Bias Bars- metal or something else?
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,334
Bias Bars- metal or something else?
I use the metal bias bars for making vines, etc. for applique on quilts. I have a 3-pc set but would like the larger 7-pc set. I looked on Amazon and they list them but they're unavailable at this time. So, I went to my LQS and they can order the non-metal ones for me.... sets of 5.
Has anyone used the non-metal ones? Do they work well? How hot a heat can they handle?
or.... does anyone know where the metal ones are still available?
Has anyone used the non-metal ones? Do they work well? How hot a heat can they handle?
or.... does anyone know where the metal ones are still available?
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
I have a set of non-metal bias bars- I think I got them from Nancy's Notions (but I've had them for years so they may have come from somewhere else) anyway- they work fine- I like them better (in ways) than the metal because they do not hold the heat like the metal ones- no burned fingers- one thing about them though is they are a tad bit thicker than the metal ones- other than that they work fine.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Missouri
Posts: 4,061
I found the metal ones at these sources but I know nothing about the retailers:
http://store.quiltworx.com/product-p/cebb3.htm
http://scarlettrose.com/set_of_7_bias_bars.html
hope that helps you in finding what you want.
Even though I've never used these in making bias strips, they look very interesting, so much so that it's worth my time exploring their use.
http://store.quiltworx.com/product-p/cebb3.htm
http://scarlettrose.com/set_of_7_bias_bars.html
hope that helps you in finding what you want.
Even though I've never used these in making bias strips, they look very interesting, so much so that it's worth my time exploring their use.
#6
I never had a problem with the non-metal bias bars I have. Like ckcowl and quilter1 wrote, the metal ones doseem to get much hotter and stay hot much longer. I didn't like the possibility of hurting myself [again, snicker.]
#7
Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Northern California
Posts: 3
The trick with the metal bars is to not iron all the way down the bar, just leave a couple inches at the end unironed so they're easier to handle. With longer sewn strips of bias, they're going to be pushed along as you iron anyway. I also wave them in the air to cool them faster. My personal preference is for the metal bars since they are flatter than the plastic ones. Some of the plastic bars have ridges in them, which will transfer to your fabric! Using the thinner metal bars for pressing means that your bias will have a better crease that will hold up to all the handling as you applique.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Albuquerque NM
Posts: 674
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Butterfli19
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
18
06-18-2014 05:51 PM
Grandmother23
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
14
03-22-2011 03:43 AM
craftybear
Links and Resources
0
01-30-2011 09:14 PM