How To Sew Double Fold Bias Tape?

One of the finest ways to finish projects with raw edges is to use bias tape. It works well for everything, from contrasting bindings on potholders and pillows to armholes and necklines on clothing. With a playful splash of color, bias tape adds a polished touch to your crafts. I’m going to give you all the information you need to sew double fold bias tape today in this post.

What is Double Fold Bias Tape?

Bias tape is essentially a strip of fabric that’s been cut on the bias (a 45-degree angle to the grain of the fabric) rather than straight along the grain. This diagonal cut gives it a bit of stretch and flexibility, making it perfect for finishing edges and creating clean, professional-looking hems and seams.

Double fold bias tape is incredibly versatile. You can use it to finish raw edges, encase seam allowances, and even add a pop of contrasting color as a decorative element. It adds strength to your seams, making them less prone to fraying, which is especially handy for high-wear areas like collars and cuffs.

Moreover, if you want your projects to look like they came straight from a boutique, bias tape is your secret weapon. It hides raw edges and provides a clean, finished look. It’s perfect for binding curved edges like necklines, armholes, or even quilts, thanks to its flexibility.

So, How Do You Use Double Fold Bias Tape?

Now that you know what double fold bias tape is and why it’s awesome, let’s move on to how you can use it in your sewing projects.

What Fabrics Works Best For Double Fold Bias Tape?

Double fold bias tape is often used for finishing edges on garments, quilts, and other sewing projects. The choice of fabric for making bias tape can vary depending on your project’s requirements, but light-weight to medium-weight cotton fabrics are commonly used. Here are some fabric options that work well for double fold bias tape:

• Cotton: Light-weight cotton fabrics, such as quilting cotton, are a popular choice for bias tape. They are easy to work with and come in a wide range of colors and patterns.

• Poly-cotton blends: These blends combine the qualities of both polyester and cotton, offering durability and ease of care. They can be a good choice for bias tape if you want a balance between cotton’s natural feel and polyester’s durability.

• Linen: Linen bias tape is great for projects that require a more natural and textured look. It has a unique drape and can add a rustic touch to your sewing project.

• Satin: If you’re working on a project that requires a touch of elegance, satin bias tape can be a good choice. Satin provides a smooth, shiny finish and is often used for special occasion garments and accessories.

• Silk: For high-end and delicate projects, silk bias tape is a luxurious option. It drapes beautifully and adds a touch of sophistication to your sewing.

Selecting the Right Bias Tape Width for Your Sewing Projects

When it comes to double fold bias tape, you have options in various widths. Commonly, you’ll find it in 3/8″ and 1/2″ finished widths. Opt for the 3/8″ tape for most garment sewing needs, as it’s suitable for finishing arm openings, seams, necklines, and skirt hems. However, when working on quilts and quilted jackets with bulkier fabrics and batting, the 1/2″ tape is the better choice. While you can use the narrower tape for lighter applications, the thicker tape can provide a more visually appealing contrast when finishing projects like Parchment coats.

Gathering Materials

1. Double Fold Bias Tape: You’ll certainly need the star of the show, your double fold bias tape. You can buy it pre-made in various widths and a rainbow of colors, or you can make your own by cutting fabric on the bias.

2. Fabric: You’ll need fabric for your project, where you’ll be applying the bias tape. Make sure it complements your bias tape or provides the desired contrast.

3. Scissors or Rotary Cutter: Sharp scissors or a rotary cutter will make cutting your fabric and bias tape a breeze.

4. Ruler or Measuring Tape: For precise measurements and cutting.

5. Pins: These will help you hold the bias tape and fabric in place as you sew.

6. Sewing Machine: You can sew bias tape by hand, but a sewing machine will make the process faster and more convenient.

7. Iron and Ironing Board: Use an iron to press your fabric and bias tape for crisp, neat edges.

8. Bodkin or Tweezers (Optional): These handy tools can help when you’re threading the bias tape through tight spaces.

In case you want to make your own double fold bias tape by cutting fabric on the bias, here’s how to do it:

Select a fabric that matches or contrasts with your project. Cotton is a popular choice, but you can use other materials like silk or satin for special occasions. The bias grain runs at a 45-degree angle to the straight grain of the fabric. To find it, fold your fabric diagonally, creating a right-angled triangle. The folded edge is your bias.

