There is a secret to perfect bias tape that not many newbies know. I know when I first started sewing, I would marvel at how other seamstresses would add theirs and it would look so perfect!  I wanted to know how to get those results, but every time I tried to add it on, I failed miserably. Well, fear no more! You too can end up with bias trim that makes other people wonder how you did it.

The Secret to Perfectly Sewn Bias Tape

The first time I applied bias tape, I wrapped it around the edges and sewed it on in one swoop. If you've ever done this, you know that a majority of the time it looks like you sewed it in the dark. While it is quick, the result is terrible. It makes things look more "homemade" than handmade. The real trick to is to not only apply it in steps, but also apply the right side of the tape to each side of the fabric. Confused? Don't be. It's easy. Let's get started.



Bias tape (the commercial stuff anyway) has a longer/wider side and a shorter/narrower side. This helps you catch the entire tape when sewing it on in the final step. Keep on reading and you will see what I mean.



We are going to sewing on the wider/longer side first. Open up your tape and place the right side of the bias tape to the wrong side of your fabric. Align the raw edges and then sew the bias tape on using the fold as a guide for your seamline.



Now refold the bias tape back down towards the raw edge...



...and flip you fabric over to the right side. Continue to refold that bias tape around towards the front of the fabric. All raw edges should now be enclosed in the bias tape. You re now ready for the final step.



Sew the tape along the fold to close it. Now since you took your time to apply it, you back should look like this...

Ta-dah! Like magic!

Now everyone will wonder how you got those stitches in so perfectly. And you can tell them its because you can sew like a boss!

Want to practice your new found abilities? Several of our patterns feature bias tape like the Holiday Cutout Dress & Top or the Alice Pleated Dress. Get yours and start sewing beautiful trim now!

The Alice Dress releases next week! Be on the look out for sneak peeks on our Instagram!

What is your next project you plan to use bias tape on? Let me know in the comments!