Taunton's Threads - For people who love to sew
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From the pages of Threads Magazine Bias 101 Master the tricks of sewing bias-cut garments with a simple style and foolproof fabric
Grain refers to the straight and crosswise direction of the yarns making up a woven fabric, with bias running at any angle to the straight and crossgrains and the true bias running at a 45-degree angle to these grains, as shown in the drawing below. Garments cut on the bias appear softer and more fluid, have more stretch, and are more supple than those cut on the lengthwise or crosswise grain. The fabric also appears "thinner" than the same fabric cut on the straight grain. Bias garments need more fabric than the same garment on the straight grain, and are best cut one layer at a time so the grain doesn't distort. Working on the bias requires a bit more time, a careful selection of fabric, as well as some alternate fitting and sewing techniques, which I'll explain in detail. I suggest starting with a simple top or a sleeveless tank or shell. Cutting the top on the bias instantly makes the shape more fluid and gives the fabric a more interesting character. Use a pattern you've sewn before, or make it up quickly in muslin to test the fit before you begin.
Safe fabric choices for bias Begin at the fabric store by unfurling a few bolts of fabric and folding each on the diagonal to get a feel for the way the fabric responds and feels on the bias. Compare different fibers, weights, and textures. Notice how much the fabrics stretch on the bias, how a plain weave takes on a new texture, a twill weave loses its definition, and plaids and stripes become diagonal lines. For your first few bias-cut tops, pick user-friendly, natural-fiber fabrics with "tooth" (the layers tend to grab each other), like cotton, linen, silk broadcloth, or wool challis. I look for fabrics with a plain weave and minimal texture, and I love the effect of stripes cut on the bias. Beginners, however, should choose a narrow, 1/4-in. or smaller stripe so it doesn't have to be matched. The short list of fabrics to avoid for bias includes most rayons (stretches like crazy), silkies and polyester (slippery and hard to handle), twills (lose definition), and fabrics that are heavy or stiff, like duck or poplin. Silks and sheers like crepe de chine, charmeuse, and georgette are beautiful on the bias, but these hard-to-handle fabrics aren't a good place to begin. Move up to silky fabrics once you've conquered the stable ones. [ next ] |
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