Mastering Bias Tape: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfecting Your Quilt Technique

Quilting is an art form that has been passed down for generations, each quilt telling a unique story through its carefully crafted design. And one key element that can elevate a quilt from ordinary to extraordinary is bias tape. This versatile trim not only adds a pop of color and texture but also serves as a functional component in binding edges. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making your own bias tape for your next quilt project, giving your creation that professional finish it deserves. So grab your sewing supplies and let’s dive into the world of bias tape for quilts!

What is Bias Tape?

Bias tape is a versatile sewing notion that is widely used in quilting and other types of sewing projects. It is a long strip of fabric that has been cut on the diagonal or “on the bias” of the fabric, rather than straight across. This creates a strip that has more stretch and flexibility, allowing it to easily curve and mold to different shapes. Bias tape can be made from a variety of fabrics, but cotton is typically used for quilting projects.

Why Make Your Own Bias Tape?

While you can purchase bias tape in pre-made packages, making it yourself offers many benefits. Firstly, it allows you to customize the width, length, and fabric of your bias tape to suit your specific project needs. Furthermore, making your own bias tape is more cost-effective than buying pre-made packages in the long run. It also eliminates the need to hunt for a specific color or pattern in stores.

Tools and Materials Needed

To make your own bias tape for a quilt, you will need:

– Fabric of your choice
– Ruler
– Rotary cutter or scissors
– Chalk or fabric pen
– Sewing machine
– Thread
– Iron

It’s important to choose high-quality cotton fabric for making bias tape as it will have enough structure and stability for use in a quilt.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Bias Tape for a Quilt

Step 1: Calculate Measurements

Before you begin cutting your fabric, you need to calculate how much length of fabric you will need for the required amount of bias tape. A general rule of thumb is that one yard of 45-inch wide fabric will yield about four yards of 1-inch wide single fold bias tape.

Step 2: Cut Fabric on the Bias

Lay your fabric on a flat surface and use a ruler to cut a 45-degree angle across the fabric. This will create strips that are on the bias (diagonal) of the fabric. The width of these strips can range from 2 inches to 4 inches, depending on your project needs.

Step 3: Join Strips Together

Take two of the strips you have cut and align them together, right sides facing each other. Pin them together and sew along the short edge with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Repeat this process until all your strips are joined together, creating one long continuous strip.

Step 4: Press Seams Open

Trim off any excess fabric from the seams and press them open with an iron. This will create smooth, seamless bias tape.

Step 5: Cut Bias Tape with Rotary Cutter

Use a rotary cutter and ruler to cut your continuous strip into individual bias tape strips according to your desired width. You can also use scissors, but a rotary cutter will give you more precise cuts.

Step 6: Create Double Fold or Single Fold Bias Tape

If you want single fold bias tape, simply press your strips in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press with an iron. For double fold bias tape, fold one long edge of the strip towards the center crease created by pressing it in half earlier and then fold over again so that both raw edges are enclosed inside. Press with an iron to create crisp edges.

Tips for Making Bias Tape

– Make sure to cut your fabric accurately on the bias to ensure stretch.
– If you are using a lightweight or slippery fabric for your quilt project, consider using interfacing along one side of the strip before pressing to give it more stability.
– Practice enough before making your actual bias tape to get the hang of cutting and pressing on the bias.
– For thicker fabrics, such as flannel or denim, you may need wider strips of fabric or a bias tape maker to fold the edges.

Making your own bias tape for a quilt is not only budget-friendly, but it also offers customization options for your projects. With a little practice, you can easily create high-quality, custom-made bias tape that will elevate your quilting projects and make them truly unique. Follow this guide and experiment with different fabrics for beautiful and professional-looking quilt finishes.

What is Bias Tape for a Quilt?

Bias tape, also known as bias binding, is a type of ribbon-like strip used to finish off edges or add decorative elements to sewing projects. It is made from cutting strips of fabric at a 45-degree angle from the selvage edge, resulting in a strip that stretches and bends easily.

Bias tape is often used in quilting to neatly cover raw edges and create clean, polished finishes. It can also be used to add pops of color or contrast to a quilt design, making it a versatile tool for any quilter.

Why Use Bias Tape for Quilts?

Bias tape is preferred over regular binding for several reasons:

1. It is more flexible and can be easily curved around corners or used on curved edges, unlike straight-grain binding.

2. It provides more stability and durability to the edges of quilts, especially when working with densely quilted pieces.

