Hey there, quilting enthusiasts! It’s Gina here, bringing you some exciting news about quilting on a budget. We all know how luxurious it feels to work with ready-made bias tape, but let’s admit, the price tag can give us a bit of a sticker shock! I recently came across a spool of gold lame 1/4″ fusible tape with a whopping price of $19 USD a roll. Yikes! But don’t worry, I’ve got a fabulous tip for you.
Clover Needlecraft has our back! They’ve introduced a nifty device that lets us make our very own fusible bias tape at the comfort of our homes. This marvelous contraption, known as the Clover Fusible Bias Tape Maker, is available for a mere $7 USD. Combine that with your favorite fabric and a $3 USD roll of fusible web tape, and voila! You’re all set.
But hey, it’s not just about the savings! One of the best parts about this gadget is the freedom of choice. Imagine having bias tape in every hue and pattern imaginable. Dreamy, right? The primary use of bias tape is for applique stems and vines, but why stop there? It’s perfect for stained glass quilts, Celtic patterns, and even jazzing up quilt borders. Imagine those narrow, vibrant bias strips adding that extra ‘oomph’ to your creations without overshadowing the main design. ✨
Now, for the tech-savvy part: I tried the 1/4″ (6mm) size of this Tape Maker, which seemed like the most straightforward choice. It’s pretty user-friendly with its two pathways – one for the fabric and the other for the fusible web tape. All you need to do is feed both materials simultaneously, and as they emerge from the narrower end, you get this beautifully folded strip with the web tape centered, ready to be fused with a warm iron.
A few trials and errors taught me a lesson: always check the packaging inside out for instructions. After a couple of missteps with 3/4″ and 1/2″ strips, I found that the 5/8″ strip width (suggested for lightweight fabrics) worked like a charm for me.
The joy of this entire process? Endless possibilities and cost efficiency. Using materials from my stash, creating a diverse range of stem and vine colors, and saving some dollars in the process made me a happy quilter! Plus, pinning is such a hassle, so being able to fuse these small bias strips in place before sewing? Total win!
For those of you who love choices, the Fusible Bias Tape Maker is available in various sizes. So, whether you’re a fan of slender vines or prefer them a tad chunkier, there’s something for everyone.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Product | Clover Fusible Bias Tape Maker |
| Price | $7 USD (approximately) |
| Additional Cost | $3 USD roll of fusible web tape |
| Benefits | Custom colors, cost-effective, more design possibilities |
| Available Sizes | Multiple, including 1/4″ (6mm) |
