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

[Trish Rawlings]

"What a legend" I didn't know what know what a bias maker was so looked it up on the net and found "this tool with all different measurements only the one I wanted was out of stock. So then I went to another site to look up and see if there was another site that had them and came across this site. What a brilliant way to make it. What a saving and a legend you are.{By the way I am only a beginner at quilting so that is why I didn't now what it was}

[Le'anne]

Fabulous idea just started sewing so will come in handy thank you for showing and sharing x

[G]

The lightbulb went on. It is 1 am and I don't have the right size for my project. So, I planned on hoping my fabric store would carry the larger one. Now, I don't have to wait. It is so simple. The needle should work fine. Or get you close. I plan on using it in a few hours after I sleep a couple. Thank God for the internet. I found you on a search on how to use. Thanks for the tip.

[G]

Ah ha... me again. Kind of going off the lady using the plywood and making a board for this effort... I walked backin my sewing room to discover I have a June Tailor Mini Cut and Press board... one side is an ironing surface and the other side is a rotary cutting surface. Not too large about 5 x 5, padded like an ironing board with markings for inches, etc. So, no need for the ruler. I just used the markings and placed my needles on it. I used one near the far end of the square and another one about 4 inches below it.. (enough room for iron to squeeze in)... the little mini board has a handle to pick it up and is never in the way. Anyway.. using the two needle system, the folds stay folded while you pull and press. It works beautifully. Not sure if you can envision what I just said. Anyway, I have my little mini cut and press board set up for my bias tape measurements and can adjust easily using the markings and with it going up to 5 inches I can really get creative. This little thing just sits under my clear extension table for when I need it. Now it will get more use. Thought I would pass this on. I don't believe a larger one would ever be needed.

[Autum]

A mini pressing board sounds like the perfect tool for making bias tape. Thanks so much for sharing! I can definitely see what you are talking about, using two needles. Excellent!

I hope you got some sleep

Have a great day
Autum

[Cloth Diapers]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful idea. I have been too intimidated by the thought of making bias tape to even open my bias tape makers yet. I am going to try this first. I almost never use single fold anyway.

[rita]

About burning your fingers while making bias tape: Not using the steam setting on your iron helps. But if you like that crispness that steam creates, go to the office supply store and get some finger covers that help you count bills quickly. They come sized for the different fingers and are wonderful for protecting you from the heat

[Autum]

thanks for the tip Rita. I always burn my fingers- so Im going to be trying this!

[omo]

Thank you for the idea.

[Emily]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I was about to spend money on the set thinking that I wouldn't know what size I wanted, but now I can make ANY size I want!!! YES!!

[Carlia]

That's a brilliant idea <3 Thank you for sharing :D

[sarina]

thank you. in my place the bias tape maker is not available. you are so kind to share this.

[Bren]

Brilliant! I'll be trying this today!! Now I don't have to run to the money pit aka Joann's.

[Cindy]

WOW! You are a god-send! Thanks for making something so simple so clear! I can't wait to try this.

[Eileen]

I have several sizes of bias tape makers and love them. I am currently looking for the sizes that i don't have. I use the tape for all sorts of projects.

[Sheri]

Great tip, thanks!

[Uchi]

I came across this while searching for something else. Am I ever glad I did! You are sooooo clever, and sooooo generous. Now I can go back to using bias tape for much of my apparel sewing. Thank you!

[Sewing fan]

Hi, I was looking at buying a bias tape maker, but looks like you've saved me some money. Thank you so much. what a clever idea. Your instructions were easy to follow too. Hope you can share some more great ideas!!!

[AF]

This is awesome!!!! You are a genius ;)

[Angela]

I just found this post today on Pinterest. I cannot wait to try this! I don't have a bias tape maker, I've always done this by hand. This will be soooo much easier!

[maria]

5 years later, you are still a genius.

[momopoynter]

awewesome!!!!

[Teresa Price Bowen]

I love you!!! heehee. You just saved me a money, time and trouble with your advice here. And dont feel bad, I found you asking just how bias take makers are measured. Yea, I had no clue. :-) Thank you so much!!

[Quail]

I love this idea, I can never find my bias tape turners or the size I want and this way I won't even have to look for them. Thanks for sharing this.

[english rose]

This is amzing, will be trying it tonight!