Introduction
Hey there, Reader Davegreco.com! Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of sewing and learn how to make bias strips for piping? This essential skill will take your sewing projects to the next level, adding beautiful finishing touches and professional-looking details. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, offering useful tips and tricks along the way. So grab your fabric and let’s get started!
In sewing, bias strips are long, thin strips of fabric cut on the bias, which means at a 45-degree angle to the selvage. Bias strips are incredibly versatile and can be used for many purposes, but in this guide, we’ll focus on using them for piping. Piping adds a decorative and structured element to your sewing projects, and with homemade bias strips, you have full creative control over colors, patterns, and fabric choices.
Getting Started: Tools and Materials
Before we jump into the step-by-step process, let’s first gather the tools and materials you’ll need to make bias strips for piping:
- Fabric of your choice
- Rotary cutter or fabric scissors
- Cutting mat
- Acrylic ruler
- Chalk or fabric marker
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Pins or clips
- Iron and ironing board
Once you have all your tools and materials ready, it’s time to move on to the next step!
Step 1: Choosing the Right Fabric
The first crucial step in making bias strips for piping is selecting the right fabric. While you can use any fabric you like, some fabrics work better than others. For piping, it’s best to choose a lightweight and tightly woven fabric, such as cotton or silk. These fabrics will ensure that the piping holds its shape and gives a polished finish to your project.
Additionally, consider the color and pattern of your fabric. If you want the bias strips to blend in with the main fabric, choose a fabric that matches or complements it. On the other hand, if you want to create a bold contrast, select a fabric that stands out.
Step 2: Cutting Bias Strips
Now that you’ve chosen your fabric, it’s time to cut bias strips. The key here is to cut the fabric on the bias, which allows the strips to have stretch and flexibility. Follow these steps:
- Start by folding your fabric diagonally, aligning the selvages and creating a right angle.
- Use your ruler and chalk or fabric marker to draw parallel lines in the desired width of your bias strips. For piping, a width of around 1.5 inches works well, but you can adjust it based on your preference.
- Carefully cut along the marked lines using a rotary cutter or fabric scissors. Be precise and ensure straight cuts.
- Continue cutting bias strips until you have enough for your project. Keep in mind that bias strips shrink when sewn, so you’ll need more fabric than your desired finished length.
Once your bias strips are cut, it’s time to move on to the next step: sewing them together!
Step 3: Sewing Bias Strips Together
In most cases, your desired finished length of bias strip won’t match the length of your fabric strips. Don’t worry; you’ll join them together to create longer bias strips. Here’s how:
- Lay two bias strips right sides together at a 90-degree angle, ensuring the ends overlap by at least an inch.
- Pin or clip the strips together to secure them. Then, sew a diagonal line from the top left corner to the bottom right corner.
- Trim the excess fabric, leaving a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Press the seam open with an iron.
- Repeat the process for additional strips until you achieve the desired length for your project.
Now that your bias strips are joined together, it’s time to make them into piping!
Conclusion
Congratulations, Reader Davegreco.com! You’ve successfully learned how to make bias strips for piping. With these skills, you’ll be able to add a professional touch to all your sewing projects. Remember to experiment with different fabrics, colors, and patterns to create unique piping that reflects your personal style. If you’re hungry for more sewing tips and tutorials, make sure to check out our other articles. Happy sewing!
