You may have noticed that i really really like bias binding tape. It features in a couple of patterns for good reason – the Darling Ranges dress, the Banksia top, the Crescent blouse and the Eucalypt tank- it’s just seriously awesome. the end.

Oh you need more explanation than that?! hehe Ok, lets chat. Incase you haven’t yet discovered the joy that is bias tape – here’s the run down, it’s basically a strip of fabric cut on a 45 degree angle with the edges pressed in to make it easy to use. Look i made a picture :)

Why is it awesome? It’s awesome because since the strip is cut on the 45 degree angle, it has some stretch to it, which means it can conform beautifully to curves (making your life easier) and more than that, it makes finishing the raw edges on many garments a breeze (your life easier again). No it can’t do everything, but it can do a lot.

So what can you do with bias tape? Well a lot :) I like to use it instead of facings a lot. I have a personal hatred for facings – i think they look icky, they’re generally a pain to sew – and even worse a pain to wash (please tell me i’m not the only one whose facings turn inside out and get all crazy after going through the washing machine?!). I use it on necklines and armsyces the most often – and i like that you can get a nice clean edge and completely enclose the raw edge. My second favourite use for bias tape is hemming – it’s fantastic for curved hems, and if you accidently cut your skirt or pants too short – you can use bias tape as a teeny tiny hem on the inside.   It also makes a pretty cool design detail – since it conforms so easily you can top stitch it on pretty much anything to create an interesting design. It’s also a favourite for quilters and crafters who use it to bind the edges of quilts and pot holders and cute stuff like that. But sometimes – i also like to use it to cheat :) It can make  pretty good simple straps for dresses – wide tape is a nice cheat for a waistband.

And you can make it yourself! i know, how cool is that? There is something alluring about buying bias tape because it’s so cheap and convenient – but i love home made bias tape so much more because it’s just so much cuter, and you can match it perfectly to your garment, which is pretty darn cool. There’s something so satisfying about a garment that’s pretty on the inside and outside. But i think the even more surprising point is that is super cheap – you can get more bias out of yard of fabric than you could buy premade for the same amount. But most of the time, it can be free. yeah free! Lately my favourite thing to do with cute fabric scraps is to cut them on the bias and make some quick bias tape – i save it for later, and then when i want to sew i have something cute waiting for me! I almost never have a project where i don’t have enough fabric left over to make matching bias.

Ready to learn how to make some? Have i convinced you that you need bias tape in your life?! i promise its easy! Click through for instructions!

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