How to Make Your Own Bias Tape

How to Make Your Own Bias Tape

Bias tape is one of those simple finishing touches that immediately elevates a project. It gives raw edges — on necklines, blankets, hot pads, quilts, and more — a clean, smooth, professional finish that's both functional and decorative.

What makes bias tape special is how it's cut: on the bias (at a 45-degree angle to the grain). This diagonal cut gives the tape natural stretch and flexibility, allowing it to curve smoothly around edges without puckering or pulling.

A bias tape maker is optional but genuinely useful — both methods are covered below.

What You'll Need

• Fabric — a fat quarter works perfectly
• Rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat (or scissors)
• Iron and pressing surface
• Kolíky
• Bias tape maker (optional)

Step 1 — Prepare and Cut the Fabric

1. Square up your fabric so all edges are straight and even.
   
   
2. Fold diagonally corner to corner and finger press the fold to create a crease.
   
   
3. Cut along the diagonal crease line. This is your bias line — all strips will be cut parallel to this edge.
   
   
4. Cut your strips at twice the width of the finished bias tape you need. For example, if you want ½" finished tape, cut your strips 1" wide.
   
   

Step 2 — Join the Strips

5. Lay one strip right side up, point facing down. Take a second strip and lay it right side down, point facing up, perpendicular to the first. The angled ends should align and overlap at a right angle, forming a small square where they cross.
   
   
6. Pin and sew from corner to corner of that overlapping square using a ¼" seam allowance.
   
   
7. Trim the corner points close to the seam to reduce bulk.
   
   
8. Repeat steps 5–7 until all strips are joined into one continuous length. Press all seams open.
   
   

Step 3 — Fold the Tape

Without a Bias Tape Maker

9. Fold both long edges of the strip in toward the center so they meet in the middle. Press flat, using pins to hold the folds in place as you go.

• Single fold tape: You're done after this step.
• Double fold tape: Fold the tape in half lengthwise along the center and press again.

With a Bias Tape Maker

10. Feed the strip through the bias tape maker, pulling it through slowly while pressing with the iron just behind the maker. The tool folds both edges toward the center as it moves, creating single fold tape automatically.
    
    
11. For double fold tape, fold the pressed tape in half lengthwise and press again.
    
    

Single fold vs. double fold: Single fold tape is typically used for encasing raw edges where both sides will be visible — such as on blanket edges. Double fold tape wraps around the edge and is stitched down in one pass, making it quicker to apply and ideal for necklines and bindings.