(Sorry, the contest is now closed.... though you're welcome to leave a comment if you like.)
It's Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway time again.
I love bias tape. It is so useful and so easy to use... finishing edges... finishing seams... And while the pre-packaged stuff has it's place and I use it often, I really like to have patterned bias tape as well. Enter one of my favorite little tools: the bias tape maker. This one make 3/4 inch bias tape and I will be giving one away at the end of this post.
But first, I thought some of you might like to see what it does if you've never used one before. I don't have a rotary cutter, nice cutting mats, or even a proper cutting table (I cut-out things on my floor), so if I can do this, so can you. Here is my admittedly quirky method.
Step 1: Lay out the fabric and fold a corner over to find the bias. The woven threads should be at right angles to the part you turned up.
Step 2: Using a ruler and some sort of marking instrument (I use tailor's chalk), start drawing lines about 1 1/4 inches wide. (The tape maker is for 3/4 inch tape, doubled that is 1 1/2 inches, but this is too thick so I subtract a quarter inch.) Keep drawing lines until you have as many strips as you need. Being careful to keep your fabric doubled, cut on the lines you've drawn.
Now you should have a big pile of bias strips.
Step 3: Now you sew the strips together. Take two and with right sides together, match-up the ends of two strips at right angles. (I cut my strips to make them square on the ends because it's easier for me to see how the strips fit together.) Sew corner to corner... I've drawn a line showing where the stitching line is.
Step 4: After you've sewn all the strips together, trim the seams.
When you open the seam to the right side, you'll see you have a long strip.
Step 5: Press the seams open.
Step 6: Take your bias tape maker and turn it upside down (the colored plastic part is the top) and slide the end of your bias strip into the slot right side up. I use my seam ripper to push the fabric through to the end.
Turn is over and pull the fabric all the way through and then begin to press the folds into place. This goes pretty quickly; pulling the tool with your left hand while pressing with your right.
I usually go over the bias tape once more with an iron just to be sure it is set, then you can either use it right away or wrap it on a piece of cardboard to save for a later day.
And now to the giveaway (finally... I know): I will be giving away one 3/4 inch bias tape maker, two patterned bias tapes (the aqua print is ~3 yards and the yellow is 5+ yards) and...
Two fat quarters so you can make your own bias tape right away. I've found one fat quarter will make at least 3 yards of bias tape.
How to win? Simple. Just leave a comment AND an email address. I don't even have a special question to ask... just say hi or tell me what you use bias tape for or your favorite method for fitting patterns (my particular obsession at the moment) or whatever pops into your head. The giveaway will be open until the end of the 25th, I'll randomly draw the winner on the 26th and let you know who won. I'll ship to the US and Canada.
I'll stop rambling now so you can get on your way to the next blog and see what's being given away there.
181 comments:
This is funny- I just messed up a project this afternoon (not thinking through a free internet pattern for lazy quilted placemats and didn't leave enough room on the back piece to bind the parts together) and was thinking about buying some bias tape to fix my mistake. amyk105atyahoodotcom
I have been reading through your blog like mad, after only recently checking it out. So much great stuff!! Thank you for sharing with us!
Erin
Serenityel2@gmail.com
Remind me to bring you directions for sewing a continuous bias strip, will save you time if you don't already know how to do it.
Annie G.
I've always been into making my own stuff- from bread and yoghurt to clothes, etc. But for some reason it never occurred to me to make bias tape! :) Thanks for the giveaway!
antonia (dot) rk (dot) hughes (at) gmail (dot) com
Great tutorial! I like using bias tape on mug rugs. Thanks so much for sharing with us! Have a great day!
Yes, I would love to win, never seen this item before, but love it make piping now there's a way to make tape. Wow, thanks for sharing this idea.
Great giveaway! I really need this tool. I am forever burning my fingers on my iron making bias tape! Great idea and instructions! gougeonathome@charter.net (Allison)
I just used bias tape for the first time the other day on some placemats. I'd love to try and make it myself.
So cool! I've been wanting to try the tape maker, but never have.
zucchinisummer at gmail dot com
Bias tape! It means I would sew...maybe. Once that piece of my room is clean.
P
Oh, I've been meaning to pick up one of these tools!
