Double-fold bias tape is a fantastic technique for achieving refined and polished raw edges. This practice lets you quilt and finish necklines, armholes, and other adorning elements. If you wish to learn how to sew on double fold bias tape, you can purchase a tape or create your own bias tape utilizing a maker of bias.
One of the significant benefits of creating your own bias tape is that you can select the beautiful patterned fabric that will complement your sewing projects.
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Why is bias tape so common?
The bias tape is a thin fabric strip that has been cut on a diagonal angle with edges folded in. The bias runs at a 45-degree angle to the grainline of the fabric, which gives it the ability to contour.
Therefore, bias tape is solely fashioned out of woven fabric and designed to be utilized on such textiles.
The kinds of bias tape
Two main categories of bias tape exist, namely double-fold bias tape and single-fold bias tape. Each type has its own unique advantages and applications, which may vary negligibly.
Single-fold bias tape
Single-fold bias tape is a piece of fabric, cut diagonally to its grain, which has both of its long edges folded towards the wrong side once, creating a strip. Eventually, both raw edges assemble close to the middle.
Single-fold tape is generally utilized instead of a facing by folding it entirely to the wrong side of the material and securing it with sewing, making it undetectable on the right side of the finished sewing project.
Double-fold bias tape
Contrarily, double-fold bias tape is just single-fold bias tape that has been folded in half along its length to hide the raw edges on the internal flank of the tape.
It is also guided to as bias binding which is generally a long strip.
This style of bias tape covers the edge of your creation, producing a professional-looking finish. It is normally utilized as a binding rather than a facing.
Double-bias tape can be used for decorative purposes or to finish edges. There are probably numerous blouses and skirts in your closet with double-fold tape necklines. Many people claim to absolutely love the outcomes of employing double-bias tape.
Besides, bias binding is a great alternative to hemming.
A thorough guide on how to sew on double-fold bias tape
When sewing double-fold bias tape, you’ll primarily utilize a matching or opposing strip to bind the edges of your product.
There are two ways to attain this result: a simpler way and a trickier way that gives you a more polished appearance.
First technique – quick and simple
This technique to sew double-fold bias tape is believed to be an uncomplicated and rapid one. Therefore, in case you possess straight or very slightly curved edges, it’s better to utilize this method.
Another way will produce more excellent outcomes with a tightly curved edge.
The initial move is to get the necessary things
Prior to carrying out this technique, ensure that you have all the necessary tools and supplies.
To finish raw edges, you ought to have the necessity to utilize the double-fold bias tape, scissors, mat, the project with raw edges, sewing pins, iron, ironing board, sewing machine, needle, and fabric chalk.
The second move is to inspect the seam allowance
Your project’s seam allowance won’t be folded under when you bind the edge. This implies that you must cut away the seam allowance along the edge you intend to complete if your task involves it.
The third move is to position the bias tape with pins
Consequently, just create a bias tape sandwich squeezing the edge of the fabric into the middle of the bias tape, encompassing all of the revealed raw edges. You could simply slip the bias over the fabric.
Important note: With double-fold tape bought from a retailer, one side will be somewhat more extended compared to the other side. Ensure that the project’s longer edge is on the wrong side. Hence, it won’t be as likely to catch in the topstitching at a subsequent period.
In order to keep the bias tape flat, attempt to push the edge of the fabric all the way up to the top edge of the bias tape.
Then, pin it in position all around the perimeter of your undertaking.
The final move is to sew double-fold bias tape
Eventually, just topstitch your bias tape into position, right next to the inner folded edge. You may get a neat, finished effect by utilizing thread that is the exact paint as the bias tape.
Two techniques to overlap the edges
In case you are going to sew bias tape onto an encircled edge, you can select either of two available techniques to undertake this procedure. Their names are folding and seaming. The dissimilarities between them are the time and effort required to complete the processes.
The technique of folding
The simpler approach produces a little larger connecting point but is extremely speedy and straightforward to sew double-fold bias tape.
Begin sewing bias tape toward the edge you intend binding with this technique.
Once there isn’t much left to reach the end of the topstitching, and you are prepared to commence overlapping the bias tape, trim the unsewn end to let it past 1.5 inches from the sewn end.
Fold the unsewn short end of the bias tape toward the inner side by half an inch.
Consequently, fold the corners of the bias tape’s folded-in section toward the center. As a result, the corners won’t protrude from the fold. Then, push the folded edge of the bias tape.
Ultimately, overlap the folded edge over the sewn end and pin it in position. In addition to that, sew double-fold bias tape to assure correctness.
The technique of seaming
On the other side, the following approach of overlapping is named seaming.
Although this technique is considerably more complicated than the previous one, the almost flawless result is worth the effort.
In case you decide to utilize this method, initiate sewing bias tape approximately three inches from the edge of the bias tape, leaving the end free.
