Many projects, such as the pillowcase dresses recommended by Little Dresses for Africa, use bias tape. Bias tape can be used to finish necklines, sleeves, and jacket edges. It is a neat finish for placemats, blankets, small quilts, and many other projects. While you can buy ready-made bias tape in a variety of colors and widths, it is relatively simple to learn to make your own.
When you make your own bias tape you can match your project’s colors exactly and you can add a stylish touch by binding a project in a contrasting print. Making bias tape does take patience and so I recommend waiting until you are past the beginning sewer’s level before you try to make your first bias tape.
Bias tape is called bias because it is cut on the bias—the cross-grain of the fabric. This gives it more ‘give’ or stretch; you can sew bias tape around a curve.
