I love (love!) when people ask me questions about something I post on my blog. For that reason, I am going to show you how I make my bias strips, which I use for stems. First, let’s start with my pressing board…..it is a wooden board approximately 18″ x 18″ x 1″ that I have covered with a few layers of cotton fabric, so that the surface it still hard. I have tried making bias strips on my ironing board (it has a very soft, thick pad on it) and it does not work at all.
When I use my 1/4″ bias maker, I cut my strips 1/2″ wide. If you cut your strips even a 1/16th of an inch narrower, the strip will not go through the bias maker properly.
Next, I spray the strip with starch. I like to do one strip at a time because the starch dries fairly fast and you do not want the strips to be dry. Your strips should be very damp when you put them through the bias maker.
Using my stiletto, I guide the strip into the bias maker.
Next, I turn the bias maker over and continue to guide the strip so that the end comes out the other side.
Now I lay everything on my pressing board and place a pin through the bias and into the board. You will be glad you did this!
I take my iron in my right hand and slowly move the bias maker with my left hand and press along the folded bias strip. Important note: I don’t leave any space at all between the bias maker and the iron. Also, I use the flat edge of the iron, rather that the tip of the iron.
It’s as easy as that!!
This is a post you might be interested it. It shows how to use up your short pieces of bias so that no one will be the wiser!!
Til next time…..
Kerry
Simple Bird Applique 
I’m definitely going to try your method of bias tape. Thanks for the demo.
You are welcome! Good luck:)
I had read on a post to put your strips in a zip lock Baggie, spray your starch into the bag. Keep the bag closed between strips and if you get interrupted, toss the Baggie into the freezer. Keeps everything ready to go when you come back. Just takes a few minutes to thaw the next strip.
Wow! That sounds really interesting!!
I appreciate all your tips and ideas and projects. Thanks for your blog and sharing!!
You are welcome. Always happy to share my ideas and tips!
Great information. I discovered the advantage of starching the bias while making yards of bias for a vine. It really helps. Now I will make a board similar to yours to help me do a better job.. Love the hint about keeping the iron close to the bias tape maker. Thanks a lot.
You are welcome. I am glad you found the blog post helpful:)
Love the pressing board idea, I have the June Tailor one that has the cutting board on the back. I’ve never thought of using a dish for the starch spraying. I’m going to try that. Thanks for sharing!!
My pleasure. I love to share my ideas in the hopes that will inspire others to give hand-applique a try:)
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I have purchased a set of bias tape makers, but have not had the chance to try them yet. Now I have a reference. Love your blog and hope to upgrade my work to caliber.
That is so good to hear. Making bias strips takes a bit of practice, but stick with it. You will love the results:)