Bias Bars- metal or something else?
 

I use the metal bias bars for making vines, etc. for applique on quilts. I have a 3-pc set but would like the larger 7-pc set. I looked on Amazon and they list them but they're unavailable at this time. So, I went to my LQS and they can order the non-metal ones for me.... sets of 5.

Has anyone used the non-metal ones? Do they work well? How hot a heat can they handle?

or.... does anyone know where the metal ones are still available?

I have a set of non-metal bias bars- I think I got them from Nancy's Notions (but I've had them for years so they may have come from somewhere else) anyway- they work fine- I like them better (in ways) than the metal because they do not hold the heat like the metal ones- no burned fingers- one thing about them though is they are a tad bit thicker than the metal ones- other than that they work fine.

I have a set of both types and don't really notice a difference. The metal ones stay hot a bit longer though.

I found the metal ones at these sources but I know nothing about the retailers:

http://store.quiltworx.com/product-p/cebb3.htm

http://scarlettrose.com/set_of_7_bias_bars.html

hope that helps you in finding what you want.
Even though I've never used these in making bias strips, they look very interesting, so much so that it's worth my time exploring their use.

Thanks all. MaryMo, those look like the ones I've been looking for. Thanks for the links.

I never had a problem with the non-metal bias bars I have. Like ckcowl and quilter1 wrote, the metal ones doseem to get much hotter and stay hot much longer. I didn't like the possibility of hurting myself [again, snicker.]

The trick with the metal bars is to not iron all the way down the bar, just leave a couple inches at the end unironed so they're easier to handle. With longer sewn strips of bias, they're going to be pushed along as you iron anyway. I also wave them in the air to cool them faster. My personal preference is for the metal bars since they are flatter than the plastic ones. Some of the plastic bars have ridges in them, which will transfer to your fabric! Using the thinner metal bars for pressing means that your bias will have a better crease that will hold up to all the handling as you applique.

I don't know about the other links, but have used Quiltworx before, that is Judy Neimeyers site