How to Make Continuous Bias Binding for Your Bag with One Fat Quarter
- Susan
- Sep 26
- 2 min read
Using bias tape in bag-making can be a subtle but very effective way to reinforce, finish, or decorate your seams and edges. In this FREE video tutorial, Jan Howell of You Make It Simple beautifully demonstrates how to make bias tape the easiest and quickest way. By creating your own bias tape, you can use matching prints to customize your bags. You can make five yards of bias tape using a single fat quarter of fabric!
Why It’s Useful for Bag-Making:
Edge finishing: Bias tape gives a clean, professional finish to raw edges inside and outside of a bag. This is particularly helpful for curved areas, like the top edge of a rounded tote.
Strengthening seams: Bags often carry weight, and bias tape can reinforce areas like seams near handles or openings to prevent fraying or stretching.
Decoration and Customization: Colored or patterned bias tape can add visual interest along edges, on flaps, or on straps.
Bias Tape Tips for Bag-Making:
Use a slightly heavier bias tape (canvas, cotton, or twill) for structural support, rather than very lightweight tape meant for garments.
Consider coordinating or contrasting colors for design impact.
For thick bag fabrics like canvas or denim, press the bias tape with an iron and pin or clip generously to avoid shifting.
Common Uses in Bags:
Watch now:
While making bias tape requires more time and effort, the improved finished look, combined with the personal satisfaction of a truly custom creation, makes the extra steps worth it for many sewists.
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