Bias Tape

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Fabric
• Rotary cutter
• Quilting mat
• Pins
• Iron
• Bias tape maker

DIRECTIONS:

1. Fold your fabric into a triangle, the fold will be along the bias. Take one corner of the fabric and fold it to match the selvage edge. The bias is a 45-degree angle.
2. Cut the excess fabric off so you're left with a square piece of fabric that's been folded into a triangle. Then fold your triangle again so you have a smaller triangle. Rotate the fabric so the raw edges align with the lines on your cutting mat. The raw edge and the folded edge should create a right angle if you've folded correctly.
3. Cut strips of fabric that correspond to the size of bias tape that you're making. If you're making 1/2" single fold tape you'll need strips that are an inch wide. If you're making 1/4" single fold tape you'll need strips that are 1/2" wide. Refer to the instructions that come with your bias tape maker if you're unsure.
4. Once you have your strips you'll need to sew them together to create one continuous piece. To do this place your pieces right sides together to create a corner. Let your pieces overhang slightly on the edges so that you'll have a clean seam when you're done sewing. Sew your pieces together using a 1/4" seam allowance. Trim your edges and press your seams open.
5. Feed your strip into your bias tape maker. If you're having trouble pushing your fabric through use a straight pin to help the fabric along.
6. Iron your strip as it comes out of the bias tape maker.

JOANN HACKS:

• Use steam in your iron to make sure your bias tape is pressed securely and doesn't unravel.


• Wrap your bias tape around cardstock or cardboard to ensure that it stays pressed and neat.