Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Sewing 101: Finishing Edges w/ Bias Tape

I use 3 main ways to finish my edges: 1.) use bias tape, 2.) use facing, 3.) just fold over and sew (doesn't work well on arm / neck openings).  Today, I wanted to share how I do #1 using bias tape (can be purchased at any fabric / craft store for approximately $2 or less).

Difficulty: Easy
Time: Fast, ~15 minutes to finish neck and arm openings
Material: 1/4" or 1/2" single fold bias tape in a color close to your garment

Unfold the right edge of your bias tape and align the tape's edge with your fabric's edge.  

Sew right along the groove of the bias tape fold.

Flip over your fabric so that you see the right side like the left picture.  Fold your bias strip under your fabric.

Sew a row of stitching to secure your bias tape under your fabric and encase your raw edges.

Voila!  Raw edges no more!

Pros:

  • Inexpensive to purchase and easy to use
  • Does not use up any additional fabric

Cons:

  • Leaves a visible line of stitching on the outside of your garment

I'll cover facings in a future post.  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments :)

11 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for this tutorial! I just learned how to sew invisible zippers, so this is incredibly helpful, as I am planning on making a dress. You are the best!

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    1. Aw, you are very welcome! Would love to see your dress!

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  2. Nice! Just learned what bias tape is (from another site) and great to see it in use! Is there a way to use bias tape to finish garments without seeing the line? Can't wait to see the other 2 tutorials!

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    1. Yep! That'd be the facings method coming up soon :)

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  3. I've never done it that way, and now I want to try! I usually just fold it under a few times and then sew it down and it looks terrible. Thanks for the tutorial :)

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    1. You're very welcome - let me know how it goes!

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  4. Iam going to need this tutorial...btw, can you recommend any fairly easy patterns for something like the Topshop shift dress on Cee's page (wishlist)? I want to make afew dresses like it since it's a favorite silhouette of mine.

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  5. this is so helpful thank you! ahh I need to take a sewing class. I haven't done anything of the like since a craft class that consisted of a little sewing & crocheting for an elective class in middle school lol

    shortandsweetjoy

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  6. Very lovely fabric. Where can I purchase it?

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    1. Fabrix in SF! I think their stock sells out quickly though...

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