How to Use Single Fold Bias Tape

Single fold bias tape is useful for finishing the edges of garments, like skirt hems and dress armholes. Unlike double fold tape, single fold bias is never seen in the finished garment, but is instead folded completely to the inside and secured to the back, creating a smooth seam or hem.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Single fold bias tape
• Garment to finish
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Scissors

1. Use the bias tape to measure around the length of the edge to be finished, and add an extra inch for insurance. Cut that length of single fold bias tape. Open up one fold of the tape and match up the raw edge with the raw edge of the garment, laying the tape along the outside of the garment. Pin this tape in place all along the entire raw edge. Don't skimp on the pins, especially if this is a curved edge to finish.

2. Sew along the fold line directly above the edge that has been pinned. Carefully ease the bias tape around the curves, making sure that there are no folds in the tape. Finish with overlapping the trailing edge of the tape about 1/2 an inch over the beginning edge.

3. Remove all the pins if you haven't already done so. Fold the bias tape into the inside of the garment along the seam line. This should result in the entire bias tape being on the inside of the garment, and the seam line being the new edge of the garment. Finger press this seam line closed for more control. Pin the bias tape in place. Sew along the leading edge of the bias tape, which is the unsewn fold in the tape. Press with an iron to finish when the seam is completely sewn.

Tips & Warnings

• For smaller garments, you can make your own bias tape from the garment fabric.
• Ease the tape carefully around curves to prevent twisting and bunching.

References

• Applying single fold bias to a skirt hem

Resources

• How to make bias tape