Friday Fun Fact: Cutting Bias Strips!

We're making bias strips!!

Ok, first of all, why make your own bias tape? There are plenty of reasons! 

It's better - factory-made bias tape almost always uses crummy poly-blend fabric.

Variety! You can choose almost any fabric!

Make it custom - you can match or coordinate with your project and make any width you need.

It's FUN! We're all makers because of the joy of doing! Let's make some bias tape!

Here's what you'll need:

- Fabric! 1/2 yard or fat quarter
- Clear gridded quilter's ruler
- Rotary cutter and mat OR chalk wheel and scissor

First, let's establish the true 45 degree bias (learn more about that here).

Align the ruler's 45 degree line with the selvage.

Rotary cut along the ruler's edge (OR chalk mark and use a scissor).



Now you've got a little triangle. We don't need that. Set it aside or toss it.

Now use your ruler to measure the strips you want to cut. We already established the true bias so just keep the ruler along that diagonal.

Use your rotary cutter to cut your strips OR a chalk wheel and scissor.

That's it! Now you've got bias strips!

But what about...

How wide should the strips be? That depends on how you're going to use it. Generally, cut 1" for single-fold bias tape and 1 1/2" for double-fold. 

Single-fold or double-fold? That depends on your project! The main thing is: double-fold shows, single-fold hides.
Look for more next week!

How big a triangle to cut off when you start? You don't actually need to cut much off at all. You can be stingy and only cut a tiny triangle, but you'll have to make more seams. Cut off a bigger triangle if you want to avoid seams.

What about continuous bias? That's definitely an option! We'll talk about the pros and cons of this technique in an upcoming Friday Fun Fact.

Next time, we'll show you how to join your strips correctly and how to use the bias tape!

See all our Fun Facts and tutorials here on the blog!