Bias tape is useful in appliqué for making narrow strips like vines and stems. Bias-tape makers are the easiest way to turn the edges under. When strips are cut on the bias, they bend easily; straight-grain strips are fine if they’ll be applied straight.
The table below is a general guide to what size to cut your strips; confirm with the instructions that came with your bias-tape maker.
| Finished Size | Finished Size in mm (usually marked on the maker) |
Cut Fabric Strip Width |
| ⅛" | 3 | ¼" |
| ¼" | 6 | ½" |
| ⅜" | 9 | ¾" |
| ½" | 12 | 1" |
| ¾" | 18 | 1⅜" |
| 1" | 25 | 1⅞" |