Single Fold Bias Tape

[SmilieFace]

I am working on McCalls M5586. It calls for adding single fold bias tape to the armhole edges. I don't know why, but I am having the most difficult time understanding the instructions of how to attach the bias tape. Is the bias tape supposed to be visible on the right side of the finished garment? If I stay stitch, can I skip the bias tape? Or, can someone explain to me how to add the tape? Maybe the instructions from a different person will help me understand...

[DorothyL]

Where is the tape? at the underarms?
Usually you sew the tape to the garment, right sides together and then turn the tape to the inside, like facing. Then you top stitch it down (or stitch in a ditch if there is one). It works very well on a curve because of the stretch in the bias cut tape. Sometimes you bind an edge with it, but that top doesn't look like it calls for that.
I love that pattern and can't wait to see what you do with it.
Dorothy

[AndreaSews]

Yes, Dorothy's got it. Think of the bias tape as a teeny tiny facing. You open the tape up, put right sides together, and stitch along the press-line on the tape. the the whole thing flips to the inside, and you fold the other edge of the tape under neatly. Then you can stitch it down. Some people only like to stitch from the top, making sure to "catch" the tape on the under side. But if you like certainty, then you can work from the inside, and just stitch very close to the folded edge of the tape.

I agree, sometimes hearing it in different words helps. Another good explanation: http://www.denverfabrics.com/pages/sewinginfo/simplicity-sewing-hints/sewing-bias.htm

[SmilieFace]

Oh, thanks! It's much clearer now. From the McCalls instructions, I thought it was supposed to show on the outside of the finished garment!

One more question...The instructions also called for stay stitching before adding the tape. Do I stitch on the bias tape above or below the stay stitching?

[AndreaSews]

Should be below. Should encase the stay stitching so that it is not visible.

[MartySews2]

If you want to see this top made up, check out Erica Bunker's blog at http://www.ericabunker.com. She has made this top up and gives instructions on how she achieved her look. Check out her May 24th post. Hope this helps as I can't wait to see your version.
Marty

[AndreaSews]

That girl can SEW.

[Glennssister]

WOW!!!!!!!! She is a true artist and she lives near Bama.

[temom]

SmilieFace, if it makes you feel any better, dd has a McCalls top that has the bias tape showing, because i couldn't figure out what the directions were telling me! Now I know otherwise. Thank you.

That was an amazing link, Marty. I could spend quite a while at that site!

[SmilieFace]

Well, I got the bias tape in (an on the inside of the garment! ). Tonight I'll finish the shirt (hopefully). Thanks for all the tips. I'm not sure that I did it *quite* right, but it's close enough... That link you posted, Marty, was really helpful!