Use a ruler and fabric chalk to mark parallel lines along the bias, indicating the width you want for your bias tape. Common widths are 1/2 inch or 1 inch. Cut along these lines to create bias strips. To make longer bias tape, join the strips by overlapping the ends at a 90-degree angle. Stitch across the diagonal overlap to secure the pieces together.

Iron the strips in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, creating a center crease. Then, fold the edges to meet the center crease and press again. You’ve now created your own double fold bias tape. Roll your bias tape onto a spool or card to keep it tidy and ready for use.

Now that you’ve got your materials together, let’s move on to the next step – preparing your fabric for double fold bias tape application.

Preparing the Fabric and Bias Tape

Before you start sewing with double fold bias tape, it’s essential to prepare both your fabric and the bias tape. This prep work ensures a smooth and polished outcome. If your fabric is machine-washable, give it a good pre-wash. This helps eliminate any shrinkage that might occur after sewing. It’s no fun when your beautifully finished project becomes a size too small after the first wash!

Press your fabric to remove any wrinkles. This step ensures that you’re working with a flat and smooth surface, making it easier to apply the bias tape neatly. Just like your fabric, you’ll want to iron your double fold bias tape to create crisp, defined edges. Press it in half lengthwise and then fold the edges in towards the center crease. This will make it easier to handle and sew smoothly.

If your project involves binding or edging specific areas, measure and mark where you’ll be applying the bias tape. Use pins to hold it in place, ensuring it lines up correctly. If you’re working with corners, like on a quilt or a neckline, consider mitering them for a neat finish. This involves folding and sewing the bias tape at a 45-degree angle to create a clean corner.

Pinning and Positioning the Bias Tape

• Begin by unfolding the double fold bias tape, exposing the center crease. Position the unfolded tape on the right side of your fabric, starting at your chosen beginning point. You can pin the bias tape in place to secure it.

• Ensure that the raw edge of your fabric aligns with the edge of the bias tape. The center crease of the tape should cover the raw edge entirely.

• As you work along your fabric’s edge, keep the bias tape aligned and secure it with pins every few inches. This will help maintain a consistent and even seam allowance.

• When you reach a corner, fold the bias tape at a 45-degree angle to miter the corner. Then, continue pinning along the next edge. You can read my post on how to sew mitered corners for a better understanding.

• When you reach the end, overlap the bias tape slightly with the starting point, ensuring there’s no gap. Trim any excess bias tape.

• Some sewists prefer basting (temporarily stitching) the bias tape in place before sewing the final seam. This step can provide added security and help maintain precise positioning.

Sewing the First Side of Bias Tape

Step 1: Start by threading your sewing machine with a thread color that matches your bias tape. You can also use a contrasting color for a decorative touch if you prefer.

Step 2: Place your fabric and pinned bias tape under the presser foot, starting at the beginning point where you pinned the tape. Make sure your fabric’s raw edge is aligned with the edge of the bias tape.

Step 3: Begin sewing with your machine’s needle positioned right along the center crease of the bias tape. This ensures that your stitches are neatly hidden inside the fold.

Step 4: Sew slowly, guiding your fabric and bias tape evenly under the presser foot. Remove pins as you go, but be careful not to pull or stretch the bias tape, as this can result in uneven stitching.

Step 5: When you reach a corner, stop with your needle down in the fabric, lift the presser foot, and pivot your fabric. Lower the presser foot again and continue sewing along the next edge.

Step 6: As you approach the starting point, overlap the bias tape by about one inch. Stitch the overlapping portion securely in place to secure the bias tape ends together.

Step 7: Backstitch a few stitches to secure the end of your seam, and then trim the thread.

Congratulations! You’ve now sewn the first side of the bias tape in place. Your project is starting to look beautifully finished. The next step is to fold and sew the other side of the bias tape.

Sewing the Second Side of Bias Tape

Step 1: With the first side of the bias tape securely stitched and corners mitered, fold the bias tape over the raw edge to the wrong side of your fabric. Make sure it covers the seam you sewed on the first side.

Step 2: Use pins to hold the folded bias tape in position. Ensure it lies flat and covers the seam evenly. Re-thread your sewing machine with the matching thread color.

Step 3: To sew the second side, stitch “in the ditch” created by the first side of the bias tape. This means sewing right in the crease where the bias tape meets your fabric, which hides the stitching within the fold.

Step 4: Go slowly and sew carefully along the entire length of the bias tape. Remove pins as you go.

