Preparing Bias Stems

Preparing Bias Stems with Clover Bias Tape Maker

This tutorial explains how to make 1/4" bias stems using a #6 Clover Bias Tape Maker.

NOTE: If resulting stems are not going to be shaped into curves or waves there is no need to cut the fabric on the bias. 

The same steps can be followed with any size Bias Tape Maker - just follow the instructions on the tool to determine the width to cut your initial bias strips.

Step 1 - Cutting the Fabric on the Bias:

• Start with a fat quarter of desired fabric.
• Iron your fabric - cut a straight edge if there isn't one already.
• Most rotary rulers include a 45 degree angle mark - find it on your ruler.
• Lay the 45 degree angle mark on the selvage edge of your fabric.  This will align the cut edge of your ruler on a 45 degree angle.

•  Use a rotary cutter and cut a straight edge on the bias (the diagonal above).

• Gently slide your ruler over to the 1/2" mark (with the 45 degree line still on the selvage) and make another cut resulting in a 1/2 inch bias strip.

• Repeat this process until you have 10 or more 1/2" strips cut on the bias.

Note: Use Caution when handling the strips -- when fabric is cut on the bias it will easily stretch.

Step 2 - Make Bias Stems:

• Using the Clover #6 - 1/4" Bias Tape Maker (BTM) feed one end of your 1/2" bias strip through the wide end of the BTM with fabric right side up.  
• Use a pin (if necessary) to advance the fabric through the BTM to the narrow end.  Leave about 1/2" of the strip showing on the narrow end.

• Position your iron so the side of the iron is against the narrow end of the BTM.

• Note: The BTM instructions say to move the tool with the hand that is not ironing -- but I prefer to use the iron to move the tool.

• The iron should be set on a "Cotton" heat with steam and a fair amount of pressure should be applied as you glide the iron over the fabric to make the bias stem.  Once you start pressing to the left  - keep going - don't stop mid-strip.

• Some would suggest you use a light starch on the fabric before beginning to make the tape -- feel free to do so - it makes the bias tape hold its shape.

That's all there is to it -- it's pretty simple to make a bias stem using a Clover Bias Tape Maker.

Front and back image of the completed bias stems:

Redbird and Berries Mini Quilt is available for PDF download from my website, redbirdquiltco.com

Note:  Tutorial excerpt from the Moda Bake Shop Redbird and Berries Mini Quilt Recipe posted Jan 24th, 2014 ~ written by Karen L. Miller