Mastering Bias Strips: The Ultimate Guide to Sewing Them Together

Sewing is a timeless craft that has been passed down through generations, and one of the essential techniques in sewing is working with bias strips. Bias strips not only add a beautiful finishing touch to your sewing projects, but they also have practical uses such as creating durable seams or accenting garments. However, the process of sewing together bias strips can seem daunting for beginners. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of how to sew together bias strips, unlocking endless possibilities in your crafting journey. So grab your sewing kit and let’s dive into the world of bias strips!

Introduction :

Bias strips are a versatile and popular sewing technique that is used to create clean and professional-looking finishes on various sewing projects. They are narrow strips of fabric cut on the bias, or diagonal, which allows them to stretch and curve easily. Sewing together bias strips may seem like a simple task, but it requires precision and attention to detail to achieve the desired results. In this guide, we will go through all the steps needed to sew together bias strips in different ways to help you achieve beautiful and flawless finishes on your projects.

1. Preparing Your Fabric

Before you start sewing your bias strips, it is crucial to prepare your fabric correctly. Select a high-quality fabric that is suitable for your project. Cotton, linen, silk, and lightweight wool are great options for bias strips. Make sure that the fabric is pre-washed and pressed to avoid any shrinkage or puckering during sewing.

Next, cut your fabric into long strips on the bias. The width of your strips will depend on the project you are working on; however, 1-2 inch wide strips are suitable for most applications. Remember to add an extra ¼ inch seam allowance on each side when cutting the bias strips.

Once you have cut your strips, it is essential to press them before sewing to prevent stretching or distortion during sewing. Lay the strip flat on an ironing board and use a steam iron to press it gently while pulling out any wrinkles or creases.

2. Sewing Straight Bias Strips Together

One of the most common methods of joining two straight bias strips together is with a diagonal seam stitch. This method creates an invisible but strong join in which both sides of the strip line up perfectly with no bulk or overlapping.

Start by placing two bias strips at right angles with their right sides facing each other (diagonal seams). Align and pin the strips together at a 45-degree angle, making sure the corners of both strips are aligned. Leave a ¼ inch seam allowance on both sides.

Next, sew a straight stitch along the pinned edge, starting at the top left corner to the bottom right corner. Trim off any excess fabric beyond the seam, leaving a ¼ inch allowance. Press open the seam allowance with an iron to keep it flat and smooth.

3. Sewing Bias Strips Together With an Angle Seam

The angled seam method is perfect for joining curved bias strips together as it allows for more flexibility and ease when sewing. To sew two bias strips together using this method, place them on top of each other at right angles with their right sides facing.

Stitch the two strips together along one edge, starting from one end and stopping at least ¼ inch away from the other end. Be sure to backstitch at both ends to secure your stitches.

Next, place your ruler diagonally across both strips and cut along this line. This will create a clean diagonal join between your two strips without any bulk or overlapping fabric. Once you’ve cut along the line, press open the seam allowance with an iron to keep it flat.

4. Topstitch Your Bias Seams

After sewing together your bias strips using either method mentioned above, it is essential to topstitch your seams to give them a professional finish and reinforce their strength. Starting from one end of your strip, stitch a straight line very close to the edge of your seam all the way down to the other end.

Make sure that you press down any wrinkles or puckers before stitching and use pins or fabric stabilizer if needed to ensure even stitching. Repeat this process for each side of your bias strip join.

5. Using Invisible Joining Techniques

If you are working on a more delicate fabric or want to create a seamless and invisible join on your bias strips, there are special techniques that you can use, such as the French seam method or the fagoting technique.

The French seam method involves sewing your bias strips together with wrong sides facing each other using a narrow seam allowance. Then, flip the strips over so that their right sides are facing and stitch again with a wider seam allowance. This will encase the raw edges within the seam for a clean and seamless finish.

For the fagoting technique, place your two bias strips on top of each other, with their right sides facing each other. Sew straight lines down the length of both strips, stitching through all layers of fabric except those at either end. Cut off any excess fabric beyond the stitches and press open to create an invisible and sturdy join.

Sewing together bias strips is an essential skill in a sewer’s toolkit, as it allows for endless possibilities in creating beautiful finishes on various projects. By following these steps and techniques, you can achieve professional-looking joins on your bias strips that will add to the overall aesthetic and quality of your sewing projects. Remember to always prepare your fabric correctly before starting, use precise stitching techniques, and finish off with

Understanding Bias Strips and their Importance

Bias strips, also known as bias tape, are thin pieces of fabric cut on the diagonal grain of the fabric. This means that instead of being cut parallel to the selvage (straight grain), they are cut at a 45-degree angle. This creates a strip that has more stretch and flexibility than strips cut on the straight grain.

Bias strips are commonly used in sewing projects for their ability to mold and shape to curves and angles. They can be used as finishing edges on garments, for binding quilts, or for creating decorative trims. Understanding how to sew bias strips together is a crucial skill for any sewing enthusiast, as it opens up a world of possibilities in terms of design and creativity.

Gathering Materials and Preparing Your Workspace

Before you begin sewing together bias strips, it is essential to gather all the necessary materials. You will need fabric, sharp scissors or rotary cutter, ruler or measuring tape, pins or clips, iron and ironing board, marking tools (such as tailor’s chalk or disappearing ink pen), sewing machine with thread (preferably matching your fabric), and a pressing cloth (optional).

