Bias pressing bars, made of metal or heat-resistant plastic, simplify the preparation of consistent-width bias strips. Below you’ll find both video and image+text tutorials for this technique with clear, step-by-step instructions. PLUS—if you’ve found this lesson useful, you can download a copy of this AND many more Sew Easy lessons in our FREE eBooklet Sew Easy Lessons: The Essential Collection of Quilting Techniques. Click here to download your copy of this lesson plus many other tried-and-true patchwork tutorials!

Video Tutorial

Step-by-Step Sew Easy Instructions

1. For ¼”-wide finished strips, cut 1¼”-wide bias strips. Fold strips in half lengthwise with wrong sides facing, and machine-stitch ¼” from folded edge.
2. Trim seam allowance to ⅛”.
3. Insert ¼”-wide bias bar into sewn strip.
4. Adjust strip so seam is centered on bar.
5. Spray with starch and press seam allowance to one side of strip.
6. Continue moving bias bar through strip until entire length is pressed.

Products used: Products used: Havel’s Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Havel’s 6″ Serrated-Blade Fabric Scissors. Check out Havel’s Sewing for more information and a complete catalog. Other products include bias pressing bar, Aurifil 40wt. cotton thread (fuchsia), pencil, wool pressing pad, travel iron, starch.

Machine featured is the performance icon™ by PFAFF®. To find a retailer near you, visit PFAFF.com.

Fabric from Painter’s Palette Solids collection, Paintbrush Studio Fabrics.

If you’d like to download the individual PDF of Sew Easy: Bias Strips for Appliqué, click here!

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