Calculate how much fabric you need to make bias tape and how many yards of tape you will get from a square of fabric.
8 Tips for Making and Installing Bias Tape
Tip 1: Bias Tape Is Fabric Cut at a 45-Degree Angle to Stabilize Curved Edges
Bias tape is strips of fabric cut on the bias (diagonal to the grain) so it stretches and bends smoothly around curves. It’s used to finish armholes, necklines, curved seams, and decorative edges. Straight-grain tape can’t bend around curves without puckering—bias is essential for smooth, professional-looking finishes.
Tip 2: Calculate Bias Tape Length by Measuring Your Edge Perimeter
The length of bias tape you need equals the perimeter of the edge you’re finishing. If you’re binding a quilt that’s 60×60 inches, the perimeter is 240 inches (all four sides). If you’re finishing a neckline that’s 18 inches, you need 18 inches of bias tape (plus 2-3 inches overlap). Sketch your project and measure each curved or edge section.
Tip 3: Calculate Bias Tape Width Based on Your Finished Width
Bias tape is folded in half and pressed before application. If you want a finished binding that’s 0.5 inches wide, you need bias tape that’s 1.5 inches wide (0.5 inches showing on front, 0.5 inches folded to the back, plus 0.25 inches for seam allowances on each side). Standard premade bias tape comes in 0.5, 1, and 2-inch finished widths.
Tip 4: Purchased Bias Tape Saves Time But Is More Expensive
Premade bias tape is already cut, pressed, and ready to sew. For a small project (one quilt or one garment), purchased bias tape is convenient and costs $5-15. For multiple projects or production sewing, making your own bias tape saves money and gives you custom colors. Calculate the cost difference for your project.
Tip 5: Making Your Own Bias Tape From Fabric Scraps Requires a Bias Tape Maker Tool
A bias tape maker is a metal gadget ($5-10) that folds raw bias strips into neat finished tape. You pull fabric through the tool and press with an iron—it automatically folds edges in. This process takes 10-15 minutes for 10 yards of tape and saves money if you’re making lots. Without a tool, folding bias tape by hand is tedious.
Tip 6: Account for Seam Joinings and Waste When Making Your Own Bias
When making bias tape, you join strips end-to-end by sewing diagonal seams. Each joining uses a little fabric. If you need 10 yards of finished tape, cut slightly more than 10 yards of strips to account for joinings and waste. Most sewers cut 10-15% extra.
Tip 7: Apply Bias Tape With a Foot Designed for Binding or a Regular Zipper Foot
A bias tape foot or binding foot guides tape while you sew, keeping it even. Without it, use a zipper foot or adjust your regular foot position. Sewing straight, even stitches close to the tape edge takes practice. Make a test binding on scrap fabric before binding your real project.
Tip 8: Press Bias Tape as You Apply It for Professional-Looking Results
Press the tape and the seam as you go, using a hot iron. Don’t wait until the whole binding is sewn to press—stop every 12 inches and press. This sets the stitches and ensures the tape lies flat. It adds 10 minutes but produces results that look handmade and professional.
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Where to Go From Here
Now that you understand bias tape angle, perimeter measurement, finished width calculations, purchased vs. homemade tape, joining seams, and pressing as you sew, use our Bias Tape Calculator to determine the exact length and width of bias tape you need. Enter your project dimensions and desired finished width, and the calculator will show you how much bias tape to make or purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bias Tape
How much bias tape do I need?
Measure the perimeter of all edges you’re finishing. Add 2-3 inches for overlaps and seam allowances. If your quilt is 60×60 inches, you need about 245 inches of bias tape (plus 5% extra for waste). A standard package of premade bias tape contains 2.5 yards (90 inches), so you might need 3-4 packages.
Can I use straight-grain tape instead of bias?
Not for curves—straight-grain tape will pucker and wrinkle around curves. For perfectly straight edges (like a quilt side), straight-grain tape works, but bias tape looks more professional and works anywhere. Use bias tape for all finishes if you want consistency.
What’s the difference between single-fold and double-fold bias tape?
Single-fold tape is folded once lengthwise (like a long rectangle folded in half). Double-fold tape is folded again (so all raw edges are enclosed). Double-fold is more finished and durable—it’s the standard for quilt binding. Single-fold is used for decorative applications or when you want a raw edge showing intentionally.
How do I handle corners when applying bias tape?
At corners, stop stitching 0.25 inches from the corner, backstitch, then fold the tape at a 45-degree angle and continue down the next side. This creates a mitered corner. It requires practice—make a test corner on scrap fabric first. Corners are the trickiest part of bias tape application.
Can I machine-wash a project with bias tape binding?
Yes, if it’s securely sewn. Use a thread color that matches your tape or fabric, and secure your stitches with backstitching at the start and end. Bias tape is extremely durable. Projects with sewn bias binding withstand hundreds of washes.