Hi! I like collecting bias tape and just looking at it - so much potential! :) Thanks for a chance to win!
kristinorth(at)mchsi(dot)com
Lovely tool!
Thanks for the giveaway!
pryor.jennie@gmail.com
too funny! i was thinking just this morning how badly i need to find one of these! i can't remember where i originally saw one, but i was all prepared to scour the internet for one today, and then i saw your giveaway :)
thanks for doing this!
melodygalloway at gmail dot com
I have been wanting one of these forever, but just keep forgetting to pick one up when I go to the craft store! Would be great to win it!
KellyCraftsforKids@gmail.com
i have been pining for a bias tape maker since i discovered their existence a few months ago! it's been on the list of "things i'd like to have" since then, hoping i'm lucky!
allison
allisonmdodge at gmail dot com
I love bias tape. Fun, fun!
kirkandalice at gmail dot com
My mom Would love this. Thanks for the giveaway.
Twilightatmorning@yahoo.com
Wow - I never knew this tool existed! blueberryblues5(at)gmail
This looks like a fun tool to have in my sewing box! It'd sure make fun borders for stuff I make for my toddler! Even a plain white terry cloth towel or burp cloth would be cute with patterned bias tape (some cute animal print fabric maybe?)
This sounds useful and the finished product would be much less boring than store-bought. Your blog is refreshing, thanks for the giveaway.
Stefanie
Dougkrueger@sbcglobal.net
i've yet to use bias tape but this makes it look so easy!
simply lovely! thanks for the entry!
Ooh, I love bias tape for finishing just about anything, and I would love to be able to make my own with this handy dandy tool!
-Lorene
just Lu
fun! that blue fabric matches my 1st quilt I'm making! my email is linked back to my profile. thanks for the chance to win!
What a lovely selection!
This would be nice...I'm thinking it would jump start my applique adventure--all those stems, easy to make?
wordygirl at earthlink dot net
I would love a better way to make some bias tape!
alisonDblanchard [at] yahoo [dot] com
love to give making my own bias tape a try. thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
does it really work? like for real? It seems too easy....
I've been wanting to make some bound baby blankets with voile and flannel, and one of these little babies would certainly make it simpler!
i need to make more bias strips-i always forget i love how they look on projects
Wow! Thanks so much for the tutorial!
I would love this little dohickey~ I love doodads! Thanks for the great step by step, I've never done this before. This would work great in a crazy quilt, I bet you could make fabric flowers and leaves with it, too!
Have a great day!
making my own bias tape is my new pastime, though I haven't tried it yet using a bias tape maker tool!
I always thought making your own bias tape would be complicated or something. Guess I was wrong. So many ideas now, I am all excited.
Thanks for the giveaway!
crazyncrafty (at) gmail (dot) com
I have never made bias tape before, but I've been wanting to try it, and I think this little tool would be so handy! Thanks for the great giveaway.
missa.moe@gmail.com
wow. i am in the middle of a pattern that i just read wants 12 yards (!) of bias tape. perfect timing
kcenya1950@gmail.com
I could totally use one of these!
skooksplayground[at]gmail[dot]com
this would come in so handy with my quilts
Very nice. Thank you :)
I've always wanted to make bias tape and this seems like the way to start!
bunnygrrl_61793(at)hotmail(dot)com
Ouu, I'd love this- I make bias by hand, and it's not so even :) hehe
candy at fiber dot net
I've been wanting to learn how to make bias tape for a long time! I'd love that handy tool, and your fabric and the tapes you've made for the package are lovely!
I really need one of these. I'm always making my own bias tape and burning my fingers doing it.
limor477 at aol dot com
I so want one of these! My JoAnns has been out the last few times I've checked. Thank you for the giveaway! :)
Hi!
ellaredstar(at)gmail(dot)com
I've seen the bias tape maker discussed on blogs, and would feel like my work has been cut in half if I had one of them. So count me in!
Great giveaway! I didn't know they made bias tape makers!! I just fold and pin! Ugh!! I'm hosting a giveaway too at www.gritsandgiggles.blogspot.com
I love making bias tape for little girly dresses, but I don't have a bias tape maker so it's a pain in the butt!
Great tutorial. I always wondered how those worked.
