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Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Making Bias {tape}

The wedding quilt I have planned requires lengths of bias tape...



The pattern calls for 1/2 inch tape, but I have decided to go with 3/8ths. inch instead. 
And when making bias tape for applique, I prefer to use bias bars.

I began by cutting 1 inch strips on the bias {45 degree angle} and piece the strips together just as if piecing binding strips together.

 

Then press the entire length of bias strip in half - Wrong Sides together....




Stitch a 3/8 inch seam with the folded edge to the right side of the needle...this creates a pocket for the bias bar....

    
If the bias tape you are making is smaller, such as 1/4 inch, you will need to trim the excess fabric close to the stitch line.  Mine was close enough so no trimming needed.
Then insert the bias bar into the fabric tube and arrange the seam so it is laying on the back side of the bar.


Press the strip with the bar holding the shape inside the fabric tube.
Continue pressing and moving the bar along the length of the fabric tube.

   

I like to give it another press once I remove the bias bar and use starch to help the tape keep it's shape.

Easy and makes a nice strip for vines or stems!


And here is the quilt I will be making {thanks Sarah Fielke!}

Happy Tuesday!
mary

11 comments:

  1. Wow, Mary--it's going to be a beauty!!

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  2. What a stunning quilt. I know it will be amazing!

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  3. Love that pattern Mary. You will make it fabulous!

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  4. Awesome tutorial, I've never ever seen this ever!! How'd you get so good at this stuff?

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  5. That is going to be one very special quilt! The green of the bias strips is beautiful!

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  6. I love that book. I have tried making the doll quilt version of the one you are doing. Twice I tried gluing the leaves and both times you could see the applique glue through them. I was so frustrated of needing to start over for a third time that I threw it out. I also didn't like how I sewed the vine on. I will love to see how you do yours and would love to know how you adhere the leaves before appliqueing.

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  7. can't wait to see what your quilt will look like. I'm sure it will be another gorgeous piece of art.

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  8. Exactly what MB in MI, and selfsewn said!!! Exactly :)

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  9. oh I've never heard of a bias bar before - great tutorial - can't wait to see the finished quilt, it's going to be lovely. Bethx

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  10. I've never used the bias bars...thanks for the tips. The quilt will be gorgeous, I'm certain. I own Sarah's book and have fun LOOKING at it! ;)

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  11. Lovely bright colours - and newsprint fabric is my favourite!

    Another way of doing the stems is using the Clover bias maker - you will throw away your bias bars once you start using this - no sewing - and it has cut my prep of stems by half!
    Irene

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