SEWdown: Two Methods for Making Bias Tape Go Head to Head (Part 1)

Which technique is best? You decide!
Pressing Bias Tape
00:00 - The Challenge!
00:58 - Sarai's method
02:48 - Haley's method
04:13 - Pros & Cons of each method
05:34 - Bloopers
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[@SeamworkVideo]

Tell us which method you prefer! And if you want to see more SEWdown videos, let us know that too!

[@jackiejohnson4988]

I definitely like the bias tape tool to make bias tape BUT if you prefer to make bias tape in an unusual size, it’s nice to know an alternative method!

[@jacquelynsmith5255]

The bias tape tool. Tools to help you that is user friendly and saves time is worth the small amount of money. Variety packs are very reasonable. Haley you got this one

[@stephaniewilbur9748]

Cute and fun - let’s just say it lessened the ‘fear’ I had of making my own tape :-)!!

[@physioontheriver7325]

The bias tape maker wins hands down in my book! Diana

[@miriamcihal8409]

One of my bias tape makers wouldn’t let the fabric pass through. It was super frustrating so I glad to know an alternative! So it’s a tie for me!

[@carolinedelisle589]

I prefer my bias tape maker but Sarai’s method is a very inventing back-up way.

[@deeztube1]

Haley's method is my favorite because it's easier for me than the pin. But I'm also very new to sewing. Thank you for the great videos with outtakes. Please keep them coming!

[@SeamworkVideo]

You are so welcome! So glad you're enjoying them!

[@joylittle3917]

Bias tape maker is my own method--but, it is nice to know that another exists! Haley gets my vote.

[@sewonsister]

I love this. So, I have never seen Sarai's way before. One of the things I love about the sewing community is all the cool stuff I learn from everyone else. I have had bad experiences trying to feed my bias tape through a maker before (it was probably too wide). So I am voting for Sarai's way. Do more of these sew downs please.

[@patricerolison4557]

The bias tape tool is great to use, my preferred choice.

[@robyn3349]

Bias tape maker for me. More 'Sew downs' please!

[@wychheart]

I like, and use Haleys method. It is quicker, more precise and can be done in multiple sizes!

[@Haloann]

I instantly like the sewdowns! I have bias tape makers and do prefer them, but this was very informative! Sarai's method is good to know too.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@cathanina1]

I love my bias tape makers! Threading it is much easier if you cut the beginning of your bias strip on an angle and then use an awl or pin to push it through

[@SeamworkVideo]

Great tip, thanks!

[@jenniferdesrosiers2585]

Team Haley all the way! ;) I've done both and just get better results with the tool. Great video!

[@sherryvanrijn5453]

Team Hayley on this one, but both are cool! Now I have two options. :)

[@WellItsComplicated-oz6tj]

I love this format! Haley's enthusiasm won me over, honestly, so I vote for H's method. I liked watching two different techniques and learning the pros and cons of both. When I make binding tape (straight-grain, for binding quilts) honestly I've done it by hand so far, no tools or pins but I finger-press, then use a point turner or something similar to hold the fabric in place while I press so I don't burn my hands. But like everyone else, always happy to have more tools in my sewing toolbox -- especially if I have to make actual bias tape! More sewdowns, love the energy and friendly competition!

[@SeamworkVideo]

So glad you liked the sewdown!

[@lisawunderlich5131]

Sarai gets my vote! (Although I just fell a little in love with the bias tape maker)… MORE SEWDOWNS, PLEASE!!!

[@kellyfernando8499]

I like the versatility of Sarai's method. I'd never heard of it before today and so have one of those kits with various sizes in it. This was also my first Seamwork video and I've just subscribed. :-)

[@SeamworkVideo]

Welcome! Thanks for subscribing!

[@auntiezann5146]

I love a bias tape maker and generally use one. But my sister who only sews occasionally, needed to make bias tape and found Sarai’s method on KZbin, so it made it doable for her! Love the sewdown, because more ideas is always better!

[@SeamworkVideo]

I agree! The more info you have for different ways of doing something, the better!

[@sewingbutterfly3071]

Love this format, such fun and yet brilliantly informative - just like the podcast! Well done, you xxx

[@SeamworkVideo]

So glad you like it!

