Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Trying Something New

Handmade Bias Tape

I tried making my own bias tape this weekend. I used the directions from the book Bend the Rules Sewing.

Bias tape is another reason Joanne's Crafts continues to prosper in this weak economy.

It's not hard, but it is fussy. It takes patience and time.

It requires straight lines and lots of measuring. These things are not exactly my strengths.

Would I do it again?

Probably. I am cheap. I have lots of fabric. And, the price of gas and traffic make driving to the fabric store more annoying than measuring and straight lines.

I would get a yard stick next time. My ruler was too short and drove me crazy.

Still I will treasure the real bias tape I have. I won't take for granted it's crisp folds and even width.

10 comments:

HollyLynne said...

eeewwwww . . . measuring :/

Sarah and Jack said...

I am not sure how practical actual garage sales are for you, but bias tape is always everywhere here. Giant bags of it for cheapo prices. I am forever buying it b/c the price at Joanns is crazy.

Unknown said...

Do you prefer the single fold or the double variety? The narrow or the wide stuff?

Nutsy Coco said...

I'm going to be trying this out soon too! I'm skeptical about how my results are going to be but I do have a degree in architecture so I hope I can manage to cut a straight line!

Genny said...

Cute idea!

Mama Said Sew said...

Cute stripey fabric.
Making your own bias tape gives your projects even more uniqueness. Of course, cutting straight is not my strong suit, so making bias tape is better in theory than reality. :)

carolyn said...

put a rotary cutter, mat and plastic ruler and your wish list and cutting those stripes will be a whole lot easier.

Anonymous said...

can't remember where, but there is a tutorial for continuous bias. the instructions take a little practice but is so worth the trouble if you want a lot of tape. then you can use a bias tape maker to finish. have fun!

Tifferbob said...

Just made an apron with bias tape around the whole thing. I made it myself for the first time. Looks cute, but I won't be trying it again any soon.

Jenn Maruska said...

Good for you for trying something new! And something tricky to boot.

I have one of those plastic bias tape makers that folds the fabric for you. I haven't tried it yet, but someday soon I will.

What are you going to make with your pretty new tape? : )