by tracypullen 08 Jul 2012

Bias tape question…

I need to make a small amount of bias tape for the underarms and yoke of a childs dress. Do I need to cut strips on the bias or can I save cloth by just cutting strips off the end? Thanks for any help in advance.

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by bevgrift 09 Jul 2012

My solution is to cut proper facings or even a double yoke. They don't show and could be made of a different fabric.
Also narrow strips of ribbing for t shirt have worked for me in the past. Just overlock then top stitch so it peeps out,nice and easy. Using colour could make them unique.
Happy Stitching!

2 comments
bevgrift by bevgrift 09 Jul 2012

Also if you top stitch again using the blind hem stitch on the edge you make tiny scallops

tracypullen by tracypullen 09 Jul 2012

I don't have a pattern per say, just an idea of how I want it to look. Its based off a pillowcase dress with the arm holes extending to tie on the shoulders. I am going to have to cut on the bias to get it to curve. But thanks for the tshirt idea for later.

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by noah 09 Jul 2012

I have done it both ways over the years but cutting the bias way always lays better BUT SOMETIME YOU JUST DON'T HAVE ENOUGH FABRIC RIGHT ??HUGS CAROLYN

1 comment
tracypullen by tracypullen 09 Jul 2012

I got more fabric than I thought so I can measure how long I need it and cut down on the piecing...I hope.

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by turtleowl 09 Jul 2012

I measure the area that I will be attaching the bias and just cut bias strips from the scrap left from cutting the garment. With childrens clothing I have never had a problem finding a spot to cut the short lengths needed.

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by almag 08 Jul 2012

I remember years ago making petticoats and bibs with plenty of bias binding and I used to fold the bias tape down the middle, matching the long outer edges and iron the bias binding in an arc, holding the end down with the iron and then gently stretching the tape around as I ironed it. I applied the tape so that the centre fold, now shorter than the cut edges, sat at the edge of the armhole. This little trick made for very neat-lying bias edging.
AlmaG.

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by bnilla9241 08 Jul 2012

Tthank you for this demonstration. I have always wanted to make some bias tape for projects and you came through for me.
Thanks again,

Hugs not on the bias, Bonnie

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by tracypullen 08 Jul 2012

Well that is exactly what I thought you all would say. LOL… I knew I was going to have to cut it on the bias. Yes for arm holes it will be curved. I am making a bib for the front of the dress and I want the binding to match the bib and the arms are going to cover the seams and come up to tie. I bought a mis-cut from the scrap pile that turned out to be bigger that the tag said so I guess I will do the bias. Thank you sweet cuties, for all your help and the video will keep me from having to dig out my quilt book.

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by grossfamilie 08 Jul 2012

Thank you for asking and thank Hightechgrammy for the link with the instructions. Perfect!
A good week for all of you

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by marjialexa Moderator 08 Jul 2012

Well, I guess bias means bias, doesn't it, hee hee hee. Yeah, it does, truly. But unless this child's dress is for something like a wedding, pageant, something truly important, I would use the packaged bias tape in a coordinating color and not fuss with making my own. Best of luck, hugs, Marji

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by justonlyme 08 Jul 2012

An easy rule of thumb. If you need the binding to curve, then it needs to be stretchy fabric or cut on the bias. If it is just straight binding, then you can either use bias or straight fabric, personal choice. Good luck with your project.

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by jenne 08 Jul 2012

Bias and nothing but bias will do. the job correctly.

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by queenofhearts 08 Jul 2012

Bias means bias!

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by linda8450 08 Jul 2012

You don't need to cut alot, but it absolutely needs to be on the bias! You will be trying to put a round peg in a square hole if you cut it on the straight! They do sell packaged bias tape with about 2 1/2yds in a pack, lots of colors to choose from. I keep a supply for aprons, etc. as it is less trouble than making it.

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by hightechgrammy 08 Jul 2012

I found this really neat tutorial for making bias tape. You get lots and lots of yards out of one yard doing it this way. I want to give this a try.... Has anyone else tried this method, but maybe not so much fabric?

http://modernquiltlove.wordpress....

4 comments
mops by mops 08 Jul 2012

I have for years, it works well, but you get seams rather close together if you need only a small amount and use a fairly small square.

tracypullen by tracypullen 08 Jul 2012

I wish I could give you more that one flower! You saved my from digging out my book :0)

tracypullen by tracypullen 08 Jul 2012

I wish I could give you more that one flower! You saved my from digging out my book :0)

cfidl by cfidl 08 Jul 2012

It took me a minute to figure it out, but I know I can handle this. I just cut my bias and piece them together as needed. With this method, I won't have short pieces.

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by sarahrose 08 Jul 2012

I see you have your answer.

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by airyfairy 08 Jul 2012

I would agree with all the other answers. Unfortunately you will use more material but the finish will be well worth it. Sarah.

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by meganne 08 Jul 2012

Hi Tracey, Binding to go around curves is much easier to stitch if cut on the bias.
Hugs n roses, Meganne

1 comment
meganne by meganne 08 Jul 2012

Wow we must have all been typing at the same time. :-)))

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by michemb 08 Jul 2012

definetly has to be cut on the bias, especially if you are going around armholes

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by marietta 08 Jul 2012

Always!!!!! cut binding for especially "round" or circular. apllication as in armholes etc. on the bias, because it gives a little more stretch, and the application will look a whole lot neater. You will also find it much easier to attach. Goodluck with your venture

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