Bias tape?

Baron Alcyoneus · Post by **Baron Alcyoneus** » Sat Jun 27, 2009 11:24 am

Textiles and Clothing 1150-1450 shows woven tape that has been folded over to be attached on the edge of garments.

Are there historical examples of actual bias tape being used?

Blaine de Navarre · Post by **Blaine de Navarre** » Sat Jun 27, 2009 1:27 pm

The neck of the St Louis shirt has silk bias tape, IIRC.

earnest carruthers · Post by **earnest carruthers** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:58 am

Doesn't that come under narrow wares? ie tapes and braids woven as it says in narrow widths? Not specifically bias tape though.

losthelm · Post by **losthelm** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 11:45 am

I think its twill tape not bias tape.
A small difference one is used for draw strings and such
The other as binding for a seam or hem.
I picked up a spool from twilltape.com for a number of projects.

Tailoress · Post by **Tailoress** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 9:02 am

AFAIK, those narrow silk strips are on-grain, not bias. However, if you want to make your own very easily (bias or on-grain), there's a doohickie you can get called a "bias tape maker". Here's an image showing you some size differences. I know that JoAnn's Fabrics sells at least two sizes in their notions section.

http://www.clotilde.com/images/products/closeups/2398.jpg

Using this device and a steam iron, you can get all the tape you want from whatever fabric you want, and it will be medievally appropriate in construction. (Well, depending on factors like selecting the right fabric and grain direction, etc.)

-Tasha

Baron Alcyoneus · Post by **Baron Alcyoneus** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 10:08 am

I picked up a 1/2" and a 1" tape maker a week or two ago, and after trimming off 1/3 of the front overlap (on both L and R sides) on my pourpoint, used the 1" (actually, it is 1/2" after folding for use as bias tape-I don't know why the list it like that...) to close the edge.

I think it looks and feels even better!