Bias Binding Tape Making Kit - AU

Bias Binding Tape Making Kit

A "bias binding tape making kit" is a collection of specialized tools for sewists & Milliners alike, designed to simplify and improve the process of creating and applying bias tape. Bias tape is a strip of fabric cut on the diagonal (the "bias") to give it stretch, which is essential for finishing curved edges on garments, quilts, and other projects.

Here's a detailed breakdown of the components in the kit:

1. Bias Tape Makers (4 sizes)

These are the core of the kit. They are small, often funnel-shaped tools made of plastic or metal. The different sizes allow you to create bias tape of varying finished widths.

How they work: You feed a pre-cut strip of fabric into the wide end of the maker. As you pull the fabric through, the tool automatically folds the raw long edges inward toward the center.

• Purpose: This process ensures that your bias tape has perfectly symmetrical and consistent folds, which is nearly impossible to achieve by hand. The finished tape is then ironed to set the creases. This allows you to create custom bias tape that perfectly matches or contrasts with your project's fabric.

2. Sewing Machine Foot

This is a specialized presser foot, often called a bias binder foot or adjustable binder foot.

How it works: This foot attaches to your sewing machine and has a guide or channel built into it. As you sew, the bias tape is fed through this guide, which automatically holds and folds it around the edge of your fabric.

• Purpose: It ensures a neat, professional-looking application of the bias tape with a consistent seam allowance, saving you time and effort compared to pinning and sewing it by hand.

3. Brim Clips

Also known as "wonder clips" or "sewing clips," these are small, spring-loaded clips that are an alternative to using pins.

• How they work: You use them to hold the bias tape and fabric layers together before you sew. They are particularly useful for working with thick fabrics, multiple layers, or materials where pins might leave holes or be difficult to insert, such as vinyl or leather.

• Purpose: They provide a strong, temporary hold without damaging the fabric.

4. Pins

Standard sewing pins are included for temporarily holding the fabric in place.

• How they work: You can use them to secure the bias tape to the fabric before sewing, especially on long, straight edges where clips may not be as efficient.

5. Awl

An awl is a pointed, handled tool.

• How it works: In the context of a bias tape maker, the awl is used to help feed the end of the fabric strip into the narrow opening of the bias tape maker. It can also be used to guide the fabric as it comes out of the maker or to help position the tape under the sewing machine foot.

• Purpose: It provides a fine point for precision work, preventing you from fumbling with your fingers and potentially burning them with the iron.

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