How to Pick Bias Tape for Curved Seams and Hems
Wrights Extra Wide Double Fold Bias Tape suits most binding and trim work with pre-pressed edges. byhands 100% Cotton Bias Tape offers the widest color range for quilts and garments. Dritz Single Fold Bias Tape fits sewers who prefer folding their own width during quilt binding.
Bias tape comes in cotton, satin, single fold, and double fold versions, each suited to different seams. Wrights Extra Wide Double Fold Bias Tape covers most binding and trim needs with edges already pressed. Sewers working with silky fabrics or matching a specific print need different picks entirely.
Fold type, width, and fiber content change how tape behaves under an iron and needle. We compared listed specifications, material composition, and owner feedback across cotton, satin, and bias tape maker tools to sort picks by real use case.
What we recommend
Wrights Extra Wide Double Fold Bias Tape
Pre-folded edges on this cotton tape skip the extra pressing step before topstitching. Sewers use it for quilt binding, apron trim, and garment finishing across dozens of solid colors. Cotton fiber holds a crisp crease under a hot iron.
Pros
- Pre-folded edges speed up sewing
- Cotton presses crisp with an iron
- Wide range of individual solid colors
Cons
- 3-yard length runs short on large quilts
- Each pack holds only one color
byhands 100% Cotton Bias Tape Multi-Color Set
Twelve cotton colors ship in this set at 3 yards each, for 36 total yards in one purchase. Single fold construction means owners press the final crease themselves before binding. Cotton fiber takes dye evenly, so prints and solids stay consistent across the set.
Pros
- 12 colors included in one order
- Cotton dyes and prints evenly
- Strips work for binding or applique trim
Cons
- Single fold needs an extra pressing step
- Some owners report strips run narrower than 12mm
Dritz Single Fold Bias Tape
Dritz sells this single fold cotton tape in solid colors and small prints commonly matched to quilting cotton lines. Sewers fold the final edge over the quilt border before stitching. Cotton fiber withstands repeated washing better than synthetic blends.
Pros
- Consistent 1/2 inch width throughout
- Widely stocked color and print options
- Cotton matches quilting fabric lines
Cons
- Requires folding before use on quilt edges
- 3-yard packs run out on larger quilts
uxcell Satin Bias Tape
Polyester satin gives this tape a glossy finish suited to necklines, lingerie edges, and costume trim. It ships as a flat, unfolded strip rather than pre-creased tape. A 12-yard roll length reduces how often sewers reorder for larger costume projects.
Pros
- Glossy satin finish for garment edges
- Long 12-yard roll cuts down reordering
- Smooth surface feeds through most machines
Cons
- Unfolded strip needs hand folding or a bias tape maker
- Polyester scorches under high iron heat
New brothread Satin Bias Tape Multi-Pack
Fifteen satin colors fill this set at 3 yards each, priced per yard below most single-color satin tape. Double fold edges arrive pre-pressed, so sewers skip the folding step. Polyester satin fibers fray faster than cotton at raw cut ends.
Pros
- 15 colors cover most craft palettes
- Double fold edges ready to stitch
- Lower cost per yard across the set
Cons
- Satin cut ends fray faster than cotton
- Some owners report spools measure slightly under 3 yards
Clover Bias Tape Maker 4-Size Set
Cut fabric strips feed through a pull-through slot on this tool, which folds them into finished bias tape that matches any fabric print exactly. Four sizes cover narrow trim through wide quilt binding. Heat-resistant plastic construction withstands direct iron contact during the folding pass.
Pros
- Matches bias tape to any project fabric
- Four sizes span trim to wide binding
- Reusable across unlimited future projects
Cons
- Requires cutting and feeding strips manually
- Does not include fabric, only the folding tool
Simplicity Bias Tape Maker
Entry-level pricing makes this tool set an accessible starting point, using the same pull-through folding method as premium makers. A storage card keeps the four sizes organized between projects. Cotton or lightweight synthetic strips feed through smoothly.
Pros
- Lower cost than premium brand sets
- Storage card keeps sizes organized
- Simple pull-through folding action
Cons
- Plastic body feels less durable than metal-reinforced makers
- Smallest 6mm size needs precise strip cutting
How to pick the right one
What Bias Tape Width and Fold Type Mean for Your Project Bias tape ships in single fold and double fold versions. Single fold tape shows one crease down the center, leaving sewers to fold the final edge themselves. Double fold tape arrives pre-pressed with both edges tucked toward the center, ready for topstitching. Width matters too. Extra wide double fold tape measures about 1/2 inch finished, while some bias binding for quilts runs narrower. Cotton holds a crisp press; satin adds sheen but resists creasing as sharply.
