How to Attach Bias Tape/Bias Binding | Blog Post by Sew to Speak

Updated July 2025

By Anita Gastaldo

Bias tape, an essential and versatile tool in sewing, is the secret weapon for creating clean, polished edges and adding subtle or bold design elements to your projects. It is often used in garment sewing and home décor projects, such as making a blanket or bag. Whether you’re finishing the arm holes of a dress, encasing the top edge of a pocket, or adding a decorative pop to the bottom edge of a hem, bias tape (also called bias binding) elevates your sewing game.

Making your own bias tape opens you up to infinite designs and combinations. You can purchase pre-made bias tape from most sewing stores (including ours), but crafting your own lets you match binding to your project perfectly. A tiny floral pattern for a baby dress? Check. Polka dots for a playful tote bag? Absolutely. Virtually any cloth will work, although I suggest starting with a standard cotton weight until you are comfortable with the process. With the right tools and fabric, the possibilities are endless!

If you're new to this technique, don’t worry. This beginner-friendly guide to attaching bias tapes will walk you through everything you need to know, from preparing your materials to troubleshooting common challenges. By the end, you’ll be equipped to seamlessly incorporate this technique into your projects.

Shop bias binding makers like Clover Bias Tape Makers at Sew to Speak

Clover tape makers are my preferred tool. They come in many sizes, and the directions to make your own are easy to follow.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you start attaching bias tape, gather the following essentials:

Bias Tape (pre-made or homemade): For beginners, opt for a standard 1/2" width pre-made tape. If making your own, a Clover tape maker is an easy-to-use tool that comes in various sizes.
Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter
Pins or Clips
Sewing Machine (or needle if you prefer hand stitching)
Iron and Ironing Board
Thread matching your bias tape or fabric

Step-by-Step Guide to Attaching Bias Tapes

Step 1. Prepare the Bias Tape and Fabric

Before sewing, fully unfold your bias tape.

Fully unfolding bias tape helps achieve a tidy finish to your project

Note that pre-made bias tapes often have one side that is slightly narrower than the other. This helps achieve a tidy finish because the narrower side is sewn first.

Lay your fabric on a flat surface and align the raw edge of the narrower side of your bias tape with the raw edge of your fabric, with right sides facing each other. If you’re working with a corner, fold the short end of the tape at a 90-degree angle to meet the raw edge.

Neatly pin or clip the bias tape in place for a smoother sewing experience.

Take the time to neatly pin or clip the bias tape in place for a smoother sewing experience.

Step 2. Sew the First Side

Using your sewing machine, stitch along the first side of the bias tape, about 1/4" away from the edge. Backstitch at the beginning and end to secure your stitches.

Sew until you come to about seam allowance distance away from the corner of your project, How to Attach Bias Tapes, a blog by Sew to Speak.

Sew until you come to about seam allowance distance away from the corner of your project.

When you reach a corner, stop sewing about 1/4" before the edge and backstitch. Take your project out from under the foot of your machine to form a clean mitered corner.

Fold the bias tape up and to the right, aligning the raw edge with the adjacent side of the fabric.

Bias tape should be folded to the right corner, forming a 90-degree angle.

Fold your bias tape to form a 90-degree angle, and pin in place.

Finger-press the fold to create a sharp edge. Fold the tape back down, lining it up with the next raw edge. Secure with pins and continue sewing the next side.

Backstitch example from Sew to Speak’s blog: How to Attach Bias Tapes.

Sew with a seam allowance distance (1/4") in from the corner, backstitch.

Continue around your entire project.

Continue sewing until you’ve completed the project.

When you get to where you started, continue to overlap your tape and sew about 2" to 3" past your starting point, backstitch. Cut off any extra tape.

Don’t worry about the unstitched sections at the corners — they’ll be perfectly finished later!

Step 3. Fold and Sew the Second Side

Flip your fabric over, refolding the wide side of the bias tape to encase the raw edge. Ensure it slightly overlaps the original stitching line. Pin or clip the tape in place, paying extra attention to creating tidy corners.

Secure your refolded bias tape with pins before sewing.

The longer the pin, the less pinning, plus they’re cute!

Now, sew along the inner edge of the bias tape, about 1/8" from the folded edge. This is called topstitching and provides a neat, secure finish.

Topstitching example from Sew to Speak’s Blog, How to Attach Bias Tapes.

Topstitch the same distance the entire way around your project, backstitching when your stitches meet.

Step 4. Finishing Touches

Again, don’t forget to backstitch at the beginning and end for durability.

When you approach the starting point, overlap the tape by a couple of inches and sew over it to lock it in place. Trim off any excess bias tape, and voilà — you’ve successfully attached your binding!

For a more seamless look, you can also hand-sew the second side with a slip stitch, hiding any visible stitching.

About the Author

Anita Gastaldo is the original owner of Sew to Speak and, since selling the business in 2023, has been a teacher at the shop. She brings boundless passion for sewing and decades of expertise to every class.

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