3. The diagonal cut of the fabric makes bias tape less prone to fraying compared to straight-grain binding.

4. Using bias tape allows for endless design possibilities and adds unique visual interest to quilts.

Supplies Needed

To create your own bias tape, you will need the following supplies:

– Fabric: Choose a lightweight fabric with little stretch as it will hold its shape better when sewn onto the quilt.
– Rotary cutter: This tool will make it easier and faster to cut long strips of fabric.
– Cutting mat: Necessary when using a rotary cutter.
– Ruler: A transparent ruler with markings in inches will make it easier to measure.
– Scissors: Sharp scissors are essential for precise cutting.
– Sewing machine: Optional but highly recommended for sewing bias tape onto your quilt.
– Iron and ironing board: These will come in handy when pressing your fabric strips after they have been cut.
– Water-soluble fabric marking pen: To mark guidelines on your fabric if you prefer not to use pins.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bias Tape for Quilts

Now that you have all the necessary supplies, follow these steps to create your own bias tape for quilts:

1. Prepare your fabric: Wash, dry, and press your fabric if necessary. This will remove any sizing or shrinking in the fabric and ensure accurate measurements.

2. Cut your strips of fabric: Using a ruler and rotary cutter, cut long strips of fabric at a 45-degree angle from the selvage edge. The width of your strips will depend on how wide you want your finished bias tape to be. For thinner bias tape, cut strips measuring 1 inch; for thicker tape, go up to 2 inches or more.

3. Sew the strips together (optional): If you need more than one strip of fabric to achieve the desired length for your project, sew them together at a 45-degree angle using a ¼ inch seam allowance.

4. Press the seams open: Open up the seam you just created and press it flat with an iron.

5. Create continuous bias tape: To avoid having multiple seams in your bias tape, create a spiral by connecting one end of the strip to the other at a 90-degree angle; this will give you one continuous piece of bias tape. Sew along this diagonal line with a ¼ inch seam allowance.

6. Press the strip into shape: With right sides together (if applicable), fold the strip in half so that the raw edges meet and press it again with an iron.

7. Create double fold bias tape (optional): If you want to use double fold bias tape on your quilt, press both folded edges towards each other creating three visible lines on one side of the strip.

8. Sew bias tape onto your quilt: Pin the bias tape onto the edge of your quilt, starting at the middle of one side. Sew along the first fold line, stopping and pivoting at corners. When you get back to your starting point, overlap the ends by about 1 inch and trim off any excess tape.

9. Attach bias tape to back of quilt (optional): For a neater finish, you can fold the raw edge of the bias tape to the back of your quilt and hand or machine stitch it in place.

10. Trim off any excess: Once all edges are covered with bias tape, trim off any excess from corners or overlapping ends.

Tips for Working with Bias Tape

– For precise cutting, use a rotary cutter and ruler instead of scissors.
– Use an iron to press your fabric strips before sewing them together to create a smooth surface.
– When preparing your fabric strips, don’t stretch or pull on them as this can alter their shape.
– If using double fold bias tape, make sure both folded edges are equal before sewing it onto your quilt.
– To achieve a clean and neat finish, take your time to pin the bias tape onto your quilt before sewing.
– Practice on scrap fabric beforehand until you feel comfortable with creating bias

Q: What is bias tape and why is it used in quilting?
A: Bias tape is a strip of fabric cut on the diagonal, making it stretchy and flexible. It is used in quilting to create a neat and even finish for curved edges or binding.

Q: How do I determine the amount of fabric needed to make bias tape?
A: To calculate the amount of fabric needed for bias tape, multiply the length of the desired finished tape by 3. For example, if you need 2 yards of finished tape, you will need 6 yards of fabric.

Q: What tools do I need to make bias tape for a quilt?
A: You will need a rotary cutter, cutting mat, ruler, iron, scissors, and sewing machine to make bias tape for a quilt.

Q: How do I make continuous bias tape?
A: To make continuous bias tape, cut a square piece of fabric on the diagonal and then piece it together at one end like a puzzle. This creates one long strip of continuous bias tape.

Q: Can I use store-bought bias tape instead of making my own?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought bias tape for your quilt. However, making your own allows you to customize the size and color according to your preferences.

Q: How do I attach bias tape to my quilt?
A: To attach bias tape to your quilt, start by sewing one edge of the unfolded tape onto the edge of your quilt. Then fold the remaining edge over to encase the raw edges and stitch along the fold line.

In conclusion, bias tape is an essential component in any quilt-making project. Knowing how to make bias tape ensures that you have full control over the design and aesthetic of your quilt, as well as saving you time and money. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily create bias tape for your quilt in any size or fabric of your choice.

Firstly, understanding the concept of bias and its benefits in quilting is crucial. Bias allows for flexibility and stretch in the tape, ensuring a smooth and precise finish on curved edges. It also adds strength and durability to the quilt.

Secondly, mastering the technique of cutting bias strips from fabric is fundamental. Using a continuous method creates a seamless strip with minimal waste. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency in size and shape, resulting in a professional-looking quilt.

Next, making your own bias tape also allows for creative expression and customization. You can choose from a variety of fabrics, patterns, and prints to match or contrast with your quilt design. It also opens up possibilities for unique designs such as ombre or striped bias tapes.

Furthermore, learning various methods of joining bias strips together gives you options in terms of functionality and design. Techniques such as diagonal seam joining or ladder stitch joining can be used

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.