When you are purchasing your bias maker, pay attention to the "mouth" Can you see the difference here?
These are both the 1/4" bias tape makers, but the one with the big open mouth won't work for this. The one on the right is what you want to look for........mine is made by Clover and works wonderfully.Begin by cutting your fabric strips slightly wider than a half inch
Dampen your strip with spray starch or Best Press, then press as you guide the fabric through the bias maker.
You now have some nice 1/4 in stems.
but wait...........want them even skinnier? Fold them in half and press once again.
Your raw edges are trapped inside and you now have a very narrow bias strip that can be easily curved for the most graceful, narrowest of stems
13 comments:
Linda M. Poole takes this one step further. She uses the bias maker that you can easily iron on fusible web at the same time as you make it. Then when you fold the 1/4" in half you'll press it together with the fusible web in the centre.
I made some 1/8" myself for a recent project, and found it really difficult to stitch through. I think I make have starched the fabric too stiff before making the bias or used too much glue (not Lapel) when attaching the pieces to my background fabric. Will definitely try it again.
Yes I have one that has the web capability = also by Clover - it's great for pumpkin stems!
So many tricks! I remember making my Baltimore Album quilt and using a bias bar, stitching a tube then inserting the bar and ironing the seam flat down the middle of the strip. Oh we thought we were so clever! I love that there is always something new to learn and talented ladies like you to show us the latest and greatest. Now should I make another Baltimore Album quilt to use this new skill?
Happy Sewing
I have some of those bias bar things -- used them exactly once. I have seen the bias strip makers you're using in the stores and thought, "hmmm..." -- now I'm thinking, "well, I bet I could use skinny bias strips for something." Thanks for the tute!
Great tip, thank you!
I used one of these to make my Celtic knot piece a year or so ago. They are awesome tools. I used 1/4 inch tape but I love the idea of folding it in half and having it be 1/8 inch. I hand applique it onto my background. Very easy and fun.
Wonderful tutorial Jill - I now know what I need next :)
Your strips to stems are just perfection. Thank you for sharing your techinques. Amazing...
Wish I had read this before I bought mine. Got the big mouth one and I don't like it at all. I might just look for the other model and give it a go.
I've always wondered how to get the strips so clean and even. Thanks for sharing. Will have to get me one of those! :)
I've seen these but never tried them. A friend has a set and I need to check them out. Looks like it would be good on art quilts for tons of designs.
Very informative blog - thanks for sharing all these tips and tools.
I LOVE my bias makers. I won't even make binding without them anymore.
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