[@debclifford871]

I love using my bias tape gadget so it gets my vote!

[@pamelawalsh7089]

The bias tape maker is my go to.

[@rholt8800]

Bias tape maker, hands down!

[@maddied6309]

I prefer using the bias tape maker, however, as mentioned by Jackie, it's nice to know an alternative method... 😊

[@smae198]

I learned something new with Sarai and the Pin method! Looks like a great choice when you don’t have tool at hand, but will still default to bias maker tool when that is available as it’s super handy

[@SeamworkVideo]

It's definitely a handy method if you don't have the right sized tool!

[@Golfgirlv]

Maker is my favourite. I do have several sizes of makers too, but they are too big and agree they are not very expensive. I’ve used the pin method too. Thanks this was fun

[@kabsikins1790]

I like both cos sometimes I can’t remember where I put the tools in the last get organised frenzy 😂

[@jeannebeare-vm6mt]

Bias tape maker seems like the bomb. I’m getting one!

[@SeamworkVideo]

They are really awesome!

[@joannebonnett9111]

This was fun! And showed me 2 methods I’ve never seen before. I’ll be buying the tool … can’t have too many gadgets for precision sewing.

[@SeamworkVideo]

So glad this was helpful!

[@Escape10mom]

I like my bias tape makers! I could never pin on my ironing board because it's a Miracle Cover. You can leave a hot iron on it & it won't burn!! Well worth the money!!

[@susanfraser1363]

Oh yes please more sewdowns! I have used the tape maker and am happy with that but will try the pin method for other sizes of tape. Thanks ladies!

[@SeamworkVideo]

More SEWdowns are coming your way! Glad you like them!

[@debsmadethis]

I use a tape maker then a pin about 3 or 4 inches away it helps preserve the crease and feels quicker too!

[@suewilbur504]

Great idea!!

[@SeamworkVideo]

Nice, that's a great tip!

[@catherinemccurdy7518]

Bias tape maker. That loop at the end is used to pull the tape maker, so no finger tip burns.

[@Chitterboye]

Haley gets my vote. I have the bias tool in multiple sizes that I bought for cheap on Ali express

[@SeamworkVideo]

Nice. They are handy tools for sure!

[@ToniGuerrero]

Haley wins for convenience for sure! However, for odd sizes, I guess the pin option would be better.

[@Northandsouthsewing]

That was fun! I use a bias tape maker and love it, but it’s good to know that it can easily be made if the gadget is not accessible!

[@cathyswope5174]

Definitely bias tape maker

[@jeans.9664]

Great video! 😂I do like my bias tape makers. I haven't ever seen the pin method, so now I must try it. I guess that means Sarai gets my vote, because she has convinced me to try something new!

[@SeamworkVideo]

Nice! 🙌

[@maureencullen1008]

Definitely the bias tool method.Much easier and safer than the pin method.However,it was good to see another method.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Glad you liked it!

[@HealthStartAustin]

Bias tape maker 100%!

[@suedavis580217]

Haley and the Bias Tape Maker (although I have an old Simplicity Bias Tape Maker (Machine)🤩

[@SeamworkVideo]

I just looked that up and it looks so cool!

[@judysmith8010]

I've never used the pin, but I love my bias take maker. I'll have to give the pin a try.

[@SeamworkVideo]

It's definitely a good alternative method!

[@nyashamoore-regis3509]

I love the challenge video and I will like to see more of them. I must confess that fell in love with the bias tape maker a few years ago and I haven't looked at another method since. Sarai's method was a learning experience for me that I will add to my tips and tricks arsenal. Before I was introduced to the bias maker tool I did it the tedious was

[@SeamworkVideo]

So glad you like the challenge video! The bias tape maker is definitely handy.

[@nadialetourneau4490]

Wow! What for a fun chalange, I use the biais tape maker like Haley did but I admit, the Sarai technic is still working. Great video!

[@linda66]

I like the size options of Sarai’s method. LOVE the SEWDOWNS 😂

[@DonaRitchie]

I've done it both ways, and feel the bias tape maker tool is easier and faster, and the tape comes out more consistent in terms of the folds.

