Making Purse straps using a bias tape maker?

[Lia]

When I make purse straps I usually use the following method:

- Cut a strip of fabric 3 inches wide by how ever long it needs to be.
- Iron a small hem along each side of the fabric
- Press strap in half, matching the folded sides together.
- Sew along each edge

Basically, its bias tape I guess! I have never used one of these little bias tape makers, but to anyone that has: My straps are always 1 inch wide, can I use one of the bias tape makers to make my strap? I think it might make it looks near perfect, and very quick to do!

http://www.threadart.com/Q/tape_maker.asp

[SewPixie]

Lia - I have one of those and yes, I think you would be able to. 

Using the maker would give you the two folded in edges and then you'd just iron in half. So straight-gran tape instead of bias grain. 

I haven't done this for straps but I have left it as single fold tape on the straight grain for trim. I'm not 100% but I think you'd want the 2" one so when folded in half it is 1", I can never remember if the measurement is for how it comes out or how it is when you fold it in half. 

[Lindsayanne]

Can I find this tool at someplace like JoAnne's or McCalls?

And if I buy the 1", it comes out 1" when folded over?

[rratstarr]

Can I find this tool at someplace like JoAnne's or McCalls?

And if I buy the 1", it comes out 1" when folded over?

To answer your questions, yes and yes.  Here's a link to one at www.joann.com: http://www.joann.com/catalog.jhtml?CATID=24991&PRODID=57802.

Just one thing:  If there are instructions on the package they will say to cut your fabric on the diagonal, but for a purse strap you don't want to do this because it will stretch.  Just cut out the strips lengthwise or widthwise to the piece of fabric you have.  The package should tell you how wide a strip you need to make the tape.

-S

[Lindsayanne]

Thanks!

I foudn them at Joann's the other day (online) but was p.o.ed about paying as much for shipping as the item item itself. Then I just searched for Joann and coupon and found this code: WHFSOCT4 which got me free shipping on my order. Whoo-ho!

[SewPixie]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure mine is a 1" one and you cut the fabric 4" wide for a double fold tape. So when you get done pressing the fabric strip as it comes out of the maker you have a 2" wide strip, that you then fold over. Hmm reminds me to find mine....

**EDIT** I've now managed to confuse myself and wonder if the 1" is how it comes out as single fold, or how it is double-fold. oy!

[sarah_1980]

I bought 2 bias tape markers specifically to make handles and it works beautifully - no more burning fingers with a hot steam iron!

I actually first saw them in a book and posted this thread here http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=14941.0 to find out what they were.

I highly recommend them as a great investment.

[Lia]

sarah - what sizes did you buy? i am going to have to invest in some right away.
i just pressed over 30 straps, my fingers are still hot!

thanks everyone for your help.

[sarah_1980]

Lia,

I bought the largest one I could find - 30mm.

I *think* it makes strips about 12mm wide by the time you sew it all down.

Sarah

[Lindsayanne]

I'm having a problem with these puppies. When I pull my fabric through the tool and iron I turned the finished piece of tape over and it has a bunch of creases/wrinkles running parallel down it. Any help/thoughts?