I've never made my own bias tape before so this prize would be awesome for me to get!
rachaelroyce [at] gmail [dot] com :)
thanks!
I've seen these tools before but never knew how to use them. Thanks for taking the time to show how it is done.
jmniffer at comcast dot net
Thanks, great giveaway. I've never actually used bias tape so this would be very exciting to win!
mindfulhome at gmail dot com
Cool, I've been wanting to try to make my own bias tape! Thanks for the great giveaway! megancparsons(at)gmail(dot)com
I've always wanted to try one of these to make bias tape. :)
Great tutorial and giveaway!
I was wondering how to make my own bias tape.
emgilley(at)hotmail(dot)com
Wow, great tutorial, I always think about getting one of these!
Thanks for the chance to win one.
SChalle171@aol.com
Thanks for the giveaway!
jmhamlin826 AT yahoo DOT com
OMG ! what a great give a way. And your tutorial is awesome!
Thanks for the giveaway- I have to confess, I always buy bias tape because I've never tried making it before.
Hi. I've been wanting one of these!
jessica (at) homfamily (dot) com
This would actually encourage me to use bias tape. :)
I've been resisting buying one of these for a while, since I know I don't really "need" it... but if I won one, now that's a different story!
Perfect giveaway! Eveyone needs these. Thanks for the tutorial too!!!
I need one!! Such a good idea for a giveaway!!
frostedveterinarynotions(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks!
I have recently been exposed to the joys of bias tape! I can't get enough. I have yet to purchase a bias tape maker of my own and this would be a perfect addition for my tiny sewing household. thanks!!
bsyb100 at gmail dot com
Thanks for the tutorial. I have always wondered how those work. I have a project that needs bias tape that is just waiting...
What a great tool! I avoid projects requiring bias tape because I don't like the boring solid colors it comes in! This would fix that :)
Thanks for the great tute & the great giveaway!
Sigh! Bias tape is so useful in so many ways. I don't have this particular tip, yet. I actually make it sometimes and then just wrap it and put it in my trim jar. Just to have. It makes me happy.
Oh shoot! My e-mail is redredreeves at aol dot com
I generally make my own binding (not with a tool) for quilts. Ive made a stained glass quilt about 15years ago using the premade tape. Thanks!
Thank you so much for your giveaway and helping me to understand bias tape!!
I finish off the edges of my apron projects with bias tape. Thanks for posting such a nifty tool!
This would be great to win - thanks for the chance! This is the perfect size for bias tape.
I use pattened bias tape as trim on lots of girl's dresses.Always adds to the look.
bc(underscore)hats(at)hotmail(com
I just saw someone using this and was amazed! How easy! That is only part of quilting that was just tedious. I hope I win:) Thanks for the chance! thurbs8(at)yahoo(dot)com.
I like this giveaway. so much fun. thanks
Love it!
That seems simple enough! Thanks for the tutorial and the great prize! jinglesells at gmail dot com
Oh my gosh! I've always wanted a bias tape maker. And you have a tutorial to go with it? Too cool. Thanks for the chance.
great idea! i could really use this! i have been making a lot of bunting lately for kids!
asdrexler at gmail dot com
A bias tape maker would be awesome to have. I find it is such a pain in the butt to make by hand.
Thank you for the chance to enter your giveaway. :)
modernwench @ gmail.com
Somehow I never think to make my own bias tape, always using the plain colors in the pre-made versions. Would love to win this and try making my own!
Thank you for the giveaway!
jenb0799 (at) gmail (dot) com
Wow!
What a clever tool! I had no idea there was such a thing!
RP from BBC {at} gmail {dot} com
Awesome giveaway! I have been looking for a bias tape maker, but I haven't been able to find one... It's weird! Thanks a lot!
I love this little tutorial!
sraegreen(at)gmail(dot)com
Hello, Neat giveaway. I suspect that many of us that don't already have a bias tape maker don't know what we are missing. Thanks for the chance to win. Linda
rodlindafansler(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for a great giveaway! ~Paige izazbz at yahoo dot com
thanks for the giveaway. i have always wanted to get one of those.
