Ode to Bias Tape

Sometimes a spade is called a spade. Bias tape is called bias tape because the fabric is cut diagonally.
And why is this so?  Because fabric cut diagonally, or on the bias,  is more stretchy than  fabric cut in a straight line. And why is this important? Because when you want to fold bias tape around necklines, collars, armholes, hems, curvy edges and corners, you need the fabric to follow the shape of the garment and be sewn into place with the greatest of ease.

You can buy ready made bias tape, but obviously you can make your own. Rule of thumb: if you can buy it in a store you can make it yourself.

With a little help of bias tape (that I made from an old summer dress) I transformed this rather Plain Jane jacket to something fun and fresh. I don't have a before picture, but it is easy to imagine what this jacket would look like without this beautiful red and white floral border.

A bit more sporty, don't you think? Even the back looks better. It really doesn't take much.

Now it's one of my favourite spring/fall jackets. It literally has an edge to it, it no longer looks like an anonymous office uniform.

Adorned with this jacket and earrings from a street vendor in Camden, I'm dressed without being dressy. 

AND I reduced my already massive carbon footprint by fixing an old jacket instead of buying a new one. 

Go upcycling!