How to make your own pretty bias tape!

Unlimited fabric pattern options!!! Love them!

I have had several requests for tutorials on how to make your own pretty bias tape.  We all know how expensive it can be to purchase.  Making it is so inexpensive and you can get many yards of bias tape from just one yard of pretty cotton fabric!  Here are a couple links to sites with good tutorials!

Prudent Baby Bias Tape Tutorial

SEW pretty!

Scientific Seamstress Tutorial 

This site has a printable card for feeding your strip of fabric into!

If you try any of these out, please post pictures for me!  I tried it a few times and it is simple but time consuming.  The up side is that it is super inexpensive and they are sooo much prettier than the plain colored ones we can buy in the stores!

Magic elastic & ribbon threader! A must have!

I found this at my local Michael's store in the sewing notions section and paid a whopping $1.99 for it. I figured it was a good investment if it worked and an inexpensive experiment if it didn't.  Joann's sells one just like it also-a little more expensive there.

This is what it looks like hanging on the display. It's made by Dritz as you can see in the bottom right corner.

And here it is out of the package, just a long, flexible, plastic stick that is thicker at one end and tapers to a thinner size with two openings at the other end.

So all you do is thread your ribbon through the casing into the two holes at the end, then run the thicker end through the casing and out the other end. I was able to run an elastic or ribbon through the casing of a dress in seconds. I now own about 5 of these- great for our sew fests-things move way faster!!!


Borrowed the pics from "Hooked on Needles" blog...

Step by step construction instructions...

I have included a new page on this blog that gives step by step pillowcase dress instructions.  It's located near the top of my blog.  Just put your mouse over the words "Pillowcase dress instructions" and click!  Or go to this link:  http://dressagirlct.blogspot.com/p/pillowcase-dress-instructions.html.

There are two basic ways to make simple pillowcase dresses.  Both start off the same and then there are two options: 1)  use grosgrain ribbon for the ties or 2) use double bias tape for the ties.  One is not necessarily easier than the other and both are really cute.

Of course, embellishments can be added once your basic dress is constructed.  Many add pockets or ribbon trim, ric rac, lace, ruffles etc.  It's okay to leave it basic or embellish all you want!  Remember, if a little girl has never had a dress, even a plain one will make her smile!

Several women have asked me what they should do to not so pretty colored pillowcases or not so pretty pillowcases.  Keep in mind that sometimes just adding a bright color to a brown pillowcase will make it darling!  And although we may not care for some patterns, colors etc-different cultures may think it is beautiful!  So do your best with whatever you have and believe that some little girl will love it!

There really are no set rules.  You don't even need to follow my instructions.  As I find more and different dress instructions, I will link them.Fire up those sewing machines & let your creativity take over!