Using a Bias Tape Maker

This week’s podcast was about making your own bias tape.  Today I will show you how to use the Clover Bias Tape Maker.  You can win one of these, by sending me a picture of you making a continuous bias strip (see yesterday’s post for directions).  The drawing will be held on March 1st, so get me your pictures before then.

On the podcast I mentioned a great video I found on folding the fabric to make your bias strips.  Here it is.

Fast Tube by Casper

How to use the bias tape maker.

  Read the instruction on your bias tape maker.  Find out the maximum width your strip can be to fit into the tool.  These tools come in a variety of sizes from 1/4″ and larger.  The one I am using is a 3/4″ one.

   This is what it looks like from the end.  See the grove that the fabric will go into; a kind of “U” shape.

   Stuff the fabric in, right side down into the bias tape maker.  You may have to push, use a stilleto or pin in the top groove to move it or to pull it out the end.  I used a long pin to dig it out the other side.  This part is a bit difficult, but once you get it through, the device slides effortlessly along the tape.

  See how it comes out all ready folded?!  Wonderful.  Slide it out a little and pin the end to the ironing board to secure it.

 Pull the bias maker along the strip and press the folded fabric coming out.  Remember to go slowly to give the iron time to properly press.

   You can turn the iron to put as much surface space as possible on the strip.  But do not line up the tip of the iron with the center line.  I found that it “unfolded” the strip slightly.

  Of set the tip of the iron.  You get as much surface space but still maintain the fold.

  I found that if you lifted up the bias tape maker off the ironing board slightly it created a better fold coming out.

Tags: Bias Tape