I like making my own bindings using the offset tube method. The part I dont like is scissoring the tube into strips. It seems no matter how I try the edges are very uneven and that means extra trimming and wasted material. This trick is for free arm sergers only, the bias tube has to fit over the free arm.
Make the bias tube as usual but make sure that you offset the lines such that the first strip to cut is to your right, Unthread the serger, slide the tube over until the first cutting line is lined up with the cutter. Its amazing how much more accurate the cut is! Support the tube with your left hand as it slowly rotates, the finished strip is to the right of the cutter.
Its fun to see a 10" square turn into 100" of one inch wide tape in seconds.
Now that you have a long strip, fold to a convenient length and use a rotary cutter and straightedge to make one side good. Back to the (unthreaded) serger, put a piece of tape with a pencil mark as width guide and run the tape through the cutter again. Even very narrow tape can be made easily and precisely! |
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GREAT tip! Thank you!
3/3/12 5:12 AM
GENIUS!!!!!
3/3/12 9:02 AM
LOVE IT!!
3/3/12 10:12 AM
Sounds great. Can you to a 3-4 quick picture tutorial?
3/3/12 10:55 AM
Sounds brilliant, but not sure I know what you mean by the "offset tube" method.
3/4/12 9:06 PM
What a great and smart idea. Thanks for the post!
3/5/12 2:04 PM
A picture would do wonders
3/6/12 3:56 PM
Can't wait to try this! Many thanks for posting!
3/7/12 8:54 PM
What a wonderful idea - thanks for sharing!!!
3/9/12 3:51 AM
How do you know whether or not you have a free arm? I have a Bernette 334DS. Many thanks.....
3/10/12 2:49 PM
I'm going to try this tomorrow, great idea! I never would've thought of this on my own :-)
4/8/12 10:03 PM
Great idea!
7/18/12 6:56 AM
So smart!
4/14/13 7:22 PM