Post Punk Kitchen Forum

I'm a sewing n00b, and I don't really understand the point of this stuff. Do I really need it? Or can I just make it out of some fabric I already have?

As in bias tape? Depending on what I'm making, I use the storebought stuff if it's something I don't care so much, but for my vintage clothing projects I always make my own. It looks much nicer and it's easy to make it.

you can use whatever you've got! seam binding is a bit stiffer and folded over already so it's easier to use, but there's no reason you can't just cut and fold and iron your own. especially if your fabric is like cupcake print or somethin'.

I may be making things more complicated than they actually are, but are you referring to bias tape, like the decorative strip around, say, an apron? Or are you talking about the stuff to finish seams without a a serger? If the latter, I never use it, partly because I have a serger, but mostly because I'm lazy. If you are speaking of bias tape, you can make it yourself, but it's kind of a pain in the asparagus and only worth it if you need a very specific color or pattern. Otherwise, wait till it goes on sale and stock up.

If you tell me what you're making/what the instructions are, I might be more helpful.

Finishing a seam without a serger. The pattern calls for "1/2 inch seam binding tape." The project I'm doing next is a very simple dress and calls for a half inch seam binding around the neckline.

I cheated on the last thing I made and just folded it over and sewed it, but it called for the same.