Bias tape is one of my favorite haberdashery supplies because:

• It offers many finishing possibilities, 
• High-quality "haute couture" finishes and you know how attentive I am to beautiful finishes 😊
• There are many colors and patterns that allow for a lot of originality

In short, it is possible to make many things with bias tape and be creative... everything I love! 

So, I’m taking you into the world of this notion I love so much!

What is bias tape / bias ribbon?

I had written an article about bias tape and the knitted bias tape that you can also check out on the blog. Nevertheless, a little reminder is in order 😊

Bias tape is a narrow strip of fabric cut on the bias, that is, at a 45° angle to the grainline. In fact, the strip is cut on the bias, hence this tape gets its name! Cutting the fabric strip on the bias gives it some elasticity/flexibility, which is very useful for sewing it into the curves of our garment. And that is also why bias tape is never cut on the straight grain of a fabric.

The width of bias tape can vary. The most common width, called "standard," is 20 mm. Since the fabric strip is folded in the center, the flat width of the strip is 40 mm. Another useful width in sewing is the 27mm bias tape, which allows edging thicker fabrics like terry cloth or wool blankets to make coats, for example. 

In what form can it be found?

You can buy "ready-to-use" bias tape in store. 

They are available by the meter, in 3m/5m packs, sometimes in 20m rolls...

They can be found in different materials: cotton, cotton/polyester blend, lurex, sequined, fluorescent, jersey, double gauze...

In the shop, you will find them sold by the meter (cut to length) but also knitted bias tape sold in 3m packs, very useful for finishing the edges of t-shirts, wrap dress necklines in jersey, bodysuits...

Should you wash your "ready-made" bias tape before using it?

The question is relevant because we are used to washing fabric before sewing it, so why not bias tape... Bias tape is only washed once sewn; indeed, it is sold ready to use.

If you wash it, you risk losing the fold due to the washing machine. However, it is recommended to steam it with an iron to remove finishes and make it more flexible. 

What is it for?

The main function of bias tape (and my favorite 😊) is to create very neat / luxurious finishes. It is placed on the raw edges of the fabric to prevent fraying. 

Its second use is aesthetic especially since there are so many colors and patterns that it is easy to be creative with bias tape.  

What are the ways to sew it?

Bias tape can be sewn in several ways:

- on top: the bias tape is then visible on both the right and wrong sides of the fabric

- invisible: the bias tape is then visible only on the wrong side of the fabric

- folded on itself to create straps or ties 

- flat (single or double): the bias tape will be visible on the right side

- on top: it will be visible on the right side of the fabric; it is most often decorative. 

For which finishes / which garment is it useful?

Bias tape finishes are often very beautiful finishes.

I like to use them for:

• the facings of my blouses and skirts
• bind the inside of a jacket to hide the seams
• finish the armholes of sleeveless summer dresses and tops (with bias tape sewn on or hidden bias tape)
• create straps for tops and light dresses
• create ties (for lacing or to create a "mini" belt for a dress or blouse to tie at the back, garlands of pennants...)
• finish the bottom of garments like a circle skirt 
• the finishes of tulle/mesh
• finish the edges of baby accessories (bibs, bath capes...) Then take wider bias tapes of 27mm which are easier to apply on thicker materials like terry cloth
• ...

Your turn! 

There, you now know more about this great haberdashery supply that allows for a lot of creativity...

To your needles!