Instructions for Bias Tape Casings

• 1). Measure your garment to determine the length of the casing.
  
  
• 2). Cut the bias tape 1/2 inch longer than this measurement, to create 1/4-inch seam allowances on each end of the casing. Fold one of the 1/4-inch seam allowances to the inside of the casing (the side with the long folded edges) and iron in place.
  
  
• 3). Pin the bias tape to the garment, centering the bias tape over the location where you want the casing, and overlapping the folded 1/4-inch edge over the unfolded edge.
  
  
• 4). Stitch in place using a straight stitch 1/8 inch or less from the long edges of the casing. Do not stitch the short ends.
  
  
• 5). Cut the elastic to the desired length, plus 1/2 inch for overlapping and securing the elastic into a loop.
  
  
• 6). Thread the elastic through the casing, being sure not to allow the end of the elastic to slip into the casing. Once completed, both ends should stick out of the casing. Overlap the elastic by 1/2 inch and stitch ends together to secure.
  
  
• 7). Fold the elastic completely into the casing and stitch the overlapped short edge of the casing closed, using a straight stitch.
  
  

Instructions for Bound Seams

• 1). Grade your sewn seam to reduce bulk by cutting off 1/4 inch of one side of the seam allowance.
  
  
• 2). Unfold one of the long edge folds of your bias tape. Holding the seam allowance together, pin the unfolded bias tape to the seam, with the raw edge toward the raw edge of the seam allowance and the outside of the seam tape against the seam allowance fabric. Stitch along the crease line, through the single thickness of the bias tape and both thicknesses of the seam allowance.
  
  
• 3). Wrap the bias tape around the seam allowance and pin the folded side of the bias tape to the other side of the seam allowance.
  
  
• 4). Topstitch along the edge of the bias tape, securing it to the seam allowance.