Introduction to Using Bias Tape for Knits: What It Is and Why You Should Try It
Bias Tape is a type of tape or fabric used to finish and trim knitwear creations. It comes in many different types, widths, and colors, and can be used to add a unique touch to any piece of apparel. In this blog, we’ll explore what bias tape is, why you should use it for your knitwear projects, and some tips for how to master using it.
At its most basic level, bias tape is strips of fabric cut on the diagonal from a large square or rectangle of fabric. This cut allows the fabric to naturally contour around corners and curves by stretching slightly when placed on those surfaces. Bias tape also has the added benefit of not fraying or rolling like other fabrics when cut; this makes creating clean edges without having to sew along them easy and efficient.
The main reason for using bias tape on knitwear projects is that it will help reinforce seams while adding strength in high wear areas such as cuffs and hems. When applied correctly, bias tape will help support stretchy knits while ensuring they still cling comfortably close to the skin and give you room to move freely during activity. Additionally, adding decorative touches such as piping or small details can completely change the look of an otherwise plain garment!
If you’ve never tried out working with bias tape before don’t worry – it’s actually much easier than expected! Start by pre-washing your fabric before cutting so that there are no shrinking surprises later down the line – even if your project says washable dry clean at home fabrics still need extra attention here! Then measure out a length twice as long as you want your finished result (plus ½ inch) including seam allowance; this will give you plenty of room for adjusting after sewing if needed. Finally calculate your scale then mark deductions where necessary with chalk before moving ahead with stitching!
When stitching onto knits work slowly starting from the outside edge towards the center making sure
How to Prepare Bias Tape for Use on Knits
Bias tape is an essential tool for creating neat and professional-looking edges in sewing projects of all kinds. Whether you’re binding upholstery edges or finishing off a garment’s hems, bias tape lends an extra touch of elegance to any stitch. However, due to its delicate nature and closeness to the item you’re working on, attaching bias tape correctly can be tricky. This is especially true when it comes to knits, where incorrect attaching can easily lead to fraying and a poor overall finish. To avoid this, proper preparatory steps must be taken before you start stitching.
First and foremost, always begin with the right type of bias tape for your project. Single fold bias tape is ideal for lightweight fabrics such as cotton and silk, while double fold will work better for heavier ones like denim and canvas. Secondly, remember that pressing completes preparation – so make sure to press your fabric before cutting out the bias tape length accordingly. When it comes to more intricate details, try steam shaping curves by holding the running iron over them lightly instead of applying pressure directly on the fabric.
It helps if you pre-mark your points with tailor’s chalk or pins beforehand too; these are especially useful when dealing with tight curves as both will provide additional guidance when stitching around them afterwards. To apply particularly stubborn seams without wrinkles forming in between them two separate pieces of bias tape should be used; cut each piece as far apart from each other on either side as possible so that they overlap just enough but not too much when stitched together (too much overlap causes tension).
Once you’ve got those basics down pat using traditional non-stretchy fabrics – like quilting cottons – then you can move onto knobbles and pique weaves like Lycra or knitwear materials (where conventional methods might not hold up). For these thicker fabrics simply zigzag stitch along their folded edges
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Apply Bias Tape Effortlessly
Bias tape is a great way to spruce up the edges of any fabric. Whether you’re sewing a new key fob, or giving an old tablecloth a much-needed makeover, applying bias tape can add that extra special something. But it’s all too easy for your project to end in frustration as applying bias tape isn’t always as straightforward as it looks!
So let’s take a look at how to apply bias tape effortlessly in seven simple steps. Before getting started, however, you should note that the type of needle and thread you use will depend on the thickness of your fabric and bias tape — be sure to prepare accordingly! Now then, let’s get making:
Step 1: Measure & Cut Your Bias Tape
Start by measuring out your piece of bias tape according to the size of your project — keep in mind that leaving too much excess tape may cause some kinks you don’t want near the finished product! Cut the right amount and unfold if needed so that both edges are perfectly flush with each other.
Step 2: Pin Bias Tape
With your ends aligned, place pins along either side of one end of the fabric and securely pin them into place by simply hand pressing along each side and secure each pin through its entirety. This helps maintain an even and consistent seam line between both pieces — allowing for seamless binding afterwards. Positioning here is critical; be sure not to miss any areas!
Step 3: Sew Bias Tape Edges Down
Now grab (or wind!) your thread onto your machine’s spool or bobbin depending on where it needs to go before turning on your machine. With the stitch setting set at medium tension (around 3-4), begin topstitching along just inside one edge while keeping an eye out for any earmarks or puckers ensuring that they stay away from our main focus area. Stitch all around until
Common Questions and Troubleshooting Tips for Applying Bias Tape
Bias tape is one of the most common accessories used in garment construction, and one that can often cause confusion for sewers. Applying bias tape can be tricky, but with a little practice, you can have your projects looking neat and professional! Here are some common questions and troubleshooting tips to help you master this technique:
Q: What is bias tape?
