I get the main concept, but I'm not sure how you turn the tube right side out. I want it to be 1/4 inch finished. I'm wanting to make some vines with leaves. I'd rather use what I have here rather than making a trip to the store for pre-made stuff.

Here's what I do:

Cut your bias strips just under 3/4 inch wide

fold about 1/2 inch of the end of one strip into thirds so you have it the width you want.

On your ironing board, lay the folded end on the board and take straight pin (be sure to use one that doesnt have plastic on the end that melts).

Insert the pin into the ironing board cover, come back out about 1/4 in away, then go over your little pressed piece and back into the board and up again. Now, do this again about an iron width away.

That is your setup.

Now to make the bias strips:
Insert the end under one pin and draw it through to the other one, pressing as you go. insert through the second one. Now draw the lenght of the bias strip through the pins, pressing as you go.

When you have them pressed, wind them onto an empty toilet paper roller and pin the end in place. This will prevent it from undoing itself until you are ready to use it.

Ill try to post a pic soon of this process soon

If you are going to use a tube, you sew the tube with WRONG sides together. Trim the seam to a tiny 1/8 inch. Twist the tube so that the seam is in the middle and press. When you sew it down, the seam is hidden beneath the stirp.

Clear as mud?

This is the method I use. I have the pressing bars that you insert inside the tube and press

I am with Judy and Melissa-this is the method that I use too--no turning necessary because your seam is behind the tube.

thanks everyone!

a great demo is on the applique the piece o"cake way dvd
i haven"t used it yet but looks very simple and they also do not turn the tubes since the seam is hidden

I have a set of plastic strip (flat). in various sizes I fold the bias cut fabric , right side showing and stitch close to the edge of the strip . I use the foot you would use for making piping and move needle close to strip Trim as close as possible. Roll the seam as you press so that it is on the underside. Easy as that.

This is how I do it too!