Bias Maker Heaven
If you haven’t used one of these little tools for making bias strips you are in for a treat! You can have a perfect bias in no time at all! Think of all the little basket handles you can make! It’s so easy! Follow me…
Start with a square of fabric. Fold diagonally, wrong sides together.
Press the fold…
Now let’s go over to the cutting mat…
Line up ruler on the pressed fold line and cut diagonally across the square.
Bias makers come in assorted sizes. The general rule is to cut the fabric strip double the width of the bias maker. For example: Cut 1/2” strip for a 1/4” bias maker…
Measure your fabric…
and cut the strip…
…and back to the ironing board we go!
To protect your ironing board from spray starch, cover it with a scrap of muslin or plain fabric. Lay the fabric strip right side down on top of the scrap and spray the cut strip with starch.
Insert the end of the strip into the wide end of the bias maker as shown in the photo below.
Now, flip the bias maker over (see below) and insert a straight pin into the hole on the back of the bias maker. Use the pin to push the fabric through the maker and out the other (narrow) end.
See? Look at the photo below! There’s a little folded strip coming out!
Now, turn it back over, and place the edge of your iron next to end of bias maker. Pull the bias maker down the strip of fabric, and move the iron along with it. Keep the iron right next to the edge of the bias maker. 
Pick up the iron after about an inch, and check to see that your strip is folding correctly. If not, just push the bias maker back up the strip and start again.
Look at this finished basket handle! All you need to do is take it to your background fabric and appliqué in place!
See? Told you that was easy! If you’re using a larger square of fabric for a LONG piece of bias, spray the strip with starch as you go along. You’ll have a mess if you spray the whole strip at once.
So you’re ready to make the bias strip handle on the basket you’ll see on Thursday! See you then!
Hugs,
28 Comments
Brenda
Excellent tutorial. I like many of your readers have had the bias maker tool for quite some time, but I was too “lazy” to bother with reading the instructions so I set it aside for another day, actually another year. I am going to pull it out and use it today. As a visual learner, your tutorial is on the money. Thank you for sharing.
Marilyn
Thanks for the ‘tute!’ I have one of these gadgets but could not make heads or tails of the instructions that came with it. Your detailed directions and photos help alot!!!I am waaaaay behind on Tisket-A Tasket, but am enjoyng learning to applique!
julia
Hi Anne,
the bias maker is a fabulous tool and I’m glad somebody invented it ;o). I already have 2 of them in my tool box (especially bought the 1/4″ for the A Tisket A Tasket BOM and it was so worth it)
Thanks for the beautiful tutorial, it’s simply fun to look at the pictures.
Hugs, Julia
Margot
It is great working with Bias Maker Heaven, is perfect. Thanks for the tip.
Carrie P.
I love those bias makers. NO more bias bars for me.
Chocolate Cat
WOW!!! I am so going to search for and order one of these tools!! I am very impressed , thank you.
happy zombie
I’m sure this is a fantastic tutorial Anne, but I’m just too excited to read it at the moment. I’m like a little kid on the day before her birthday, and can hear momma behind closed door wrapping the gift for tomorrow! I can hear the Scotch tape, squeeep… squeeep… squeeep…
Countdown to March’s basket pattern has begun!
Mary Jane
I won’t tell you how many years I made bias manually, ending up with sore fingers. Then I used my 50% off coupon at JoAnn’s to purchase a bias maker. I was so amazed at how easy it really was to use them. I think I went out the next day and bought every size they had. Now I keep them in their own special drawer in a place of honor! I recommend everyone to get these!I did use the bias maker to make the basket handle on the first block of your series! Love your designs by the way, and am eagerly awaiting the next one! Thanks so much!:)
blop
I iron a piece of freezer paper to my ironing surface whenever I spray anything….very easy to pull up and discard, and it doesn’t mess up my iron or surface.
Love those little things, they work like magic.
Sinta
Thanks for the tutorial Anne. You make it look so easy! I saw your new fabric line and a sweet photo of Chelsea on the Fat Quarter Shop blog! It’s a dar-ling group! I’m looking forward to #3 BOM. I am getting my embroidery done during lunchtime at work/whohoo!
Sherri
I’ll definitely be making the rest of my basket handles with the bias maker…I’ve used mine before for stems…but didn’t make the connection! Can’t wait for the next block tomorrow!
Bobbie Lynn
That is a wonderful tool and thank you for showing us that. Now, I want to do my own instead of buying bias tape now I can make it myself. : )
Jo Anne
Thank you for the detailed and illustrated instructions. I use the bias makers, but have not used starch in the process. I will definitely try that, as, now that you mention it, I can see that it will be beneficial.
pat sloan
those are the BEST and the ONLY way to make bias… fastest bias in the west.. quick draw mcgraw bias.. hehe!!!
Will I see you in Pittsburgh??
Stephanie
Now I know how to use those things! I had some and fiddled with them so much trying to get it to work I finally gave them away. I needed a visual. Thank you!
Linda
Where can I buy one? They are great. Can’t wait till thurs. for next block
Thanks Anne. Linda
mom2three
Where is the best place to get one of these lovely little tools? I really must have one in each size! Thanks!
Catherine
I have a couple of them but the instructions left something to be desired. Your tutorial makes it make sense! Thank you!
madrekarin
I keep my bias tape makers in the ironing board cabinet. I think making your own is quite a pleasant task. And you get much cuter bias tape than what comes in those little cellophane-wrapped packages. :)
Susan
I had this on my list of things to get but it kept getting bumped back for other gadgets I thought more worthy. Not anymore, I am out to get one today. Thanks for the wonderful tutorial too. Looking so forward to tomorrow!!!
Kaaren
I’ve had one of these “must haves” as well but never took the time to read the directions. I’ve been making bias the long way. I’m a visual person so seeing how it’s done is candy to my eyes.
Thanks a million Anne for the tutorial and for saving us precious time.
pdudgeon
i ordered mine this morning from Nancy’s Notions. now i’ll be making bias strips to beat the band. thanks so much for showing us how!
Inga
I just love your blog. I especially like how completely you explain things. I am familiar with this method but I sure could have used your directions when I first started. Thank you Kindly!
bernie, what an adorable beagel!! I have three beagels who are quite simply the most loved puppy dogs in the world!! As all puppies should be :)
sewpam63
I can hardly wait for BOM #3!!! Hurry up Thursday!!! Thanks Anne for the bias tape maker tutorial. Piecefully, Pam
Jackie
They definitely are great tools for making bias!
Barb
That does look fast and fun…thanks for showing….
bernie
Now I know what to do with them!!! Thank you Anne!
Vicky
I had those things my notion drawer for years before I decided to learn to use them! The greatest invention since the rotary cutter!