[@wendyneal4900]

I prefer the bias tape maker, however I have made it using Sarai’s method when my sewing room was such a mess that I couldn’t find my bias tape maker.😂

[@sarahgeppert1070]

Me too!

[@SeamworkVideo]

I've definitely been there!

[@jeaninehemel221]

I have a set of bias tape maker tools and it's a little less "fiddley" (a word that often applies to sewing techniques) than with the pin. BUT if I needed a specific size, now I now know how to do that without a specific tool! Definitely want more SEWdowns!

[@SeamworkVideo]

It's nice to know both methods just in case you need them! Glad you liked the SEWdown!

[@charissecolbert7204]

I like the bias tape tool

[@lisasimpsondietrick7160]

I would prefer the tool but it’s great to see another way - I would use it if I was making multiple sizes.

[@estilobyelizabeth]

Love the style of these new videos! I'm def team bias maker. It's slightly faster and I think safer too!

[@SeamworkVideo]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!

[@carlamccabe9638]

I like both methods. I have made bias tape before with just an iron, but I would never have thought about using a straight pin that way. That is good to know. But my first choice would be using the tool because I’m so prone to burning myself with my iron 🙄.

[@zombiebalboa]

I have used the bias tape maker and that seems to be faster. But I have recently gotten a bias tape foot for my machine, where you don’t even need to fold the tape. I think you just cut the stripes of fabric and sew directly onto the fabric edge! Which seems like magic ✨

[@SeamworkVideo]

The bias tape foot is totally magical!

[@giulianafrontini8691]

omg pin method ! I wast just burning my fingers and using a s/a gage before ! will start with the pin and upgrade if I find myself making lots of tape

[@SeamworkVideo]

Sounds like a good plan!

[@pmclaughlin4111]

I prefer using the bias tape maker but realistically.... I almost always use the pin method ( more flexibility on size and I don't have to stop and rummage through my not well organized notions) However, honestly, my favorite way is to use the binder foot on my sewing machine

[@vicki52801]

I like the bias tape maker but it’s good to know that as a beginner sewist that there is a workaround. More SEWdown challenges please 🙂

[@lauraroy7447]

I'm Haley's twin. Bias tape maker!

[@carolremington3280]

I love the pin method. I have sewn for years and not used that method. However I have to vote for the bias tape maker. I like the precision ❤

[@kckazcoll1]

I have used a bias tape maker with varied results. Best results with cotton, but If using a softer fabric like rayon, I find it does not want to lie flat and uncreases itself

[@cupcakemacfastlane4131]

I use the pin method because I can make different sizes without different tools. I have used a bias tape tool and they are really easy. But I just don't want more tools on my sewing table.

[@suzanneevans1771]

I wouldn’t be without my bias tape makers, but that’s my first time seeing Sarai’s pin method which is superior to the completely manual method I was taught. An enthusiastic ‘yes’ for bias tape cutting SEWdown next time, please 🙏

[@louiserossi1860]

I'm defintitly team bias maker! I admit, I love my gadgets and am happy to learn how to use them. I do need to get better at cutting bias strips! Great video, thanks!

[@rickstewart985]

bias tape maker!

[@sewmuchsewing]

Fun challenge! I hope you do a 'cutting bias tape' throw down too. I hadn't seen the pin method before.... so I think I choose that method.

[@theresapacker1323]

Haley's method all the way.

[@suewilbur504]

Love my bias tape maker but will keep the pin method in mind if I need tape a different size than my tools. Would love to see more SEWdown videos!!

[@petragris1947]

Like so many others, I love using my bias tape maker, but I'm glad to know there's an alternate technique! Yes, please do a SewDown on cutting bias tape!!! And then sewing the strips together, because they always come out wonky and unaligned for me! You all are great, thanks for the fun vids!

[@petragris1947]

oh wow, so many exclamation points.

[@SeamworkVideo]

So glad you liked the video! And I firmly believe there is no such thing as too many exclamation points!!! 🤣

[@chantald9661]

I like and own the tool but I can never get it right for some reason so having an option is nice

[@sarahgeppert1070]

I like Hayley's bias tape maker. I've done both methods and the fabric seems to slide out of shape sometimes with the pin but generally stayed out with the bias tape maker.

