Ribbon for bias tape?
#1
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For the moment I'm not quilting or planning quilts. Currently in the process of making costumes for a convention in three weeks.
I'm just having the most difficult time hemming the arm holes and collar of this dress I'm making for one of the God-kids. I thought of finishing it off with bias tape, but I already cut up any leftover fabric I had into squares for quilting and our Wal-Mart currently doesn't have a full craft section complete with fabrics and pre-made bias tape. But...we do sell ribbon. I never tried it before, but maybe I could use the ribbon for bias tape. Has anyone ever tried it with their quilting or general sewing or think it would work?
I'm just having the most difficult time hemming the arm holes and collar of this dress I'm making for one of the God-kids. I thought of finishing it off with bias tape, but I already cut up any leftover fabric I had into squares for quilting and our Wal-Mart currently doesn't have a full craft section complete with fabrics and pre-made bias tape. But...we do sell ribbon. I never tried it before, but maybe I could use the ribbon for bias tape. Has anyone ever tried it with their quilting or general sewing or think it would work?
#4
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
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What Holice said. Bias tape is cut on the BIAS so that it will go around curves. Seam binding, ribbon etc. is on the straight of grain. If the curve is very gentle it may work, but with kid's clothes I'm guessing that the curve is pretty sharp on the arm holes & neckline. If you can't find premade bias tape, I'd get a half yard of a coordinating solid fabric & just cut some yourself. Twill tape comes in several weights and the lightest one is very loosely woven, it has some give so that might work.
Last edited by PaperPrincess; 03-01-2013 at 01:46 PM.
#5
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Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 453
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If you can turn down the seam allowance, use "magic tape" or a little glue to apply the ribbon, curving as you steam press the curve, you could either zigzag or stitch down both sides...I wouldn't use a very wide ribbon, 3/8" to 1/2" at the most.
#6
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What Holice said. Bias tape is cut on the BIAS so that it will go around curves. Seam binding, ribbon etc. is on the straight of grain. If the curve is very gentle it may work, but with kid's clothes I'm guessing that the curve is pretty sharp on the arm holes & neckline. If you can't find premade bias tape, I'd get a half yard of a coordinating solid fabric & just cut some yourself. Twill tape comes in several weights and the lightest one is very loosely woven, it has some give so that might work.
#7
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Unfortunately the only ribbon in the color I need my fiance was able to find on his lunch hour was 7/8".
#9
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 683
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I sew many costumes for our community theater. Ribbon works except, as has been said, on curves. But the "secret" we often use is good old Elmers Glue. Costumes are viewed from stage and usually not under the scrutiny of the quilt police so our sewing gets creative. What stops the negative types when they complain is the sweet question..."Would you like to help make the costumes?" That always does it!!
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Virginia
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I use to make clothing a lot and when making costumes, on an occasion I would run out of time and /or ideas to get it done the right way.
I found that if I zigzag the edge of the fabric (seam allowance), then roll it under and sewed it in place, it worked out OK. At least it held up until I could find what was needed to make it permanent, if it was necessary to use the costume again later. Most of the time they were used only one time so it was never a problem.
I found that if I zigzag the edge of the fabric (seam allowance), then roll it under and sewed it in place, it worked out OK. At least it held up until I could find what was needed to make it permanent, if it was necessary to use the costume again later. Most of the time they were used only one time so it was never a problem.
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