How to Apply Bias Tape

Lay fabric in a single layer on the cutting surface. You must cut the fabric on the bias, so make your first cut on the true bias. From the original bias cut line, cut strips four times the width you need for your binding.

Sew ends together in a narrow seam. Press seams open. This gives you a length of tape to apply to your garment.

Fold the bias strip in half lengthwise. Press. Fold edges to center. Press again. Your bias tape is now ready to apply to your garment or sewing project.

Pin the right side of the bias tape edge to edge of right side of garment. Keep the raw edges even. If the fabric is hard to pin, hand baste the bias tape in place.

Stitch in place with the sewing machine. Press tape away from garment.

Turn the bias tape over the unfinished edge. Pin or hand baste in place. Finish by sewing the bias tape on by hand. Slipstitch the tape into place.

Use the "stitch-in-a-ditch" technique, if applying the bias tape with the sewing machine. Sew the tape from the right side of the machine. Sew as close to the top edge as possible without sewing onto the visible bias tape. Catch the bias tape's underside in the line of sewing. This is an invisible method of application, if the thread perfectly matches the fabric.