A: Bias tape is a narrow strip of fabric cut on the bias – meaning diagonally across the grain – for added flexibility. It’s usually 1/2-inch wide and can easily be found in stores in various colors, widths, weights and finishes.
Q: How do I attach bias tape to my project?
A: First, always pre-wash your fabric before cutting so that any future shrinking won’t affect your project. Then use pinking shears or regular scissors to trim away excess seam allowance from around raw edges; this will help reduce bulk. Measure where you want to apply the bias tape and mark it before pressing it along with an iron set at low heat. To secure it in place use pins or clips along the foldline if necessary. Finally topstitch close to the edge on both sides of the bias taped fabric!
Q: My edge isn’t quite straight when applying bias tape — what do I do?
A: Start by checking each pin placement as you go — this helps eliminate puckering or bubbling between pins which causes misalignment. Once complete smoothly press everything into place using a hot iron (test an inconspicuous part first). If there’s still some wonkiness simply unpick those last few stitches and start over! Also try using starch spray for easier maneuverability when making your design adjustments during application time; it’ll help ensure accuracy & precision from start to finish!
Q: What types of fabrics work best with bias tape?
A: Generally speaking
Examples of Finished Projects Showcasing the Use of Bias Tape on Knits
Bias tape can be used to completely transform the look of any knit garment. A good way to show off the versatility of bias tape in knits is by featuring examples of completed projects where this technique was implemented.
One great example would be using bias tape for a unique finish on necklines, sleeve hems, and plackets. Bias tape gives knits a neat, polished look that’s hard to beat. You can use it to trim any neckline or placket, give hem flutter an edge that won’t fray and looks just as neat after being washed multiple times, or create consistent and attractive increases when turning sweaters inside out.
For something a little more advanced and unexpected you could use solid color bias tapes along with intricate motifs like flowers, butterflies or bows. Instead of struggling with complex intarsia techniques or hand stitching lots of small motifs, you can stitch multiple pieces of pre-made bias tape onto your fabric creates an eye-catching design without all the work.
Another great way to add a touch of modern style is by using contrast material for bias tapes .Using high contrast materials against complementing shades from your knit fabric helps draw attention in all the right ways while making sure your project doesn’t look too busy or overwhelming. You could even experiment with patterns within patterns by alternating sizes and styles of strips placed strategically next to each other such as argyle prints versus stripes or gingham checkerboard designs mixed alongside one another—the options are truly endless!
Finally showcasing various techniques involving appliqué is a fantastic way to highlight the impact simpler forms of embellishments have when combined with crafts like knitting and crocheting. This type of construction opens up several possibilities including adding decorative patches into pockets, creating shoulder cutouts backed in complimentary hues, adding details around armholes and along sleeves edges—the opportunities are virtually unlimited! With each project bring forth new possibilities
Conclusion: Reasons to Utilize Bias Tape When Working with Knits
There is perhaps no sewing task more trying than working with knits. Knits can be notoriously difficult to shape and stabilize, but luckily bias tape has our backs as a go-to solution for keeping knits in line. Bias tape is basically fabric that has been cut into thin strips at an ergonomic angle (usually 45-degrees) in order to provide the most amount of give possible within the seams of your project. This makes it incredibly versatile, both in terms of its application and usability when dealing with knits.
Here are just a few reasons why bias tapes should be one of the mainstays in any sewer’s closet:
Stabilizing Seams: From necklines to cuffs, you can use bias tapes to stabilize knit fabrics, making them easier to work with while also preventing distortion or shifting of stitches after washing. Bias tapes can be used wherever extra stability is needed—designers especially recommend using them along waistbands and armhole facings where even the slightest bit of movement between two fabrics can cause permanent damage (and unsightly puckering). You don’t even have to permanently attach your bias tape; simply placing it on top of raw edges like hems and facings will help control unwanted bunching and warping over time.
Creating Clean Edges: Raw edges on knit fabrics often tend to roll up onto themselves once sewn due to their tendency towards stretchiness. Using bias tape around those edges creates clean lines that keep everything from unraveling or losing its shape prematurely—or worse yet, leaving an unseemly fringe!
Hiding Unsightly Fabric Edges: For projects on which fabric meeting points create undesirable aesthetic results (think back darts), you might find yourself reaching for some additional techniques like pressing under small amounts of single-fold binding as a way of hiding ugly spot welds or rough fabric boundaries between pieces. Bias tape helps make this