Best Bias Tape for Quilt Binding and Edge Finishing Quilt binding calls for durable, easy to fold cotton tape. Dritz Single Fold Bias Tape and Wrights Extra Wide Double Fold Bias Tape both use 100% cotton that matches quilting cotton fabric. Single fold versions require an extra pressing step before binding a quilt edge. Double fold tape skips that step, wrapping directly around raw quilt edges for machine or hand stitching. Cotton fiber also tolerates repeated washing better than polyester blends.
Choosing Satin Bias Tape for Garments and Costumes Garment necklines, lingerie trim, and costume seams often call for a glossy finish instead of matte cotton. uxcell Satin Bias Tape and New brothread Satin Bias Tape Multi-Pack use polyester satin that catches light along curved seams. Satin frays faster than cotton at cut ends, so sewers often seal edges with a quick zigzag stitch. Heat settings matter here. Polyester satin scorches under a cotton-setting iron, so a lower heat setting protects the sheen.
When to Use a Bias Tape Maker Instead of Pre-Made Tape Pre-made tape only comes in set widths and colors. Sewers matching a specific print or fabric turn to a bias tape maker instead. Clover Bias Tape Maker and Simplicity Bias Tape Maker both fold cut fabric strips into finished bias tape through a pull-through slot. Four included sizes, from 6mm to 25mm, cover trim through wide binding. This route takes more time than buying pre-made tape but matches fabric exactly to a garment or quilt top.
How they stack up
| # | Model | Width | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wrights Extra Wide Double Fold Bias Tape | 1/2 inch | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | byhands 100% Cotton Bias Tape Multi-Color Set | 12mm (about 1/2 inch) | Best value | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | Dritz Single Fold Bias Tape | 1/2 inch | Best for quilt binding | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | uxcell Satin Bias Tape | 20mm (about 3/4 inch) | Best for garment and lingerie trim | 8.5 | Check price |
| 5 | New brothread Satin Bias Tape Multi-Pack | 18mm (3/4 inch) | Best budget | 8.2 | Check price |
| 6 | Clover Bias Tape Maker 4-Size Set | 6mm, 12mm, 18mm, 25mm | Best for making custom bias tape | 8.1 | Check price |
| 7 | Simplicity Bias Tape Maker | 6mm, 12mm, 18mm, 25mm | Best for beginners | 8.0 | Check price |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between single fold and double fold bias tape?
Single fold tape has one center crease and needs folding again before stitching. Double fold tape arrives with both edges pre-pressed toward the center, ready to wrap around a raw edge and topstitch directly.
Which bias tape is best for quilt binding?
Cotton double fold tape, like Wrights Extra Wide Double Fold Bias Tape, binds quilt edges without extra folding. Cotton fiber also presses flat and holds up through repeated washing better than satin blends.
Can I make my own bias tape at home?
Yes. Cut fabric strips on the bias grain, then run them through a bias tape maker such as the Clover Bias Tape Maker to fold the edges automatically before pressing with an iron.
Is satin bias tape or cotton bias tape better for garments?
Satin bias tape, such as uxcell Satin Bias Tape, suits necklines and lingerie where sheen matters. Cotton bias tape presses crisper and works better on structured garments or quilts.
How much bias tape do I need for a quilt?
Binding a standard lap quilt typically uses around 8 to 10 yards. Packs like byhands 100% Cotton Bias Tape, sold at 3 yards per color, often need combining several colors for full coverage.
What width of bias tape works best for beginners?
Extra wide double fold tape, around 1/2 inch finished, gives beginners more fabric to grip while stitching. Narrower widths under 12mm require more precise machine control.
Does bias tape shrink when washed?
Cotton bias tape can shrink slightly on first wash if not pre-washed. Polyester satin tape, including New brothread Satin Bias Tape, resists shrinking but can scorch under high iron heat.
Bias tape maker vs pre-made bias tape, which saves more time?
Pre-made tape saves time since it arrives folded and ready to sew. A bias tape maker takes longer per yard but matches fabric prints exactly, which pre-made tape cannot do.
Can bias tape be used on curved seams?
Yes. Its diagonal grain lets it stretch around curves, armholes, and necklines without puckering, unlike straight-grain trim cut along the fabric weave.
How do I sew bias tape without visible stitching on the back?
Stitch in the ditch along the folded edge, catching the underside from the top. Double fold tape, already pressed toward the center, makes this easier to line up than single fold.
Our take
Wrights Extra Wide Double Fold Bias Tape covers most binding and trim projects without extra folding steps. Sewers working with satin or matching a specific print need uxcell Satin Bias Tape or a Clover Bias Tape Maker instead. Match fold type and fiber content to the fabric before buying.
