Since becoming serious about my sewing, I have purchased a number of specialty presser feet. A bias tape presser foot is specifically designed to sew double fold bias tape in a single sewing step.

If you’ve sewn double fold bias tape with a universal presser foot (aka zig zag presser foot), you’re likely familiar with the following method of sewing it (paraphrased from Positively Splendid:

1) open the bias tape all the way

2) pin the wider side of the double fold bias tape to the back side of your project

3) baste along the crease using a straight stitch

4) flip your project over and fold the double fold bias tape into place

5) use a straight stitch to sew the double fold bias tape along the edge of the double fold with the front side facing up

Using a bias foot reduces these steps from sewing twice to sewing once.

Parts Of A Bias Tape Foot

Here’s a photo for comparison. On the left is my bias tape foot and on the right is my universal foot.

The needle guide on the bias tape foot matches the left needle position of my sewing machine. I positioned the white sticker with its left edge aligned to the center needle position of my sewing machine.

The plastic portion of the bias tape foot holds the fabric and double fold bias tape. The upper and lower brackets hold the bias tape open. The backstop is adjusted to fit the width of the double fold bias tape by turning the backstop adjust wheel. The markings on the top of the bias tape foot suggest the backstop position for different widths of double fold bias tape.

The length of the arm that holds the plastic section of the bias tape foot to the metal section can also be adjusted. Removing the screw all together detaches the arm from the metallic portion of the presser foot.

There are two methods for using a bias tape foot. You either line line up the double fold bias tape and raw edge with the bias tape foot and then attach the bias tape foot to the sewing machine or attach the bias tape for the sewing machine then line up the double fold bias tape and raw edge.

How To Use A Bias Tape Presser Foot – Method 1

I took some photos when I used the following method to sew double fold bias tape on the Easy Phone  Charger Holder project.

Step 1)

Insert the double fold bias tape into the brackets and adjust the backstop to hold the bias tape. The backstop should be loose enough that the double fold bias tape slides through the foot easily, but tight enough to hold the bias tape securely.

Step 2)

Slide the raw edge of the project you are binding into the gap between the brackets. Make sure the raw edge meets the center fold of the double fold bias tape. Advance the raw edge and double fold bias tape together so they are just past the needle gap in the bias tape foot. This way your first stitches will be through all layers.

Step 3)

Attach the bias tape foot to the sewing machine shank. Be careful to avoid shifting your raw edge and bias tape.

Step 4)

Adjust the length of the bias tape foot arm and/or needle position (left or center) until your needle is aligned along the bias tape. The needle guide in this style of bias tape foot matches the left needle position of most sewing machines. Depending on the width of your double fold bias tape and the how far from it’s folded edge you plan to sew, the arm of the bias tape foot may not adjust enough for you to use the left needle position. This was the case when I sewed the Easy Phone Charger Holder so I used the center needle position. The straight edge of sticker on my bias tape foot marks the center needle position and made it easier to keep everything lined up.

Step 5)

Sew the double fold bias tape to the raw edge, carefully manipulating the raw edge and double fold bias tape through the bias tape foot. Make sure to back stitch at the beginning and end.

How To Use A Bias Tape Presser Foot – Method 2

I learned this method from “The Sewing Machine Accessory Bible by Wendy Gardiner & Lorna Knight” (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases): The Sewing Machine Bible on Amazon.

Step 1)

Use a universal foot to sew a few stitches along the center fold of your double fold bias tape. Leave long thread ends.

Step 2)

Feed the sewn end of the double fold bias tape through the bias tape foot, until ~ 1 inch (2.54 cm of bias tape extends past the back edge of the bias tape foot. Use the long thread ends to assist you. Adjust the backstop to hold the double fold bias tape securely and position the folds in the top and bottom brackets.

Step 3)

Attach the bias tape foot to your sewing machine. Adjust the length of the bias tape foot arm and/or needle position (left or center) until your needle is aligned along the bias tape.

Step 4)

Slide the raw edge of the project you are binding into the gap between the brackets. Make sure the raw edge meets the center fold of the double fold bias tape. Advance the raw edge of the project until it is just past the needle gap to ensure that it and the double fold bias tape are captured by the feed dogs. This can be fiddly but it’s key to ensure that you are sewing the double fold bias tape to the edge of your project and not sewing the double fold bias tape closed.

Step 5)

Sew the double fold bias tape to the raw edge, carefully manipulating the raw edge and double fold bias tape through the bias tape foot. Gently pull on the thread ends to start. Make sure to back stitch at the beginning and end.

Where to Buy A Bias Tape Presser Foot

In addition to sewing stores, Amazon carries bias tape feet. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Both my box of assorted sewing machine feet and bias tape tool kit included one and they are also available singly.

6pcs Fabric Bias Tape Maker Quilting Binding Kit 6mm/12mm/18mm/25mm Bias Tape Maker+Sewing Awl+Bias Binder Foot 

search for “bias tape foot” at Amazon

I find my bias tape foot useful for sewing double fold bias tape along straight edges. Of course, it can be used for curved edged too. The longer the edge to be bound, the more of a time saver it is.

Do you have experience sewing bias tape? Do you use a bias tape presser foot? Comment below and/or Pin Me for later

Tanya

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