How to Use a Bias Tape Maker

Bias tape is a versatile and valuable tool in sewing that can elevate your projects, providing a polished finish to edges and seams.

Using a bias tape maker simplifies the process of creating bias tape strips from fabric, ensuring consistent width and neat folds each time. This guide will walk you through how to use a bias tape maker, from choosing the right fabric to the final application, so you can master this essential sewing technique and enhance your crafting skills.

Understanding Bias Tape Makers

Bias tape makers are ingenious tools designed to assist sewers in creating bias tape efficiently. They come in various sizes, typically ranging from 1/4 inch to 2 inches, accommodating different project needs.

The primary function of a bias tape maker is to fold fabric strips into uniform widths, allowing for easier application to edges and seams. By utilizing heat-resistant materials, many bias tape makers can be used in conjunction with an iron, making the process of pressing and setting the folds seamless. Understanding how to select the right size and material for your bias tape maker can significantly enhance your sewing projects, ensuring a professional finish and saving time in the process.

Different Types and Sizes of Bias Tape Makers

When selecting a bias tape maker, it’s essential to consider the various types and sizes available to suit your specific sewing projects. Bias tape makers generally come in multiple widths, typically ranging from 1/4 inch to 2 inches. The most common sizes include:

• 1/4 inch Bias Tape Maker: Ideal for delicate projects such as hemming small garments or creating intricate details. This size allows for narrow bias tape that can easily conform to curves.
• 1/2 inch Bias Tape Maker: A versatile size commonly used for quilting and home decor projects, offering a balance between ease of use and finished appearance.
• 3/4 inch Bias Tape Maker: Suitable for projects requiring more substantial edges or finishing techniques, such as binding quilts or linen napkins.
• 1 inch Bias Tape Maker: Works well for larger seams and can be used for a variety of applications, including garment construction and accessory making.
• 1 1/4 inch and 2 inch Bias Tape Makers: These larger sizes are perfect for bold designs, such as upholstery projects and adding decorative finishes to larger fabrics.

Additionally, bias tape makers can differ in material and design. Some may feature adjustable guides for versatility, while others may be made from heat-resistant plastic or metal, catering to the preferences and needs of different sewists. By understanding the variety of bias tape makers available, you can choose the right tool to complement your sewing style and enhance your projects.

10 Methods How to Use a Bias Tape Maker

Method 1: Choosing the Right Fabric

Before you begin using a bias tape maker, selecting the appropriate fabric is crucial. Bias tape is typically made from lightweight cotton, cotton blends, or polyester. The fabric should have a bit of stretch, as bias tape is cut on the bias of the fabric. This means it is cut diagonally across the grain, allowing it to curve around corners without bunching. Choose a fabric that complements your sewing project in color and texture to enhance the overall appearance.

Method 2: Cutting the Fabric

To create bias tape, you’ll need to cut your fabric on the bias. This means cutting at a 45-degree angle to the selvage (the finished edge of the fabric). Start by folding one corner of the fabric up to the opposite edge to form a triangle. Cut along the fold to create two triangles. From these, cut strips of your desired width. The width depends on your bias tape maker’s size, but a common starting point is double the desired final width of the tape.

Method 3: Preparing the Strips

Once your fabric is cut into strips, it’s time to prepare them for the bias tape maker. Ensure the strips are even by trimming any frayed edges. If your project requires a long length of bias tape, you’ll need to join the strips.

Place two strips right sides together at a 90-degree angle, forming an “L” shape. Sew diagonally from the top left to the bottom right of the overlapped section. Trim the seam allowance to about ¼ inch, and press the seam open. This method reduces bulk in the finished tape.

Method 4: Inserting the Fabric into the Bias Tape Maker

With your fabric strips prepared, you can now insert them into the bias tape maker. Start by inserting one end of the strip into the wide end of the bias tape maker, with the wrong side facing up. Gently push the fabric through until it appears at the narrow end. Using a pin or a small tool can help guide the fabric through the maker smoothly.

Method 5: Pulling the Fabric Through

As you pull the fabric through the bias tape maker, it will automatically fold the edges toward the center. Keep a firm but gentle grip on the fabric as you pull to ensure the edges stay aligned. If the fabric bunches or twists, backtrack slightly and adjust before continuing.

Method 6: Pressing the Bias Tape

As the fabric emerges from the bias tape maker, use an iron to press the folds in place. Set your iron to a temperature suitable for your fabric type to avoid scorching. Slowly pull the fabric through the bias tape maker with one hand while pressing with the other. This method ensures the bias tape retains its shape and folds evenly.

Method 7: Using a Continuous Bias Tape Method

For larger projects, creating continuous bias tape can save time and reduce the number of seams. To do this, cut a square piece of fabric and fold it diagonally. Sew the two short edges together, creating a tube. Mark and cut the fabric into strips at the desired width, then use the bias tape maker to finish the edges. This method is efficient and minimizes wasted fabric.

Method 8: Adjusting for Different Bias Tape Maker Sizes

Bias tape makers come in various sizes, allowing you to create tape in different widths. To use different sizes, adjust the width of your fabric strips accordingly. For example, a 1-inch bias tape maker requires a 2-inch-wide fabric strip. Always check your bias tape maker’s specifications and experiment with scrap fabric to achieve the desired width.

Method 9: Storing and Organizing Bias Tape

Proper storage of your bias tape ensures it remains flat and ready for use. Roll the bias tape into small bundles and secure them with a pin or a small rubber band. Store the bundles in a box or drawer, keeping them organized by color or size. This method prevents the bias tape from becoming tangled or wrinkled, making it easy to find and use in future projects.

Method 10: Creative Uses of Bias Tape

Beyond binding edges, bias tape can be used in various creative ways. Use it to create decorative patterns on quilts, add a pop of color to garment seams, or make loops for hanging towels and pot holders. Experiment with different fabrics, colors, and widths to customize your projects. With a bias tape maker, the possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination.

Things to Consider When Using a Bias Tape Maker

When using a bias tape maker, there are several important factors to keep in mind to ensure optimal results. First, consider the type of fabric you’re using; lightweight and slightly stretchy materials tend to work best as they can curve more easily without puckering.

Next, pay attention to the width of your bias tape maker; always cut your fabric strips accordingly to avoid any issues during the folding process. It’s also helpful to pre-press your fabric strips to set the edges before feeding them into the maker, which can lead to more uniform folds. Additionally, be mindful of the temperature settings on your iron, choosing an appropriate heat level for the fabric to avoid scorching or damaging it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When working with a bias tape maker, it’s crucial to be aware of common pitfalls that can hinder your results. One frequent mistake is using fabric that is too heavy or rigid; such materials can create puckering and distort the tape’s shape.

Another common error is not cutting the fabric strips accurately on the bias; if the strips are cut along the grain instead, they won’t have the necessary stretch to curve smoothly. Additionally, failing to pre-press the strips can lead to uneven folds and an unprofessional finish. It’s also important to pull the fabric through the bias tape maker too quickly—this can cause bunching or twisting, so a steady hand is vital.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the technique of creating and using bias tape can significantly enhance your sewing projects.

By understanding the methods discussed—from cutting and preparing fabric strips to using a bias tape maker and exploring creative applications—you can achieve professional-looking results that add finesse to your work. Remember to consider the fabric type, width of the tape, and proper storage practices to ensure your bias tape is always ready for use. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to use a bias tape maker!