Terminate the stitching process once you have sewn two inches from the place you started.
Trim the long edge of the bias tape to three inches.
Then, place a mark where the two components of bias tape intersect each other in the middle of the unfinished area of your project.
Thus, flip the borders of the bias tape so that the right sides are facing each other, and ensure that you align the marks created in the previous stage.
Once you have completed it, mark a stitching line at the spot where the marks align with each other. Sew the ends of the bias tape together following the previously marked stitching line.
Cut the seam allowance to one-quarter of an inch and flatten the seam open using an iron.
Eventually, flip the bias tape to the right side and complete stitching it over your project.
Second technique – more proficient
Using this second technique to sew double bias tape makes it more manageable to shape the tape to fit around curves, especially when dealing with tighter curves, and results in a more polished appearance.
Prior to commencing the procedure, gather the necessary tools to carry it out smoothly.
The initial stage is to inspect the seam allowance
In case you’re proceeding to sew double-fold bias tape to encircle the end of your task, you ought to remove the excess seam allowances from the edge before attaching the tape, rather than folding it over.
The second stage is the first pass of sewing on double-fold bias tape
Consequently, grab one side of your double-fold bias tape and spread it up, then attach it to the edge of your project with the right side fronting each other and pin them in position.
So, fundamentally, you sew it to the open edge of the bias tape.
Significant note: Your task ought to be alleviated later if you pin the shorter end to the end of the fabric.
Then, sew along the inner fold of the bias tape to fasten it to your assignment.
The third stage is the second pass of stitching
Afterward, fold bias tape to the wrong side, folding it over the seam allowances to conceal unfinished ends inside.
The folded bottom edge of the bias tape on the wrong side must be slightly longer than the first pass.
Then, press the double-fold tape with the iron and pin it in position.
At last, commence sewing the bias tape onto the front of your project, ensuring that you stitch through the tape and along the seam.
It’s essential to utilize a thread that corresponds to the coloring of the double-fold bias tape.
Since we positioned the longer edge of the tape towards the inner side, it should be simple to add it to the stitching.
Once you complete the steps of this technique, you could utilize two approaches to overlap the ends.
They are called folding and seaming, thus, depending on your preferences, you can either save time and get rapid outcomes or spend considerably more amount of time and attain more proficient results.
FAQ
How do you bind a quilt with store-bought double-fold bias tape?
To attach a quilt and bias tape, you ought to buy bias tape cut in the appropriate width for the task.
To begin, open the bias strip and pin it around the quilt while lining up the raw edge of the bias tape with the quilt’s raw ends.
Sew double-fold bias tape utilizing a sewing machine, taking care not to extend the bias strip while sewing.
After completing the sewing, fold the ends of the bias tape over towards the wrong side, and sew them down. Ensure that you bend the double-fold bias tape expertly at the junctions, and pursue the helpful tutorial provided previously.
How do you attach double-fold binding?
Connecting double-fold binding is an approach of sewing bias strips around the edge of a quilt to create a finished edge.
In order to sew bias tape to your project, based on the technique that you prefer, you can follow the guides mentioned previously.
Essentially, there are two available techniques, while one is straightforward and not time-consuming, the remaining requires more effort and is more complicated.
However, based on the amount of time and effort you can allocate to this procedure of attaching, you will get the appropriate outcomes. Therefore, if you desire to attain a more professional and uncluttered product, utilize the second technique.
But if your wish is to preserve time and complete the assignment as quickly as possible, utilize the initial technique as your helper.
How do you use double-fold bias tape for hemming?
Utilizing double-fold bias tape for hemming is a convenient and attractive way for finishing curved edges.
It’s crucial to cut the necessary amount of double-fold bias tape so it can encircle the entire edge of your hemline. Consequently, sew along the line nearest to the edge of the project while pinning one fold of the tape to the raw edge.
Eventually, push the tape away from the fabric and fold the bias tape over the raw edge to encompass it, pin it in position, and sew along the bias tape’s folded edge.
The hemline is going to obtain a tidy and polished finish as an outcome.
Conclusion
In case you are proceeding to sew double-fold bias tape, you can pursue the easy tutorial noted in this writing. This kind of bias tape is widely utilized for ornamenting the fabric and sewing over the raw ends to cover them.
In addition to that, there are two possible techniques to undertake this procedure which have diversities in the stages and the professionalism of the final outcome. Therefore, depending on the time you possess and the result you desire, you can pick either of them.
Hi everyone and welcome to my blog!
My name is Liz, and I started sewing when my son was born. First I repaired the holes in children’s pants, then I dared to do more challenging projects like sewing home decor and children’s clothing. Now it is my hobby where I come to rest, let my creativity run wild, and create things that please me and enhance my home.
I would love to help other sewing beginners and enthusiasts through my blog by sharing tips and tricks for this great hobby.