Assorted colors: Using up bias tape scraps

Using up bias tape scraps is super creative! You can turn scraps of bias tape, ribbon, and the like into a totally unique fabric for many new sewing ideas! Take a look at how it's done!

Do you feel the same way I do? I love sewing with bias tape because it looks so clean and neat. For example, my Portobella cosmetic bag. It is finished completely with bias tape. And I think it looks absolutely fantastic.

You can find the free pattern for Portobella directly in the post.

Using up bias tape scraps: It's super easy!

But what do you do with all those bias tape scraps? Can you still use them?

Of course you can!

For example, to make a cute, colorful makeup bag! For this, you can weave a new fabric out of the bias tape strips. Or you can sew a gorgeous diagonally striped fabric with them.

I really like using Insul Bright^* as a backing fleece because it is finer than Thermolam and is really great to sew with. With Thermolam, the seams become a bit bulkier because it is thicker than Insul Bright to begin with.

By the way, I love using Insul Bright for my Log Cabin potholders! Although I then always add an extra layer of cotton batting.

How to get the transition between lining and outer fabric so neat?

I'll show you in my blog post: Sewing the perfect transition next to the zipper!

My tip: Buying bias tape

There are big differences in the quality of bias tape, which can contribute to the success (or lack thereof) of your sewing project.

Many low-quality bias tapes are made of 100% polyester, fray, or cannot withstand ironing heat (and then not only ruin the sole of the iron but possibly the sewing project itself by melting into the fabric; I’ve seen it all before).

However, I have had good experiences with some shops on Amazon. But I usually buy my bias tape^* at Hemmers, because I know the quality is fine there.

If you don't have much experience using bias tape, I recommend opting for 100% cotton bias tape. It is much easier to work with than tape with synthetic blends.

Especially with this sewing idea, where bias tape strips are woven together, the quality of the material should be roughly the same to avoid any nasty surprises when ironing. :)

You can find a tutorial on how to make your own bias tape here on the blog!

What you need for sewing

• Bias tape scraps (my tip: a bit of gold bias tape^* makes the bag look really elegant!)
• Insul-Bright^* or Thermolam^* as backing fleece
• Continuous zipper with pull^*
• Fabric marker^* or chalk pencil^*
• Sewing thread in the color of the lining fabric^*
• Tweezers^*
• Rotary cutter^*
• Fabric scissors^*
• Patchwork ruler^*
• Sewing machine (feel free to read my review of the Janome Horizon)
• optional: Wonder Tape^* for attaching the zipper
• Fabric clips^*
• possibly Pins^*

Cut the backing fleece approx. 2 cm larger than the pattern.

Cut bias tape strips to the width of the fleece piece.

Lay the strips side-by-side, edge to edge. The open side of the bias tape should face the fleece.

Cover the entire fleece with bias tape strips. Pin the strips edge-to-edge onto the fleece.

Sew the strips onto the fleece on both sides.

Now cut bias tape strips that you can weave into the long strips.

Again, the fleece should disappear completely under the bias tape.

Pin the strips edge-to-edge onto the fleece on one side and secure them with a straight stitch.

Then the strips are woven together.

Now you can straighten the strips once more and then topstitch them.

Then you cut out the piece as usual.

Variant two: Sewing bias tape strips together diagonally

In this variant, the bias tape strips are simply arranged edge-to-edge however you like, and topstitched onto the fleece with a variegated thread and a decorative stitch.

It is important that the decorative stitch cleanly catches both edges!

Then cut out the bag piece.

Happy simple sewing,

yours, Sabine