Fusible bias tape made easy with
Clover Bias Tape Maker Jennifer Houlden
Since I didn't fold over the edges of my pieces on any of the
shapes I made with the Carefree Curve templates the last couple
of days, I now need to find a way to secure the edges so that they
do not fray or lift. I could use a stitch such as satin or blanket to
secure each piece in place but those won't stand out very well. I
want something to stand out and create an edge on the curved
shapes I created, so I'll use fusible bias tape to edge each piece. I
could buy fusible bias tape or I could make my own to match the
fabrics exactly, since fusible bias tape is easy with the Clover bias
tape maker.
First things first is to choose the fabric that I want to make the tape
with and dark teal matches the deep teal in the feature fabrics. It
also goes well with the dark brown background.
I'm also going to need a bias tape maker and a roll of fusible which
I conveniently found at my LQS. I bought the 10mm width of
fusible tape which means I have to use the ½'' bias tape maker
from Clover. If I had purchased the 5mm fusible tape then I could
have used a ¼'' bias tape maker. The ½'' tape will outline the
shapes very nicely.
The best part about making my own bias tape is that I
can have it in any fabric and any color I want. The readymade fusible bias tape comes in very limited colors.
Cutting the bias fabric strips
To begin I need to cut some bias strips at a width of
15/16'' - just under an inch. The packaging for the tool
gives the width to cut for bias and straight. I have to
make bias tape as I'm going to be easing it around
curves and the bias tape is much more 'mouldable' than
the straight tape to curves.
To cut the strips I use a square piece of fabric. This one I
just happened to cut at 20'' as I know I'm going to need
a bit of fusible bias tape. I thought I would work small
for this week's project and once again I'm working at a
larger size. Well, I'm going to blame it on the templates
because the smallest they went was 6" plus I didn't want
any feature fabric left.
Trim off one corner at a 45° angle and then cut the strips
at the desired width.
Once all the strips have been cut they need to be
sewn together to make one long continuous piece.
Place together at right angles with right sides of fabric
together and a quarter inch hanging over each end.
Sew with a quarter inch seam allowance. Press and trim
off the dog ear.
QUILTsocial
.com
| issue 6
Cutting the bias fabric strips.
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