Bias tape
length of fabric cut at a 45% angle to the warp, used to bind raw edges or as trim
Bias tape or bias binding is a narrow strip of fabric, typically plain weave, cut on the bias. As the weave of fabric is at a 45-degree angle, the resulting fabric strip is stretchier than a strip cut on the grain. The strip also has a better drape, and conforms to curves better than fabric cut on the grain.
Bias tape typically comes with each raw vertical edge pressed underneath the strip, meaning that both vertical edges are on the fold. Bias tape may also come folded and pressed in half lengthwise ("double-fold" bias tape), for use in edging garments and pieces of fabric. Bias that does not come pressed in half lengthwise is referred to as "single-fold" bias tape.
Many lengths of bias-cut fabric can be pieced together into a long "tape", which is typically sold in metre or roll lengths by haberdashers. Bias tape varies in width from extremely narrow (1⁄4 in [0.6 cm] wide when flat) to extremely wide (as wide as 3 in [7.6 cm] or more).
Bias tape is used in making piping, binding seams, finishing raw edges, and is also used decoratively. It is often used on the edges of quilts, placemats, and bibs, around armhole and neckline edges instead of a facing, and as a simple strap or tie for casual bags or clothing.
“Bias tape” enters the record as length of fabric cut at a 45% angle to the warp, used to bind raw edges or as trim. Crown Archives preserves that source wording while asking what Bias, tape and length can confirm, complicate or overturn.
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Named sources, stable identifiers and responsible institutions provide the strongest route from overview to verifiable evidence. The source revision retrieved here is dated Feb 8, 2026. The linked authority identifier is Q4902580. None of the 0 selected statements returned an explicit reference.
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This entry incorporates text from “Bias tape” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.