Love the mini tutorial on making bias tape. Thanks for participating in the SMS Giveaway Day. pennyguglie@aol.com
You make bias tape making look easy. Thanks for the chance to win. melissalvly@gmail.com
bias tape is wonderful for so many things! thanks for the chance to win!
jacy468 at aim dot com
Wow I think I am in love with this tool! I hope I win
I've made bias tape before, but ironed it by hand. I have wanted to try this tool
I've made bias tape before, but ironed it by hand. I've been meaning to try this tool!
smooze13 (at) aol (dot) com
hey :)
looks like something fun to learn!! :D
Jenny
jennifer(dot)holmes(at)rbc(dot)com
Wow, what an amazing little tool! I am pretty new to the sewing/ quilting world, so have never seen this before. I did handmake some binding for a table runner I made in the fall. This tool would have been a great help!
I've really been wanting to try this! I'd use it on a wraparound (1970s style) skirt, for sure! I'm having a giveaway of vintage sewing stuff on my blog, Foziewisp. Please stop by! Thanks!
Hello,
I have been eyeing some of those bias tape makers. If I win I will find out if I like using them!
Thanks for the giveaway!
robyn.geddes(at)gmail.com
thanks for the giveaway
radiyas(at)gmail(dot)com
What a great little tool, I didn't even know it existed. A great time saver!
Thanks fir the chance!
Thanks for the tutorial on how to use one of these puppies! For some reason, I always pick them up in the store and then put them back down because they intimidate me. Now it doesn't look so hard!
i love bias tape! thanks for participating in the giveaway!
What a great giveaway! I've never used one before. Looks great! Thanks for participating in SMS Giveaway Day.
It is my oldest son's birthday. he is 11. He is the oldest of five kids. I love to create.
Oh -- I have been wanting one of these so bad. I love that you showed how to use it -- I've been curious.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com
That is an awesome tool! I make charity quilts, so I could really use that a lot! I promise I would give it a good home. Thanks for the chance to win!
Jacque in SC
quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com
I've always wanted to try a bias tape maker. I learned how to DIY one (with a long needle and your ironing board), but I've wanted to see if a real one would be easier!
What a great giveaway! Thank you :) radasa873[at]gmail[dot]com
Looks like fun! I hate buying bias tape. Great tool.
craftsinbloom at gmail dot com
This is so neat! I haven't seen a tool like this before and would love to put it to use!
What a neat giveaway! I'd love to try the bias tape maker!
great way to make it for skirts, aprons, quilts...lovely thanks!!d
Cool, thank you!
This looks awesome! Thanks!
I've been wanting one of these gadgets; thanks so much for the chance!
I recently discovered my newest favorite low-tech sewing tool--my wants-to-help toddler girl. I sit her on top of pattern and paper, and cut--no pins needed!
Lovely! Thanks for the chance.
lovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com
Oh, I've always wanted to try one of those. I've just gotten into creating my own binding and it should does look like it would make things easier. Thanks for the chance to win!
jansie(at)gmail(dot)com
I really want one of these to use for blankie bindings! Thanks for the chance to win!
I've always wanted to know how those worked. Thanks!
Good giveaway, I bet this little gadget would make my life much easier, lol! Thanks for the chance to win!
okiedokiemama at yahoo dot com
Oh, I've been wanting to try this! So thoughtful of you to tell us how to use it as well! Hooray!
pa7oma(at)yahoo(dot)com(dot)mx
I just saw one of these today! Looks really cool. I've never made my own bias tape before, but I'd love to try! Thanks for the giveaway as well as the tutorial!
Email is in my profile. :)
This is one of the coolest tools ever, I think!
crystalarcand (at) gmail (dot) com
WOW what a GREAT tool! I make bias binding apparently the hard way hahaha! Thanks for the chance to win!
I have a 2 inch bias tape maker that I love! I recently made bias tape to bind a toy car mat that I made for my son.
emilycmeyer at gmail dot com
I like to use bias tape to make little bags, including the handles.
Oooh a bias tape maker is on my wish list! I was eyeing one the other day! katiefewell(at)gmail(dot)com
Beautiful bias tapes. I love bias tape, and I love making it! Thank you for the giveaway! serenakate at gmail dot com
Cool. I've never made my own bias tape, but it makes a project so much nicer. I'd love to try. kristie_keely(at)yahoo(d0t)com
I have been wanting one of these!!
