DIY version of a bias tape maker

I have one of those cool bias tape makers. I'm sure you've seen them and the impressive results they produce. I bet many of you even have experienced such results. Not me. I've been a little embarrassed to say, I couldn't do it. I couldn't get mine to work. Then it happened. The proverbial light bulb went off and it became shamefully obvious why. You see, I have the 1/2 inch bias tape maker.

I expected to get bias tape that measured 1/2 inch when finished.
Pictured above is actually double fold bias tape. The neat little tool makes single fold tape. Now I knew it wouldn't come out of the tool looking like this. I knew it would be a strip with both sides folded in to the center, my problem was making the distinction between the terminology.  It may have been wise to read those directions instead of throwing them away. I had been cutting my strips the width needed for 1/2 inch double fold tape. I know, not very smart. Once I had my moment of enlightenment, I cut a strip around 1 inch wide (maybe slightly less) and whatdayaknow, the tool works beautifully! 
All that semi-coherent babble isn't intended to be a tutorial, since I'm sure you all understood how to correctly use a bias tape maker, or at the very least would be wise enough to read the directions first. No, the tutorial is for a less fancy, but nearly as effective DIY version of the bias tape maker, and you can easily adjust it to make any size bias tape you like.

All you need is an ironing board, a hot iron, a measuring tape or ruler, and a long needle. A strip of fabric would be nice too. It doesn't have to be cut on the bias unless you will be going around curves.

First determine the width you'd like your bias tape to be (single fold) . For this demonstration my strips are cut about 1.75" and I want the opening under the pin to be 1". This will give me 1" single fold bias tape or 1/2 inch double fold.  I am using little sewing gauge to determine the placement of my needle. Bring the needle up through the ironing board cover, go over 1" and push it back through the cover. The needle will run perpendicular to the ironing board.

Cut one end of your fabric strip to a point and run it under the needle wrong side up.

I am left-handed, so this probably looks very backward to you right-handed folks. Now you know how we lefties feel most of the time. I am pulling the fabric through with my left hand, going right to left. Do whatever feels comfortable to you. When you first start the fabric through, you will probably need to work it a little to be sure it is folding symmetrically.

As you pull the fabric through, press the fold in place. Be careful not to burn your little fingers. That's all there is to it.  Happy bias tape making, my friends!

Let me know how it works for you.

 

Comments

[Lucy Bloom]

Thanks for that tip - I have one of those tools too and have never managed to use it properly. Your idea is so simple, I'm going to try it right away!
Lucy

[Amanda]

What a great idea! I never seem to have the correct size bias tape maker for whatever it is I need, but now I don't need one. Thanks!

[Marleen]

I will try it tonight.
It looks simple but effective.

[Katie]

Autum, I had the same problem with the bias tape maker! I almost never use single fold, and I assumed it would make double fold. Duh. Your idea is brilliant. Thanks for sharing!

[céline]

This is a sOO good idea !!!!

[Pam]

You know what completely stuns me about this? Just how clean your ironing board cover is!

Thanks for the demo!

[Ali]

The folks at Clover are going to be sending you hate mail! You've just slashed their revenue stream with your handy tip. Must rush off and try it out.

[Lissilulu]

okay get ready....
i heart you autumn! this is so freeing for me!
i cant wait to put some mixy matchy trims on skirts and dresses for my girls and....oh the possibilities!
lori

[CrystalT]

You are such a life saver! I just made my wee one a quilt and wanted to make my own binding. I will try this today... right after we put the tree up. Thanks so much!!

[Penny]

I can't wait to try this, great idea.

[Amber]

Wonderful idea - thank you so much!!

[Mary Sarah]

Thank you! I've never tried the bias tape thing. Your idea makes more sense to me. Great tutorial!

[Sarah]

Oh my, how clever. Bias tape is so darn expensive (and usually rather boring). Thank you very much.

[Beth]

WOW! Off to try this right now!

[Anina]

Go lefties!!! What a wonderful idea.

[gena]

oh my goodness. this is totally brilliant! you may singlehandedly put the bias tape maker making business out of business! i love this! thank you!

[Molly]

Hot Diggity! That is clever, clever!!! I'm a lefty too so the pics made perfect sense.

[Jody]

Very nice. I've had moderate success with the bias tape maker but I truly think your system will work better. And I love the left handed tutorial. Signed, a fellow lefty.

[SierraMoon]

how clever ! thanks for sharing !

[Claire (not Bahrain)]

Wow, What a good idea. That tool looks like it doesn't do to much, I would probably have some difficulty using the instructions. I can use both hands for some things so your tut is not alot of bother. Good work

[Tracey]

So clever!!! Great idea!

[teri]

wicked smart! thanks for sharing.

[Coralee G.]

so excited to try this...those bias tape makers look sweet but at $11 a piece I'm just as happy to use my iron and a needle!

[Thimbleanna]

Very clever Autum! I've never had a bias tape maker and now I won't have to go buy one. Thanks!

[JL]

Thanks for sharing this great idea! Cheers!