Does any Cutie make their own bias tape? What items do you use to make yours (fabric, tools, etc.) TIA ;D

I make bias using a bias maker which I tape in front of foot on sewing machine, then using zig zag on sewing machine with top tension loosened and using a contrasting thread I sew as it comes through from the bias maker, this keeps the bias nice and flat without the need to Iron. When I am sewing for stained glass I apply school glue or glue stick to back of bias and Iron on to pattern then use twin needle to sew it on. Snip the zig zag stitches here and there and pull to remove. G

I use both - the ready one in uni colours and really often I make them myself with scissors and iron and use really colourful fabrics then :o) love to mix colours and patterns !
saludos
sandra

^^^

I agree with Marietta, cutting the fabric correctly is the best way to get good results. I always make my own too. I have a metal bias tape maker that I pull the strip of fabric through and press it when it comes out the other side. It's very easy to use, just take care not to burn yourself. They come in different sizes . I got mine at JoAnn Fabrics but I'm sure other fabric stores carry them as well. I think mine cost around $10 but it makes a wider bias tape which I like to use for binding on my quilts. You might want to check JoAnn's online. I think they are called bias tape makers. I like making my own because I can use the same fabric in my project so everything matches.
Good Luck!
Meri

I have always made my own biaz binding, with just a pair of scissors and my iron. I also have the bias binder maker, and sometimes use that.
The most important rule in making biaz binding is that you cut your material correctly.
Hugs
Marietta

Almost always make my own bias tape. I have the four different sizes, way too easy. Just slip one end in and as you pull the tool using the iron just press, a way lot cheaper than purchasing in packages. I start with about 1/2 yard, cut on the bias and seam the pieces together and run through the tool.

ooo am I the only Cutie too scared to use bias binding - let alone make it myself? lol :)
Hugz

Thought you might like to know I just went to Joanns and found a magazine that Joanns puts out "Designs" The price is 2.99 on the back has (2) 50% coupons and (4 ) 40% coupons well worth the price when you use on large items ( I really don't work for Joanns just love to save 50% or 40% )

Yes about 10 yrs ago I saw a Clover bias binder maker being demonstrated at a craft show ,I bought 3/4" one for making binding to use around towelling bibs that I make .So I have now the full set -1/4" for stain glass quilts. 1/2" & 3/4" for clothing. 1" & 2" for quilt binding.These are one of my favorite set of sewing tools .With a set of these you can easily make matching bias in any width you want , & you never have to run around all the shops looking for the best match. They now have some that you can attach fusible webbing to the binding as you iron it.
I usually use poly/cotton poplin for bibs .Whatever the fabric width buy the same amount, using a rotary cutter & a self healing mat cut the bias strips join if necessary & thread through the bias maker ironing the folded bias as it comes out & then fold it half again & iron if you want to use it around raw edges .Use low steam or none at all to avoid steam burns on your fingers.

4 comments

by embroiderymad 26 May 2010

This clover bias sounds like it makes the folding a lot easier.

by mad14kt 26 May 2010

Thanks for the wealth of info ;D *2U

by nglover1 26 May 2010

I use the Simplicity Bias Tape maker . ( wait until Joanns doesn't have it on sale and use your 40% or 50 % coupon , You can do this online or in the store. )

by noah 02 Jun 2010

Yes this is what i got and use also Carolyn

I also make my own, but I jsut use an iron, not a bias tape maker. I fold the strip in the middle, iron as I go along, then unfold, fold one raw edge to the middle and iron as I go, then do the same to the others side. Works really well, this is what I use for all my quilts and things that I make that need binding.

1 comment

by mad14kt 25 May 2010

Thanks, sounds easy enough...FIESTA ;D *2U

I make my own. I have a square of fabric cut on the angle from right to left. Then still looking at a square right sides up, I pull the bottom up to the top right sides now down sew together. Open and press now it looks like a dimond. I use a large dressmakers square and a chalk pencil to mark may line depending on how wide. You then join the lines together leaving the first line out and sew. So you now have a cylinda and cut round starting at the line you left out. If you started with a metre of fabric you end up with about 10metre or more of continues binding depending of how wide you made it.

1 comment

by mad14kt 25 May 2010

WOW! Thanks for sharing. I am hoping to practice when I sew my next dress ;D *2U

I cut my strips on the bias and then use my bias tape maker from Simplicity. OR, I use my bias tape attachment on my cover stitch machine to sew the fabric on to the garment.

1 comment

by mad14kt 25 May 2010

Thanks Teri! Good to see ya ;> I want me one of those Simplicity Bias Making Machine. I will give hubby a hint ;D *2U

I make my own like Mops. Have you ever tried the bias presser foot. I had one with my Janome machine that I used a couple of times and I think with practice it would be a great little tool. It folds and sews on at the same time. I don't have one yet for my HV.

2 comments

by mad14kt 25 May 2010

Thanks! I have a Adjustable Bais Binder Foot with the clear platic. However; I've not tried using it but since you mention it I will see if I can master it ;D *2U

by daisy530 25 May 2010

That's the one :)

I use that already it comes ready. Times do in the slanted fabric.

1 comment

by mad14kt 25 May 2010

Thanks for your help ;D *2U

I use a rotary cutter and a self healing mat to cut the material I want to use on the bias. And have two tape makers for 1/2"and 1" tapes - you pull the material through and iron the fold in at the other end.
I use them quite a lot with coton, but also with satin.

4 comments

by mad14kt 25 May 2010

Thanks for clearing up the fabric selection ;D *2U

by jrob 25 May 2010

I do the same as Martine. I found that if I put a large safety pin after the tape maker it holds the material better as you pull it through and you can iron between them (the safety pin and the bias maker).

by mad14kt 25 May 2010

Thanks for sharing JR ;D

by mops 26 May 2010

That's a nice tip Jerrilyn, I often feel I could ude a third hand to keep everything behaving properly - not an unfamiliar feeling, had the same problem when my kids were young..

HI there. I make bias tape regularly. I normally use a bias binding maker - there are 4 sizes available from Clover and they are the easiest to use OR I cut strips of fabric on the bias, find the middle of the width and then fold either end in towards the middle line and iron... works like a charm!

3 comments

by mad14kt 25 May 2010

WOW! Thanks for the tip ;D *2U

by alexgrandma 25 May 2010

I use Clover.

by mad14kt 25 May 2010

Thanks AG ;D

You will find lots of info here from Shelly Rogers. Specially check out her page on how to connect the ends for a smooth finish. Perfect every time. And easy.
The last link says it better on how to fold and iron than the explanation I was trying to write! LOL
Jo

1 comment

by mad14kt 25 May 2010

Thanks so much for the sites! ;D *2U

I did sometimes when i wanted the fabric around the same as the bias. in that case I used the same material and folded it just like bought biastape.but always use the fabric diagonal, because in that case you can form the bias around.

1 comment

by mad14kt 25 May 2010

Thanks, I didn't realize how the price went up until I bought some not using any discount codes ;D *2U