I just said the other day I wanted a bias tape maker.
anna [at] 64colorbox [dot] com
Wow, this is so cool! I've never seen one before!
reneelasater(at)hotmail(dot)com
I've never seen anything like this before. Cool!
I have never used one of those tools. Would love to win it and start making my own tape!
atouchofheaven2010[at]gmail[dot]com
Mary B
Wow - that's pretty cool! taleah at roknor dot com
I like to use bias tape around arm holes and on hems.
What a great little tool. Bias tape would be so much easier! I use it primarily on my bags/purses.
Great item! acarp [at] swbell [dot] net
Thanks for the giveaway.
rascarborough (at) gmail (dot) com
Thanks for the chance to win! What a great giveaway. I love making my own bias tape.
Ly
lyannab(at)gmail(dot)com
I love making bias tape! I could actually make it nicely if I had one of these! Now I just do it the old fashioned way, with my (burnt) fingers and the iron.
Thanks!
mtrand2 at gmail dot com
How neat! I've seen those in the store, but never purchased one. Thank you for a chance to win!
I just got a half inch bias tape maker. Boy that tape is tiny! Other than that I have always done it by hand. I'd love to add a 3/4 inch maker to my equipment. And some already done? Even better. I think a bias-tape themed giveaway is really nice.
wisecricket(at)gmail(dot)com
great giveaway! my next project is making bias tape, hurray. i use it to bind quilts.
A bias tape maker is on my sewing wish list. Thanks for the giveaway!
Looking forward to try to make continuous bias tape and this tool would come in handy!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. This one is fabulous!
I have always wanted to try the bias tape maker!!!
Great giveaway. Thanks!
I'm brand new to sewing and loving it so much.
Thanks for the generous giveaway!
catherine(dot)alley(at)gmail(dot)com
THanks for the great giveaway and tute... I have been wondering about it and woudl love to try it! Thanks
I had to read back through your blog to make sure you aren't the same homeschooling mom with some adopted kids who lives in an ugly house in Evanston that I know from CBS! Are there more than one of you?! Patty? :)
I'm on the fince about buying the bias tap maker from Amazon.com. Hopefully I'll win and find that your method is better an cheaper.
Anyway thanks for the giveaway. Hello from Chicago and if you want to know more about your stunt double Patty, email me.
liz at mommysaidsew dot com
I like to use bias tape on potholders--so much cuter when you can make your own from fun fabric!
stephkucera (at) hotmail (dot) com
Thank you for the giveaway. It looks so easy making bias tape with this. No more burnt fingers. :)
That would be a good prize! I've read tutorials before on how to make bias tape, but it looked like too much work if you didn't have the tool dealie! :P
Thanks for the giveaway!
british(dot)mom@gmail(dot)com
this would come in so handy! I'd use it to hem a girls skirt.
I have never made my own bias tape because I don't have one of these cool little tools. I so often wish that I did. I use bias tape for a lot of my projects. Thanks for the chance to win!
I use bias tape for wallets and armholes :). I've always wanted to try on of these. Thanks for doing this :)
I love homemade bias tape! Great idea for a giveaway, thanks for the chance to win!
i love bias tape! especially like patterned fun ones! :-)
That looks so cool - I hope I win! :) Thanks!
I love bias tape!! Thanks for a good giveaway!!
great giveaway!
very handy
This would be great to use!
Hi! Thanks for sharing with us.
lindsay dot forgette at gmail dot com
This would be an awesome tool to have around!
lydia(dot)hirschi(at)gmail(dot)com
I almost bought one of these the other day.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway! I would LOVE to have a bias tape maker!
I love little gadgets like that. me (dot)burke (at)live (dot) com
thanks for the quick tutorial and a chance to win. Have a great day!
i must admit, i've been lusting after a bias tape maker for a while. i trim bibs in bias tape and matching the more colorful fabrics is a pain!
thanks for the giveaway! mnethia [at] yahoo [dot] com
I would love to win this. I have wanted a bias tape maker for a long time.
That's so cool! I've never seen a bias tape maker before and thanks for the tutorial.
helenhsin(at)yahoo(dot)com
I've never seen one of these before but it seems like such a handy gadget. I have so many projects on my to-do list that use bias tape so this would be perfect!
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