How to Use a Bias Tape Foot
A bias tape foot is a special presser foot that attaches to a sewing machine and allows a seamstress or tailor to attach single-fold bias tape to a fabric edge effortlessly and perfectly. A cone extends out from the front of the bias tape foot. Simply insert the bias tape into this cone and place the fabric in position within the cone. In this way, you can line up the fabric and the bias tape and hold them in place while you stitch.
Things You'll Need
- Bias tape foot
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Scissors
- Fabric with edge to bind
- Single-fold bias tape
Instructions
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1
Attach the bias tape foot to the sewing machine. Thread the machine with thread that will match the bias tape and the fabric.
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2
Cut the end of the bias tape at a 45-degree angle. This is necessary for inserting the bias tape into the cone of the bias tape foot. Insert the cut edge of the bias tape into the cone. One fold of the bias tape goes in the top guide of the cone and the bottom fold of the bias tape goes in the bottom guide of the cone. The fold of the bias tape goes on the right edge.
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3
Insert the fabric edge you are binding through the guide in the cone that is in the center. This will set up the fabric and the bias tape so the bias tape is in the correct position around the fabric for stitching.
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4
Set the machine to sew in a zigzag stitch or a straight stitch, whichever you prefer. Move the needle down manually to see where it will contact the fabric and make sure this point will be stitching between all three layers. Adjust the fabric if necessary so it is aligned properly.
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5
Begin stitching slowly, holding the fabric with your left hand and the bias tape with your right hand. As you stitch slowly, guide the fabric with your left hand and guide the bias tape into the cone with your right hand.
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Continue sewing slowly until you reach the end of the fabric you are binding. Stop stitching and back-stitch once. Remove the fabric and the bias tape from the bias tape foot and clip off the excess bias tape so it is even with the perpendicular edge of the fabric.
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