So… I can’t remember the last time I used store-bought bias tape and you’d probably be surprised at the amount of mail inquiring as to where I get the various bias tapes I use. But here’s the deal… I actually make my own bias tape and have for many years now. That’s right, even when I use plain ol’ black bias tape… even then… I STILL make my own! Yeah I know there’s more than a few skeptics out there who are shaking their heads right about now, but hang with me while I give you…
Eight great reasons to make your own bias tape!
1. So it will totally match your project— Nothing is much worse than being almost done with a project and then having to finish off the edges with bias tape that at best is dull, boring and unimaginative. Let’s face it, commercial bias tape only comes in a dozen or so colors and the odds of finding prepackaged bias tape that would match this purse insert at left is well… slim to none to be exact! And… it literally gives me shivers to think of how bad this Walkabout Wallet would have looked with black, plain red, or God forbid, beige bias tape! YUCK!
2. It’s stretchier and more flexible!— I don’t know what kind of fabric is used to create commercial bias tape, but it is by nature, much stiffer and ‘thicker’ and WAY less flexible than the bias tape I make myself from quilter’s cotton. (pictured at left, our Go-Go Compact)
Which brings me to reason #3 and #4…
3. It’s less bulky in the corners and seam areas— It may not seem significant to you, but the additional thickness or heft in commercial bias tape can really add bulkiness and difficulty during the application process. After all, the process of bias-taping your seams actually adds FOUR extra layers to sew thru!
pictured at left, our Everyday Attache pattern
4. It MUCH easier to achieve a smooth, ‘waveless’ finish— The bias tape I make for myself is SO MUCH stretchier and easier to control, so the odds of me achieving a smooth, flawless look are much greater than with commercial bias tape.
(pictured at left, our Sling Along pattern)
5. I can make it the EXACT width I need— Just in case you didn’t know it, bias tape can be TOO WIDE. That’s right, if your bias tape is too wide, it’s automatically going to be more prone to lumps and waviness during the application process & since commercial bias tape is really only available in a couple of widths, (too thin or too wide), this is a significant problem. Yeah… you can reduce the width if you want, but that pretty much means ironing out the original folds, cutting away the excess and then re-pressing the folds in place, which probably explains why most folks just opt to leave the excess width in place and end up with an inferior finished look! (pictured at left, our Wrapsody pattern)
6. It’s less expensive— Unless your bias taping a huge project (like a queen-size quilt), you really don’t need 3 yards of bias tape. It’s a little cheaper to just make your own. (pictured at left, our Easy Go pattern)
7. It can really make your project POP!— I find that most people just think of bias tape as something that will blend in or ‘disappear’ into their project’s final look. But why not think of bias tape as a way of defining, completing, or at least making your project even CUTER? Would this purse insert at left have been anywhere near as compelling without the red polka-dotted bias tape? (pictured at left, our Porta-PocketsPlus Purse Insert pattern)
8. It makes a GREAT gift!— Got some sewing buddies? I’m willing to bet that they might just FLIP over receiving a few yards of some FUN bias tape trim! (Think about black & white stripe or polka dot as being neutral… which it pretty much is!) Imagine their delight when they open their gift and find a FUN assortment of black & white prints, stripes or polkadots to ‘play’ with! (pictured at left, our Go-Go Compact)
And now… it’s YOUR turn!
Which type of bias tape do YOU use? Do you generally make your own, or do you purchase it commercially? I would love for you to share your preference as well as the reasoning behind your choice, and if you have any tips to add, please share those as well!!
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I make my own. I quilt a lot and almost always use bias. It wears longer than binding on the grain. Making bags I always make my own. I find the packaged stuff pretty cheesy
Cheesy…. that’s a kind way of putting it! 😀 But you are SO right!
I can’t remember the last time I bought bias tape. I have fun making it a focal point. All the your pots you made are wise and on point. Thank you. I read your article on my bag, or second. Memory fails me from time to time when it’s so customary to make my own.
Thanks Kat.
Thanks for commenting Don! I love seeing the bags you make! They are ALWAYS so unique and special! 🙂