Bias tape... Do you buy it or make your own?

[allnaturalmom]

I have always bought it.... dealing w/imperfect color matches or suffering through w/white.

This past weekend I used my 50% off coupon at Joann's and bought the make-it-yourself pull-along 'thingie' for making bias tape. Wow! It is sooo cool! It's time consuming, but what a great gadget! I just tried it for the first time w/2 small pieces of scrap fabric. It took a few tries to figure it out, and the end result isn't perfect, but it is so neat. Can't wait to practice more.

Does anyone else use these to make their own. Can you offer any tips or pointers... TIA!

Happy Sewing!

[leighi123]

The most important thing is to make sure you cut the fabric as neatly as you can - that way it comes out even when you are done. I use a rotary cutter.

I usually make my own b/c I always forget to buy it and the fabric store is kinda far away! I need to get one that makes wider bias tape though, its easier to sew - I end up just making that without using a tool and it comes out pretty well.

[rubelin]

I mostly make my own because I'm a freak about matching colors I use my rotary cutter and giant plastic ruler to cut it and I generally just press it in half with the raw edges together, so I don't need a folder. If I needed double folded like for a quilt edge, I'd probably try store-bought first, and then consider getting a wide folder if I couldn't match the color decently enough.

[orangefoot]

I have bought some and made some.

If I make it I cut strips like this ( I just cut the fabric like the pictures but don't do the maths!)

Then I pull it under a needle on my ironing board cover like this

The only time it didn't work was when I tried to make tape with a single knit and

[sweetcheeks]

I'm lazy. I buy it... the thought of making it reeks of effort to me! LOL! However, the thought of everything matching is quite intriguing, I'm going to have to look into making my own. Is it hard?

[allnaturalmom]

Originally Posted by sweetcheeks

I'm lazy. I buy it... the thought of making it reeks of effort to me! LOL! However, the thought of everything matching is quite intriguing, I'm going to have to look into making my own. Is it hard?

It was so easy! Just cut the fabric on the angle and push it wrong-side-up through the little gadget. Have the iron ready at the other end... press... and voila.... bias tape. Fold in half and iron again for double fold! So clever! I did have to sew the strips together first for a longer piece, but that wasn't hard once I figured out that you must place the pieces at a right angle to sew.

I now want one in every size - better start saving my %-off coupons! Look out Joann... Here I come!

[allnaturalmom]

Originally Posted by orangefoot

I have bought some and made some.

If I make it I cut strips like this ( I just cut the fabric like the pictures but don't do the maths!)

Then I pull it under a needle on my ironing board cover like this

The only time it didn't work was when I tried to make tape with a single knit and

Those are great links! I have them bookmarked.

[allnaturalmom]

And thanks for the tip about using the rotary cutter. I will have to dig mine out. Bought it on clearance at Sears a few months ago, just haven't had a chance to open and use it yet - I didn't do too much sewing over the summer.

Thanks again...

[sabrinat]

Sometimes I buy it if I find a good deal on it, like at a thrift store or I make it if I can't find a good color match. I have the little dilly to make it, it's not hard. I've been contemplating getting that bias tape maker that Simplicity has.

[allnaturalmom]

Originally Posted by sabrinat

Sometimes I buy it if I find a good deal on it, like at a thrift store or I make it if I can't find a good color match. I have the little dilly to make it, it's not hard. I've been contemplating getting that bias tape maker that Simplicity has.

That machine looks so neat.... I'd like to find one of those at the thrift store!! It would be coming home w/me!!

[sewchris2642]

Both, depending on color and what I'm using it for. When I make it, I cut the strips wide enough to fold over and stitch. Then fold over and top stitch or hand stitch the already folded edge. No having to use a gaget or burn my fingers ironing multiple folds in narrow strips. It's called doublefold binding or French binding.

[KristyDi]

Originally Posted by orangefoot

I have bought some and made some.

If I make it I cut strips like this ( I just cut the fabric like the pictures but don't do the maths!)

Then I pull it under a needle on my ironing board cover like this

The only time it didn't work was when I tried to make tape with a single knit and

Thanks for the links. That 2nd one is kinda brilliant.

[balancedmama]

I do both. I make it myself for things that are really special, but use purchased tape for things that are...less special?

I have a bias tape maker, the clover kind, that is just the little metal tool. Honestly I find it works just as well to fold in half, press, then open and fold each side in to the center, and press again.

[ramama]

It depends for me. If I need A LOT of bias tape (like for a quilt) I make it. If I need just a bit (like, under two yards) I buy it. I know that sounds backwards, but I find that cutting fabric on the bias is expensive because it uses so much fabric. I have far too many fabric scraps and need no more, thank you! LOL (I've been putting off my scrap quilt for YEARS!)