...

Joleen Washington

My name is Joleen Washington and I have been sewing ever since I was eleven years old, which makes me a homegrown expert. I have been teaching sewing to my friends and family for the past 20 years. I enjoy creating clothes for my nieces and finding ways to save on sewing products. Quilting is one of my favorite pastimes as you can tell a story with every patch. You can learn more about me by clicking our About Us link in the menu.

 [email protected]
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Embroidery
  • Fashion
  • Find Fabrics
  • Free Sewing Patterns
  • Reviews
  • Tools
  • Tutorials
  • Quilting
  • Seams of Influence Podcast
  • About Us

Copyright © 2023 · Log in ·

Articles· Contact· About · Disclaimers and Privacy Policy . Accessibility Statement

TeachYouToSew.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Teach You To Sew is an affiliate of AWIN advertising.
Healthy Life Publications Inc.
8549 Wilshire Blvd #1233 Beverly Hills, CA 90211