This tutorial teaches you how to match the beginning and end of your bias ribbon. With one almost invisible seam, perfectly positioned, your sewing will look great! The ideal technique for neck edges, sleeve edges, for the net edge on a blanket, or around a handkerchief cover. Bias ribbon, bias binding, whatever you want to call it, with this tutorial you will put the finishing touches on it!
Would you first like to learn the basic technique for attaching bias tape? We’ll be happy to explain that too, in this sewing secret!
Step 1: ironing
- Fold and press the bias tape in half over its entire length. Do this as accurately as possible.
Step 2: marking
To attach a bias tape all around, you need 3 marks, on the wrong side of the fabric:
- A mark in the middle. This is where the seam in your bias ribbon will eventually be.
- Two marks left and right of centre: about 3 cm apart from mark 1.
Marker 1 can also be level with a seam in your garment. For example, if you are hemming an armhole, you want the seam in your bias tape to be flush with the armpit seam. If you want to see that in action, check out the photos after step 9!
Step 3: getting started
- Fold the bias tape open completely.
- Pin the beginning of the ribbon to the fabric at mark 1, with the right side of the bias ribbon on the wrong side of the fabric. Make sure there is 1 cm of bias ribbon past the pin. (See picture.)
Step 4: baste stitching
- Start stitching at point 2. Stitch all around, in the gutter of the bias tape. This can be done with the regular sewing machine (photo 1) or with the overlock machine (photo 2).
- Stop sewing at point 3 and fasten.
STRETCHING
For a sleeve or neck opening, stretch the bias tape while stitching. It will then sit flat around the opening and not bulge outwards. The French Terry bias ribbon has limited elasticity and will therefore not bulge out as much. A little stretching is therefore sufficient!
Step 5: trimming
- Lay the bias tape flat to point 1, and cut at 1 cm past point 1.
Step 6: seam in the bias ribbon
- Fold the ends of the bias ribbon together so that the edges are against each other, right sides together, and stitch at 1 cm.
- Fold the fabric away a little, so that you do not stitch it together. You can use a line to indicate where you need to sew.
Step 7: ironing
- Regular sewing machine: Press open the seam of the bias ribbon.
- Serger : iron the seam of the bias ribbon to one side.
Step 8: completing the baste stitching
- Complete the seam in the gutter of the bias binding.
Step 9: finishing
- Fold the bias tape over the fabric edge and finish as described in the instructions for attaching bias tape.
Bias tape all round at a seam
Before attaching the bias tape, determine where the seam in the bias tape will be. It is often logical for that seam to be in line with a seam that is already present in your garment. In that case, point 1 will coincide with that seam.
TIP You can also do the baste stitching before attaching the bias tape all around. In that case, mark points 2 and 3 on the wrong side of the fabric first, 4 cm from the fabric edge. After the baste stitching, close the seam at 1 cm, thus creating point 1!
