Tool School: Bias Tape Makers
By Steve Butler
What is it?
Bias binding tape has been called “the duct tape of sewing.” Why? Because, like the actual duct tape, it’s just so handy. We can use it to join raw edges of fabric in any fashion that suits our creative vision.
Bold fashion accents, button hole loops, draw strings, bag straps, elastic casings, edges of hot pads, placemats, bibs, quilts, blankets, pillows, necklines, arm holes or for just decorative appliqué embellishment. The list of bias tape applications is truly endless.
Well, those are some ideas of what it can be used for, but what is this magical elixir of sewing? It’s just fabric cut on the bias. By cutting it on the bias we’re able to stretch the fabric on a 45° angle from its warp and weft. This “stretchiness” allows us to follow the most intricate curved lines by draping and bending instead of folding and stuffing. Okay, so we agree it’s a very cool thing and that we need it.
But where do we get it? We all have a favorite shop where we get our fabric and sewing notions. They’ll no doubt have a good selection of ready made bias tape. That selection will be limited, however, to only a few primary solid colors and a limited number of widths. If that fits what you’re doing, go for it.
But if it restricts your creative intent in any way, well, you’ll have to make it yourself. Is that a problem? No. It is an extra step and it requires detailed attention to make it perfect. But it is also so liberating in a creative context. The good news is that at that same favorite shop where you get your fabric you can buy a tool that does all of the work for you, the Bias Tape Maker, made by the clever people at Clover.
What does it do?
It’s simple. By using any Bias Tape Maker, you can produce custom bias tape to suit any creative mood you might be in. Select any fabric, cut the required width of fabric on the bias, pull it through the bias tape maker and iron the creases to hold the shape. It’s perfect bias tape binding every time with minimum effort, saving time and enhancing the creative process. Once you use one and see how easily it makes bias tape you will never want to be without it. Bias Tape Makers come in two styles.
Bias Tape Maker
This is our standard bias tape maker. Simply cut your fabric on the bias in a width twice the finished size desired. The bias tape maker will fold the fabric evenly as you pull it through. Iron it into shape as it is pulled from the device and you’re done. If you want double fold bias tape, just fold that in half and iron again. Easy and the result is a great looking accent to any project. Bias Tape Makers are available in 1/4″, 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″, and 2″ finished sizes.
Fusible Bias Tape Maker
The fusible bias tape maker adds a new dimension to the basic product. With this unique tool you can easily apply a fusible surface to the back of your bias tape as you make it. No additional steps required. Now for Celtic, Meshwork or numerous other applications you can iron and fuse your tape strips into place before sewing. Fusible Bias Tape Maker is available in 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″ and 1″ finished sizes.
How do I share it?
Bias binding tape has applications in almost everything we do in sewing. Unfortunately many of our friends are restricted by their reliance on commercial offerings or struggle with homemade methods. And that’s frustrating. Show them through classes and in-store demonstrations how easy making their own bias binding tape can be. Once they use one, they’ll never want to be without it again. Bias Tape Makers are essential sewing tools that truly belong in every sewing studio
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