How to Use a Bias Presser Foot?

Using a bias presser foot, also known as a bias binding foot, simplifies the often tricky process of attaching pre-folded bias tape to fabric edges, resulting in a neat, professional finish. This specialized foot guides the bias tape and fabric simultaneously, ensuring consistent stitching and perfectly enclosed edges.

Understanding the Bias Presser Foot

A bias binding foot features a funneled guide that precisely folds and feeds the bias tape around the raw edge of your fabric. This eliminates the need for pinning and constant manual alignment, making bias binding application much faster and more accurate.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Your Bias Presser Foot

Attaching bias tape with this specialized foot involves a few straightforward steps:

1. Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, ensure you have:

• Pre-folded bias tape: Double-fold bias tape is typically used with this foot. Ensure the width is compatible with your specific foot's design.
• Fabric: The item to which you want to apply the bias tape (e.g., quilt edges, garment hems, placemats).
• Matching thread: For a neat finish.
• Sewing machine: Equipped with your bias presser foot.
• Basic sewing notions: Scissors, iron (optional, for pressing tape ends), stiletto or pin (helpful for feeding tape).

2. Prepare Your Sewing Machine

• Attach the Bias Presser Foot: Turn off your sewing machine and carefully remove the standard presser foot. Attach the bias binding foot according to your machine's instructions. It usually snaps or screws into place.
• Select the Right Stitch: A straight stitch is generally used. Set your stitch length to a standard setting, typically between 2.5 and 3.0 mm.
• Adjust Needle Position (if necessary): Some bias feet allow for slight adjustments to the needle position to ensure your stitch lands precisely where you want it on the bias tape, usually about 1/8 inch from the edge.

3. Prepare the Bias Tape

• Trim the End: Cut the very tip of your bias tape at an angle to create a point. This makes it easier to feed into the foot.
• Feed the Tape Through the Foot:
  • Carefully insert the angled end of the bias tape into the funneled guide at the front of the bias binding foot.
  • Gently push and pull the tape through the guide until it emerges from the back, under where the needle will sew.
  • Continue feeding the tape through the guide. You can pull it through using your thumb, or for better grip and precision, use a stiletto or a pin to coax it along. Ensure any excess plastic (from the tape's packaging or the foot's newness) is removed for smooth feeding. Pull out about 3-4 inches of tape from the back of the foot.

4. Position Your Fabric

• Insert the Fabric Edge: Take the raw edge of the fabric you wish to bind and slide it into the slot between the two folded edges of the bias tape inside the foot's guide. The guide will automatically wrap the bias tape around the fabric edge as you sew.
• Align: Ensure the fabric edge is fully seated within the bias tape's fold and that the tape is properly aligned in the foot's channel.

5. Start Sewing

• Lower the Presser Foot: Lower the presser foot to hold the fabric and bias tape securely in place.
• Begin Stitching: Start sewing slowly, guiding the fabric and bias tape. The foot will do most of the work, keeping the bias tape aligned and folded around the fabric edge.
• Continuous Feeding: As you sew, continue to feed the bias tape into the foot's guide. Do not pull the fabric or tape too hard, let the machine feed it at its own pace. Keep an eye on the alignment to ensure the raw edge of your fabric remains nestled within the bias tape.
• Corners: When approaching corners, you may need to slow down significantly, pivot the fabric slightly, or even stop, lift the foot, and manually re-align before continuing. For sharp corners, some prefer to sew to the corner, backtack, cut the thread, miter the corner by hand, and then resume sewing.

6. Finishing Up

• Backstitch: When you reach the end of your binding, backstitch a few stitches to secure the seam.
• Trim: Trim excess thread and bias tape.
• Press: Gently press the finished binding with an iron to set the stitches and give a crisp, professional appearance.

Tips for Success

• Practice: If it's your first time, practice on a scrap piece of fabric to get a feel for how the foot works with your machine and bias tape.
• Bias Tape Quality: High-quality, evenly folded bias tape works best.
• Even Pressure: Maintain consistent, gentle pressure on the bias tape as it feeds into the foot. Avoid pulling or stretching the tape or fabric.
• Needle Position: Experiment with your needle position if your machine allows, to ensure your stitches land consistently on the bias tape.
• Speed: Sewing at a moderate, consistent speed often yields the best results.

By following these steps, you can harness the efficiency of a bias presser foot to achieve beautiful, professional bias-bound edges on all your sewing projects.