[@annamarieerba7716]

Bias tape gadget

[@mamayake]

I prefer to use the bias tape thingy - its faster and precise but a pin is not a sure way and it looks VERY slow.

[@maryjohnson6886]

Bias tape tool is a bit easier for me, but Sarai's method is pretty cool. LOVE Sarai's shacket! Is that the Bud pattern?

[@SeamworkVideo]

Yes, it is!

[@conniefutrell2134]

So the pin is great if you want to make sizes that are not available in the tool option. My concern is that fingers can easily get burned in the beginning. Perhaps use a clothes pin initially to pull the tape until you get about 4-5 inches out past the iron, place the iron on the tape next to the pin and just pull, making it easier and safer. I do like the tool, because it is safer to not burn fingers.

[@SeamworkVideo]

I'm all for whatever it takes to avoid burnt fingers!

[@missruthguest]

OMG wish i had known Sarai's method as it would have saved me money since i have numerous bias tape maker machines. The question is how do you make the actual bias? I like the 10" square method and always surprised how much you can get

[@SeamworkVideo]

There are many methods to cutting the fabric for bias tape! Here's an article we put together a few years ago about how to cut bias tape: www.seamwork.com/articles/how-to-make-bias-tape

[@missruthguest]

@@SeamworkVideo Thank you. I will check it out

[@lindadinnocenzo4857]

I have a bias tape maker , actually a few of them. I did not know about the pin method. I don’t think I have any glass head pins either so usually don’t iron over pins at all. I think both methods are good but I have only ever done the one….

[@SeamworkVideo]

The glass head pins are definitely essential if you try that method!

[@kristenwilson9845]

Another great video! I’d be interested to know what type of iron you’re using and/or if you recommend a particular brand/model for sewing?

[@SeamworkVideo]

I don't remember the brand name. It's nothing fancy. We had to get one without an auto shut-off since we work in production, but I definitely don't recommend that for home!

[@larissaledarocha]

#BiasTapeMakerTEAM 😜

[@vmonstrena]

Bias tape maker

[@whitneydickinson3526]

BOTH! I have one tape maker but I like to make tape in different sizes. I usually end up burning my fingers. Sarai's method will save them. Question - when you make your bias tape, do you do the folds uneven on each side, like the commercial tape?

[@SeamworkVideo]

I generally fold evenly to the center.

[@whitneydickinson3526]

@@SeamworkVideo thanks for the response!

[@robintryon7582]

tool is easiest for me

[@sewingbutterfly3071]

Bias tape maker for me btw. I somehow manage to burn my fingers otherwise 😮

[@SeamworkVideo]

🔥 Definitely gotta watch those fingers!

[@alisonpugin3401]

Bias tape maker .. how do you cut the tape

[@SeamworkVideo]

Here's an article walking you through how to cut the fabric on the bias: www.seamwork.com/articles/how-to-make-bias-tape

[@dennim3286]

The pin method damaged my ironing board cover. I make my bias tape maker out of card stock.

[@SeamworkVideo]

That's another great method!

[@annasalterations]

Ironing board

[@miriamcihal8409]

It depends on how much I bias tape need.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Definitely! It's nice to have a few different techniques at your disposal depending on what you need.

[@angelqueen9352]

I used the pin method to disappointing results, so I had to buy the bias tape maker.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Enjoy your bias tape maker! They are handy tools!

[@valeriejohnson2367]

What about starch?

[@SeamworkVideo]

I typically don't use starch when I make mine, but I don't see any reason why you couldn't if you wanted to.

[@Jin04115]

Bais tape maker wins

[@SeamworkVideo]

👏

[@bonnieprater5124]

Bias tape makers.

[@margiehogan5571]

Bias tape maker - far easier and more accurate

[@reneeking1821]

Part 1 would imply that there is a Part 2.... Does this exist? smh @the people who have an attention span of a gnat & the rest of us must suffer. Just make the whole video, porfin, porfa!

[@SeamworkVideo]

Part 2 is on its way, don't worry!

[@cindyinnesgirodat]

Bias tape maker