

What exactly is bias tape, and why do you need it? How should you use a bias tape? Due to the wide application of bias tape, sewists are sometimes confused about the best way to use this accessory. It allows you to add a pop of detail to your garments and finish the armholes and necklines perfectly.
USING BIAS TAPE PROFESSIONAL
There’s, however, one challenge, especially when you’re just starting out: achieving a beautiful professional finish. You get to pour out your creativity into an exciting project that knows no limit. Trusted Source The calming effects of sewing can help people express and heal themselves | Life and style | The Guardian How absorbing your concentration in needlework relieves inner turmoil. If you enjoy sewing, then you have to agree with us that making handmade garments is an extremely fun and calming activity. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page.
USING BIAS TAPE FREE
Stitch along free edge of lace as desired.JustToSew is reader-supported. Edgestitch along lace to secure to fabric.įold hem allowance up. Overlap lace along right side of hem so that the raw edge of the fabric is running down the middle of the lace. Lace hem tape is a pretty hem finish that is great for lightweight fabrics. Stitch along free edge of hem tape as desired. When you get all the way around your hem, fold under end of hem tape and pivot to stitch down. Edgestitch along tape to secure to fabric. Overlap hem tape along hem so that the raw edge of the fabric is running down the middle of the hem tape. It comes in a ton of colors, so you can match your fabric or go with a fun contrasting pop of color. It also provides a smooth, comfortable edge for more textured or irritating fabrics. It’s a good choice when you have bulky fabric and want avoid the thickness of multiple folds. Hem tape is a quick but professional looking hemming option. Fold it to the inside to create a facing and stitch free edge as desired. If you’d like to avoid losing length of the garment to the hem – or if you’re trying to squeeze something out of less fabric – skip the initial pressing of a hem allowance and stitch the bias binding to the raw edge of the fabric as described.

Trim tails, press open and attach loose section of bias tape to hem between backstitches.įold hem allowance up and stitch around free edge of bias tape to secure. With bias tape completely unfolded, sew together at pin. When you get all the way around, backstitch and a few inches from where your stitching started.īring the bias tape tails together and pin them where they should meet, flush with the fabric. Leaving a loose tail of tape at the beginning, backstitch and stitch tape to hem edge along crease in tape. Open one side of bias tape and align raw edge of bias tape with raw edge of hem allowance, right sides together. Use premade single fold bias tape, or make your own out of a fun print. It’s also a good choice when you’re using bulky fabric and want to avoid the thickness of multiple folds. Using bias binding is useful for hems with a slight curve.

An easy way to do this is to measure ½” less than your hem allowance with a seam gauge or ruler as you pin. Now tuck ½” of the raw edge down into the hem.

Turn up your hem allowance, pin and press. This is a good choice when you want a very neat and clean looking finish. Just remember to then deduct ¼” from your hem allowance when you fold and press your hem. If you find that your machine is mangling the edge of your fabric, sew ¼” in from the edge and trim the excess when you’re done. This helps prevent the zigzag from making a ridge in the fabric. Instead of sewing one stitch with each zig and zag, it sews three little ones. A good zigzag option for a single layer of fabric is the three step zigzag. Use a zigzag or mock overlock stitch to sew along the raw edge of your hem. Turn up your hem allowance, pin and press, and then stitch as desired. Try to shave off a few threads as you serge, as this will create a much neater and clean-looking edge than not trimming anything off. Serge along the raw edge of the hem, aligning the cut edge with your serger blade. Here are six different methods you can use to make your hems strong and tidy. Finishing the raw edge of your hem not only makes it look cleaner and more professional, it also adds durability and helps give your hem a longer life.
