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Crafts > Sewing on April 08, 2008

Applying Bias Tape to a Sewing Project

What is the correct way to apply bias tape to a sewn project so that the stitching doesn't show? I make my own bias borders for quilts so I'm not talking about the homemade tape, just the purchased tape. Thanks a bunch!

Lois from PA

By luckylolo

Answers: Applying Bias Tape to a Sewing Project

Read answers for this question below.
By
04/11/2008

You first sew the tape to the right side of the project. Open out the narrower side and put the original fold on the sewing line with the raw edge going toward the raw edge of the item. Sew it down the sewing line/opened out fold line.

Then fold the tape back along the original fold line which will now make the tape extend past the edge of the item and around to the wrong side. The bottom side is the wider side because if you want to stitch in the ditch from the front, you will be more likely to catch in the bottom side as you stitch. As the other responder said though, if you really want the stitching to be hidden, you'll want to slip stitch the back.

By Lois from PA (Guest Post) 04/08/2008

Thanks Kibby. I notice that one side of the tape is wider than the other. Which side do you sew back to back to the fabric first, the wider side or the narrower side, or does it matter?
Your original answer has helped me! :)

By
04/08/2008

Sew the tape to the item right sides together-like a seam Then turn bias tape to enclose the edge of item. Then you have to stitch close to the edge, but this will probably show. You could "stitch in the ditch," but this will show a little. Only no-show way is to slip stitch by hand.

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