Crossway strips

Crossway strips

Crossway strips are also called bias strips. These strips are very useful in clothing construction. Bias strips can be cut out on the true cross grain is fabric.

Uses of crossway strips:
1. To neaten raw edges in the process known as binding.

2. To strengthen the raw edges of fine if medium weight fabrics.

3. To decorate the edges of a garment. It can be used in contrasting or matching colour with the garment.

4. Crossway strip can stretch in sewing so it can fit neatly round curves.

Cutting and joining crossway strips:
• Cutting
- select a suitable square or rectangular piece of fabric.
- fold one corner of the fabric over. The weft edge should be lie along the wrap or lengthwise grain.
- cut along the diagonal fold.
- mark the width of the strip reunited using pins or tailor's chalk.
- use a ruler and make the lines parallel to the raw bias edge.
- mark out the required number of strips you need.
- cut beside the pins or marks.

• Joining the bias strips
- place the strips flat on the table with the right sides up.
- cut the ends of the strips parallel with the grain.
- place the bias edges together, with the right sides facing and the corners overlapping for the depth of the seam.
- baste along the seam line.
- machine stitch on the seam line and remove the basting.
- press the seam allowance open and flat.
- cut off the protruding ends, if necessary.