I was just wondering if anybody uses the bias tape makers? I was thinking about buying one and thought I would ask what you all think first.
Judy in Ohio

I have used this Gizmo and it worked fine for me, just remember to cut on the cross so that your bias tape really will be flexible.

Elle

Nope, don't use them at all because you can make only a few sizes if you have them all.

I do an old trick to make them... just a minute, I go find the page.

Yes! I found it on YouTube..
Watch this and then try yourself , it's works amazing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPrFfg9rtmM

I've been quilting 10 years and have yet to use bias tape so I don't think I'd ever use a bias tape maker.

I use the Clover bias tape makers to make stems for flower applique. If you buy one of these, I recommend buying the Clover brand. They are color-coded for size, plus they actually work better than the all-metal Dritz brand.

I watched the video that was posted. I actually use the method demonstrated in conjunction with the Clover bias tape maker, pulling the tape through a safety pin before ironing. With the tape maker it goes very, very fast. Sometimes I just sit the iron next to the needle and pull the tape under the iron. The maker tool feeds the fabric to the needle perfectly.

Always make about a foot more tape than you need, as the first foot is often less perfect than the rest of the tape.

I always cut my fabric on the bias because I want lots of flexibility for the flower stems.

Most quilters do not use bias tape to bind quilts because it provides only a single layer of fabric on the edge.

Are you talking about the Simplicity one?

I want to buy that and the 2 1/2 strip cutter...yes I am a gadget junkie...I want opinions, too!

Either one...the simplicity bias tape maker and the strip cutter....

Inquiring minds want to know...

I wondered about the strip cutter, anyone out there got one. They are pricey, but I do like a gadget

Elle

I use the old fashioned all metal Dritz bias tape folders when I need that for applique. For binding, I don't because I use doubled bias.

I can make binding, don't need a machine to do it but I can walk too so why have a car to take me places? To save time! Making binding is not a creative process for me.

I have the Simplicity electric bias machine maker. I got the new 2 1/2" strip tip last week and just this morning tried it out. It took some figuring but once I figured out how to put in the fabric strip, it was off and running. I got perfectly folded strips (not bias but single fold for the 2 1/2 strip). Wow! No more ironing while folding strips! I doubt I cut 2 1/2" bias strips when I can grab some jelly roll strips, sew them together then turn on the machine and be done with binding. I tried the Simplicity strip cutter. It was hard to get all the strips cut the same size. It would be great for strips for rag rugs though.
Oh, If I want double fold, refold the single fold.