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

[patsijean]

I have made bias tape with this method many a time. I found a set of really long upholstery needles and use them, placing them a little more than the iron's width apart. Works like a charm. Thanks for reminding me as I've not done this for a while.

[erin]

autum, this is great and a huge time saver! thanks!

[Reethi]

Genius! Thanks - I've got to go try this.

[Reethi]

Genius! Thanks - I've got to go try this.

[Kansas A]

My sister and I were just talking about a bias tape maker and when I went to the city I actually looked for one but couldn't find one. Thanks to you I don't need to now! Great idea, thanks so much :)

[Layna]

Uh, this is so newbe-ish, but what is bias tape? Is it used in boarders? I remember seeing a tut. on how to make bias tape with cord and fabric cut diagnoial and sewn together so it can bend, curl, twist, turn. I am new to this in case you haven't figured out. LOL.

[jona]

Oh my gosh!! I hate my "bias tape maker" (I use quotes because mine has never actually produced bias tape no matter how many times I've tried). I can't wait to try this!!
Great pictures too!

[feli]

Thank you thank you thank you!!

[kathryn]

Good gracious, Autum! You are pure-t genius! I would have never thought up such an easy alternative to those frustrating little bias tape makers. Thanks for sharing!

[jen]

I can't tell you how many times I've hovered over the 'buy' button for this tool at superbuzzy...or how often I've asked for it at quilt shops. As a fellow lefty, I THANK YOU very much for the visual tutorial!! Can't hardly wait to try it.

[Oiyi]

Great tip! I have been wanting to get one of those bias tape makers. Now I won't be making that mistake of wrong measurements.

[lla]

OK - I'm cracking myself up over here this morning... I've read this no fewer than FOUR TIMES - and while you didn't write it in Greek, you might as well have.

This is not a reflection on your writing skills, it's a reflection on my complete and utter lack of any sort of sewing knowledge...

Perhaps it would help if I knew what bias tape was, or why I wanted it! :)

Despite my utter cluelessness, I know that these instructions are going to make lots of crafty girls happy, and you're a sweetie to share!

xo

[gatorgirl]

I'm right handed, but those pictures make perfect sense to me...and I can't for the life of me get my little bias tape maker to work right - so Autum to the rescue!! Thank you so much - you are brilliant!!

[coco]

you should be proud of you! i want to learn to sew so badly! no time and no one teaching for a reasonable cost around here.

[brandy]

OH. MY. GOD! If only me tiny brain had thought of that BEFORE I spent over $25 on different sized bias makers that I can't work very well! So simple yet so completely effective. Thank you!

[Lesley]

Wow! That is soooooo clever! I know what you mean about the tape makers. I always seem to get in a mess with them and I always want wider tape than they produce. I'll be keeping a link to this one on my blog!
Thanks for sharing xxxx

[Mary Claire]

Ingenious!!! I wish I had learned this tip sooner - I wouldn't have bothered purchasing one of those gadgets! They work well once you learn how to use them but your way seems just as easy if not easier! Great tip! Thanks!

[Grace]

Oh my goodness!! How cool is that. Thanks. I don't know if i have ever commented or not on your blog but I read you pretty regularly. Thanks again :o)

[suesue]

this works fabulously!! i had to make 16 yards of tape for baby beddings and didn't have a bias tape maker. you saved me!!!!! merci beaucoup!

[Wendi]

How clever!

[Chole]

Fantastic idea! So much simpler than the repetitive measure, fold way that I've been doing it. Thanks for sharing. Chole

[Marianne]

what a clever idea...thanks for that! I just hope I can remember it when I need to...

[Dana]

Wow I've made tons of bias tape and not with that tool either!
I can't wait to try this. Thank you!!!!

[Rose Jonid]

That's brilliant. Never in a million years would I have thought to do it that way.

[debra cooper]

Ha! I can't believe there is someone else out there who made the same mistake I did with the bias tape maker! Only I sat staring at the strip measurments for 2 days trying to figure out how they added up--duh! Single fold!! I didn't actually figure it out until I made my own strips the width I thought they should be and they didn't fit into the tape maker. You have come with up with something very very clever because I LOVE making bias tape! Thanks for the tutorial! ;-)