How to Use Basting Tape for Sewing
The word "baste" is defined by The American Heritage College Dictionary as, "To sew with large running stitches to hold together temporarily." The advent of synthetic fibers and adhesives redefined the choices available to seamstresses on how to baste layers together when making clothing, home decorating projects, quilts and other sewn projects. Modern men and women can now use a double-sided adhesive basting tape to save time and improve their results instead of hand basting with needle and thread.
Instructions
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How to Use Basting Tape
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1
Determine what needs to be basted together. Basting tape can be used to hold two fabrics together before sewing them, instead of pinning; this is especially useful when the layers of fabric are too thick to pin together. Basting features such as pockets in place on a project, before sewing them on, allows prints such as plaids and stripes to be matched.
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2
Press the fabrics with an iron. If the layers are wrinkled when they are basted, they will be sewn together wrinkled, causing a change in fit and appearance.
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3
Firmly finger press the tape in place on one of the fabrics. The adhesive on the tape allows for it to be repositioned if needed.
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4
Position the other fabric layer on the basting tape and finger press firmly in place. Reposition if needed.
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5
Sew the layers together by hand or machine. Use a running, overcast or other stitch as needed for the best results.
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6
Remove the basting tape. It is not intended to be left in place, nor is it designed to be washed or dry-cleaned.
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Tips & Warnings
Some adhesive tapes are designed for permanent use. Read the tape packaging for use and washing instructions for the brand you're using.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
