I used to make my own bias tape with an actual bias tape maker. Now that I know this method, I will NEVER use one of those things again.
Bias tape makers probably have their place, but I found that no matter how precise I tried to be, the finished product was very irregular in width which is kind of a huge problem.
Sisters. Make and use double fold bias tape exclusively from now on. It’s perfectly uniform and SO EASY to make and sew. Here’s how to do it.
1. Cut 3.5″ strips from your binding fabric, sew them into one long piece of tape, and press the seams open.
(I rarely make bias tape actually on the bias.)
2. Press your 3.5″ strip exactly in half using as much steam as possible.
3. Using a 1/2″ seam, sew the raw edge of the bias tape to the RIGHT SIDE of the raw edge of your quilt all the way around, working those corners until they are perfect.
4. Turn the folded edge of the bias tape back around the raw edge of the quilt and hand stitch to finish. I make sure I’m just covering up the seam I just sewed on the back side.
(This is my Michael Miller Ginger Blossom tumbler quilt that I still haven’t finished! I’m saving the binding for our trip to Oregon in a few weeks. Vacation isn’t vacation without a few craft projects…)
Double fold bias tape gives you a bulkier and more substantial edge, but it’s not harder to sew. It’s so much easier! This is honestly the easiest method I have come across, and I love it every time.
Bias tape/binding/hand sewing in general can be the devil, but I promise this way is the least devilish. Try it and let me know what you think!
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