Once you have all your materials ready, prepare your workspace by setting up your sewing machine and ironing board. Make sure your cutting area is clean and well-lit. It is also helpful to have a reference such as a pattern or tutorial available for guidance.

Cutting Bias Strips from Fabric

To begin making bias strips, start by cutting a square piece of fabric from the corner of your chosen piece of fabric. The size of the square will depend on how wide you want your bias strips to be. For example, if you want 1-inch wide bias strips, cut a 1-inch square.

Once you have your square piece of fabric, fold it on the diagonal to create a triangle. Align the two raw edges of the triangle and press it with an iron. This will create a crease that will serve as a guide for cutting your bias strips.

Next, measure and mark out the width of your desired bias strips along the long edge of your triangle. Use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure that all your strips are the same width. Then, cut along the marked lines to create bias strips.

Sewing Bias Strips Together

Now that you have your bias strips cut, it’s time to sew them together. Start by placing two strips right sides together at a 90-degree angle, with one end of the strip overlapping the other by about ¼ inch. Pin or clip them in place.

Using a straight stitch on your sewing machine, sew along this diagonal edge with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Be careful not to stretch or distort the bias strip while sewing.

Trim any excess fabric from the seam allowance and press it open with an iron. Repeat this process for all of your remaining bias strips until you have one long continuous strip.

Trimming and Finishing Bias Strip

Before using your bias strip for any projects, it is essential to trim off any excess fabric from the seams and give it a finished look. To do this, trim off any uneven edges or threads from all sides of your continuous strip.

Next, head over to your ironing board and give your bias strip a final press with an iron. Fold in both raw edges towards the center crease and press them in place.

Finally, fold the bias strip in half lengthwise and give it one last press to create a neat double-folded strip ready for use in any project!

Incorporating Bias Strips into Projects

Bias strips can now be incorporated into various sewing projects as finishing edges or decorative trims. For finishing edges, simply pin or clip the bias strip to the raw edge of your fabric and sew along the edge using a matching or contrasting thread. Remember to stretch and mold the bias strip as needed to fit around curves or angles.

For decorative trims, use your creativity and experiment with different techniques such as pleating, scrunching, or ruffling the bias strip before attaching it to your project. The possibilities are endless!

Learning how to sew together bias strips is an essential skill for any sewing enthusiast. It opens up a whole new world of design and creativity in sewing projects. With this technique, you can easily add professional-looking finishes and intricate details to your garments or quilts.

Remember to always cut your bias strips accurately and handle them carefully while sewing to prevent stretching or distortion. With practice, you will become more comfortable with incorporating bias strips into your projects and may even come up with unique designs of your own!

1. What are bias strips and why are they important in sewing?
Bias strips, also known as bias tapes, are long, thin strips of fabric that have been cut at a 45-degree angle to the fabric’s grain. They are essential in sewing because they have stretch and flexibility that allow them to be easily shaped around curves and edges, making them perfect for finishing raw edges and creating decorative trims.

2. How do I cut bias strips?
To cut bias strips, start by ironing your fabric to remove any wrinkles. Then, use a rotary cutter or scissors to cut a square piece of fabric at a 45-degree angle. Fold the square in half diagonally to form a triangle, and continue cutting along the folded edge to create your bias strip.

3. What is the best way to prepare my bias strips for sewing?
Before beginning your sewing project, it is essential to press your bias strip with an iron set on medium heat. This will help remove any creases and ensure that the strip is smooth and easy to work with.

4. How do I join two bias strips together?
Start by laying one end of one bias strip over the end of the other at a right angle, forming an L shape. Sew across this seam using a 1/4 inch seam allowance and then trim off the excess fabric from both ends. Next, open up the joined strips and press them flat.

5. Is there an alternative method for joining bias strips?
Yes, there is! You can also sew the two ends of your bias strip right sides together along their length using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. This will create one long continuous strip that can easily be pressed open and used for your project.

6. How do I sew bias tape onto my project’s raw edges?
Start by opening up your bias tape and placing the raw edge of your project inside the fold, aligning the edges. Pin the bias tape in place and sew along the crease closest to the edge of the tape. Then, fold the tape over to the back of your project, pin it in place, and stitch along the edge to secure it. Repeat on all raw edges for a clean and finished look.

In conclusion, knowing how to sew together bias strips is a valuable skill for any sewer to master. Bias strips add beautiful finishing details and can be used in a variety of projects. By following the steps outlined in this guide, one can confidently sew bias strips together to create strong, durable seams that enhance the beauty and functionality of a garment or craft.

The first step is understanding how to cut and prepare bias strips, taking care to ensure they are cut at a 45-degree angle from the selvage edge. Additionally, knowing how to join the strips together using either a diagonal seam or a mitered seam will result in a seamless and professional-looking finish.

Furthermore, it is essential to use proper techniques when sewing bias strips together, such as pinning them properly and sewing with an accurate seam allowance. This will prevent any puckering or stretching of the fabric and ensure that the final product is neat and precise.

The importance of pressing each seam carefully cannot be overstated. Not only does it help shape the strip correctly, but it also sets the stitches in place for added durability. Finally, incorporating topstitching or understitching will not only add an extra level of strength but also provide a polished look to your finished project.

One should remember that practice makes perfect

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.