Burda Style For people who sew

This technique is one of the basic know-hows, when it comes to finishing raw edges with a bias tape. It can be used on huge variety of projects- from clothing to household items. Bias tape or bias binding is a narrow strip of fabric, cut on the bias (UK cross-grain). The strip's fibers, being at 45 degrees to the length of the strip, makes it stretchier as well as more fluid and more drapeable compared to a strip that is cut on the grain. Before applying the bias, it is a good practise to prep it by stretching it under the steam (using your iron). It is trickier when the bias tape is pre-made (commercial) as you might have to fold and press it back to shape. In case of a pre-made tape, try pulling it lengthwise to stretch. The prepped bias will be narrower than unprepped version, but it will be ready to apply to the garment without the risk of it pulling the fabric or distorting the shape later on. It is absolutely vital to prep the bias for finishing curved edges, like armholes and necklines. However in this tutorial we will be looking at finishing the edges with 90 corners,to easily achieve a neat mitered corner look.