Step 5: When you reach a mitered corner, continue sewing as close to the edge of the bias tape as possible to ensure a neat, professional look.

Step 6: When you reach the end, overlap the bias tape by about one inch and backstitch to secure the seam. Trim any excess bias tape and thread.

Step 7: After sewing, give your project a final press with an iron. This will make sure everything lays flat and looks crisp.

And there you have it! You’ve sewn both sides of the bias tape, and your project should have a beautifully finished edge. Now step back and admire your work – you’re well on your way to becoming a bias tape pro.

How Double Fold Bias Tape Is Overlapped?

To create a seamless overlap with double fold bias tape when sewing something circular, such as an armhole or bound neck, you can follow this technique to conceal the overlap. Begin by folding the end of the bias tape over by ½ inch (12 mm) at the starting point of your binding. It’s important to choose a starting point where the joining of the bias tape will not be highly visible in the final product.

As you continue sewing and reach the point where you started, overlap the two ends of the bias tape by ½ inch (12 mm). When overlapping, ensure that the top end of the bias tape remains flat and is not folded over, unlike the underneath piece. This method creates a smooth and inconspicuous transition in the double fold bias binding, ensuring a seamless finish on your circular sewing project.

How Should Double Fold Bias Tape be Sewed on Ends?

Effectively sewing double fold bias tape on the ends of your project is particularly useful for binding the edges of your fabric or project while concealing the raw ends. To begin, you’ll want to fold the end of your fabric over by approximately ½ inch or 12 mm. This initial fold is essential as it creates a clean starting point for attaching the bias tape.

After folding over the fabric, the next step is to stitch this fold in place. You can use a simple straight stitch to secure the fold; this ensures that the end stays neatly tucked inside the bias tape. The stitching should be close to the folded edge, keeping the fabric securely in place.

Once the initial fold is securely stitched in place, you can proceed to attach the double fold bias tape as you normally would for the rest of your project. Open up the bias tape and align its edge with the raw edge of your fabric. Then, begin sewing along the crease of the bias tape, making sure to encase the raw fabric edge within it. Use a straight or zigzag stitch, depending on the project’s requirements.

As you continue sewing along the bias tape, you will notice that the neatly folded end remains concealed within the tape. This results in a tidy and professional-looking finish, with no exposed raw edges. Remember to sew all the way to the other end of your project, securing the bias tape in place.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes is essential for a successful sewing project. Let’s explore what to watch out for:

• Uneven Stitching: Keep a steady pace when sewing the bias tape. Uneven stitching can create a messy look. Try to maintain a consistent seam allowance throughout.

• Skipping the Pressing Step: Failing to press your fabric and bias tape can result in a wrinkled or unprofessional finish. Pressing ensures your project looks crisp and polished.

• Not Mitering Corners: If you’re not mitering corners properly, they can appear bulky and messy. Take your time to learn and practice this technique for a clean finish.

• Stretching the Bias Tape: Avoid pulling or stretching the bias tape while sewing. This can lead to puckering and uneven stitching.

• Neglecting to Secure the Bias Tape Ends: Overlap and secure the ends of your bias tape properly to prevent it from unraveling over time.

• Using the Wrong Width: Using bias tape that’s too wide or too narrow for your project can result in an unbalanced or unfinished look. Choose the appropriate width for your project.

• Rushing: Sewing with bias tape requires patience. Rushing through the process can lead to errors. Take your time to ensure a clean finish.

• Choosing the Wrong Fabric: Not all fabrics are suitable for bias tape. Avoid very slippery or stretchy fabrics, as bias tape may not adhere well.

• Skipping Basting: While not mandatory, basting the bias tape in place before sewing can be beneficial, especially for complex or tricky areas.

Summary

Sewing double fold bias tape can be a valuable skill for anyone who enjoys sewing. It’s a technique that adds a professional and finished look to your sewing projects, whether you’re making clothing, quilts, or home decor items.

By encasing the raw edges of your fabric within the bias tape, you not only protect them from fraying but also create a lovely appearance. This technique is particularly useful when working with curved or rounded edges, where it can be challenging to achieve a clean and even finish.

So, keep those needles moving, and don’t be discouraged by initial challenges. The more you keep sewing, the more confident you’ll become in using double fold bias tape to enhance the quality and aesthetics of your sewing creations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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