Cutting Bias Tape

Leisa Stanton
2026-02-23T16:00:15-06:00

The Iris A has a bias finished neckline.

I’ve included the sewing method in the tutorial but wanted to create a stand alone post for all garments needing bias tape.

Press your fabric well, and find your grainline. This always runs along the selvedge as shown. Bias is cut at a 45 degree angle to the selvedge. If you do not have a cutting mat with the angle marked, another option is to fold the corner of your fabric until the edge is vertical and straight as shown. The fold is at a perfect bias. My favorite (and cheap) bias maker tools are quick at producing accurate bias strips. The Iris A bias pattern strip is 1.5” wide. When using a pattern piece, line your pattern grainline mark with the selvedge for accurate bias. When cutting bias, I always cut extra strips and store them for future use. It’s always so nice to have a selection of fabrics, widths and colours to hand. The 1.5” strip will be reduced to 3/4” by using the red bias maker. As you pull the strip through, press using steam every four inches or so. Congratulations!