Sponsors
Sponsors
how to prep bias binding before using (Moderated by EleanorSews)
Posted on: 4/28/17 9:58 PM ET
I just bought some bias tape from JoAnn's to use as armhole and neckedge binding and it's 55% poly/45% cotton. Should I wash this before using in case of shrinkage? Is just running over it with a steam iron sufficient? There is obviously sizing in it and maybe that makes it easier to use? Thanks!
Posted on: 4/28/17 10:28 PM ET
In reply to lgordyb
Press it (up and down only, with steam, not slidey motions like ironing) and you should be good to go.
The reason I caution against ironing is that you can stretch it out of shape and width with a too-enthusiastic application of heat and steam. But pressing just to take the creases from the cardboard out is fine.
No need to prewash.
-- Edited on 4/28/17 at 10:29 PM --
The reason I caution against ironing is that you can stretch it out of shape and width with a too-enthusiastic application of heat and steam. But pressing just to take the creases from the cardboard out is fine.
No need to prewash.
-- Edited on 4/28/17 at 10:29 PM --
Posted on: 4/28/17 11:10 PM ET
In reply to kayl
Thanks! I really appreciate your quick response.
Posted on: 4/29/17 8:03 AM ET
In reply to lgordyb
Pressing into a soft curve for the pattern curves helps. As you practice, you will find it stiff for some fabrics and learn to use the same fabric to make your own bias--look for tips online.
Note that pattern instructions OFTEN are not up-to-date on the latest techniques. For instance, many still use heavy facings for necklines when you can replace with lighter bindings. PR always to the rescue!
Note that pattern instructions OFTEN are not up-to-date on the latest techniques. For instance, many still use heavy facings for necklines when you can replace with lighter bindings. PR always to the rescue!
Posted on: 4/29/17 9:27 AM ET
In reply to lgordyb
If it is the prefolded type, do it wash unless you want to lost the prefolded feature to go away.
I always hover the iron just above it and steam the heck out of it. It will shrink.
You can also gently shape the bias, then steam while gently pressing it into the shape in which it will be sewn. This makes life much easier.
-- Edited on 4/29/17 at 9:29 AM --
------
I always hover the iron just above it and steam the heck out of it. It will shrink.
You can also gently shape the bias, then steam while gently pressing it into the shape in which it will be sewn. This makes life much easier.
-- Edited on 4/29/17 at 9:29 AM --
------
iPad's auto-correct is my enema.
Posted on: 4/29/17 2:50 PM ET
It has never before occurred to me to pre-wash purchased bias tape. (And I am an *aggressive* pre-washer. I wash everything!) Smart of you to ask!
FWIW, I just used some Wright's bias hem facing--which I think is pretty equivalent, just wider with different folds--to finish the hem and neckline on a 3/4 circle cape, which I subsequently dyed on my stovetop (where it simmered for half an hour), rinsed in the washing machine, and dried in the dryer. The cape fabric was some mystery blend of synthetics, but there is some cotton in the hem facing. I did not notice any shrinkage or other strange behavior after running the ALREADY SEWN product through all that abuse. So with that in mind, my guess is that the bias tape will be pretty stable.
(The bias facing was lovely to work with, btw, and took the dye beautifully; since it only comes in white and cream, this is useful knowledge!)
------
FWIW, I just used some Wright's bias hem facing--which I think is pretty equivalent, just wider with different folds--to finish the hem and neckline on a 3/4 circle cape, which I subsequently dyed on my stovetop (where it simmered for half an hour), rinsed in the washing machine, and dried in the dryer. The cape fabric was some mystery blend of synthetics, but there is some cotton in the hem facing. I did not notice any shrinkage or other strange behavior after running the ALREADY SEWN product through all that abuse. So with that in mind, my guess is that the bias tape will be pretty stable.
(The bias facing was lovely to work with, btw, and took the dye beautifully; since it only comes in white and cream, this is useful knowledge!)
------
~Elizabeth in the prairie
More Plans than Sense
PR's Most Relentless Babbler 2024
More Plans than Sense
PR's Most Relentless Babbler 2024
Posted on: 4/29/17 8:44 PM ET
Well I agree with some others that I don't think that I have ever noticed it shrinking after washing before. I did however, use red bias binding on a white fabric before and the color ran onto the white. I now prewash, by hand in hot water, all colors that I think might bleed. Hang dry or throw in dryer with a towel and steam PRESS, not iron. But I rarely use store purchased binding anymore anyway.
-- Edited on 4/29/17 at 8:45 PM --
-- Edited on 4/29/17 at 8:45 PM --
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics






