also - which one to buy?
Every time I went into the local sewing shop to purchase binding, I always had to stop and think. What size do I need? What will it REALLY be when I fold it over again? I also wanted to be able to make my own binding to match my projects and to use up some of that fabric stash!
Practicing with a 2 inch Bias Tape Maker
I am a very visual person. Someone tells me to double and then half, and will end up with 1/4th that - I am lost. So to understand a little better how the tape makers work and which one I really need to buy, I headed to the sewing room with various sizes and the camera.
First I cut my fabric TWICE the size of the tape maker. This one is 2 inches, so I cut my bias strip 4 inches.
I cut a point on one end which helps feed it through the 'awl' of the binder. If you need to help it feed through use a stiletto or small screwdriver. Anything will help push. There is a nice groove in each of the bias tape makers for this purpose.
I begin pressing and when I have at least 6 inches, I pin to my ironing board. More like a nice third hand.
 After pressing, I now have binding that is exactly 2 inches. Now if I wanted to use it like this and not binding a raw edge, I have a perfect 2 inches which is exactly what my tape maker is.
Most of the time I am wanting to bind my raw edge, especially on my quilts.
When this 2 inch binding is folded over my raw edge, I will have 1 inch showing on each side.
 If I buy the 1/2 inch, after I pull it through and press, I will have that 1/2". But when folding over a raw edge, I now have 1/4" showing.
Simple rule -
Cut your bias strip TWICE the size of your tape maker.
When sewing over a raw edge, my results will be HALF the size of my tape maker.
Now, to start working on that baby quilt! Almost done and ready for binding.
Happy Sewing!
Charlene
Charlene Phillips
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