Help! Bias tape amnesia!

[gem]

Ok, so I'm making bias tape (which I have done before) by the normal method: marking diagonal lines on a square of fabric, then folding the fabric so they're offset by one stripe, and sewing it into a tube.

Problem is, after sewing, my lines don't line up anymore. They cut straight into the middle of the next stripe.

Clearly I'm not taking into account some effect that the seam allowance has on this, but I don't know what or how to fix it.

Help?

Gramercy!

[Kate XXXXXX]

This is why I never do it that way...  I just lay out my fabric and cut bias strips off it with the rotary cutter and the quilting ruler.

You don't line up the ends...  You line up the bits where the seam allowance crosses the line.  Draw that seam allowance on the fabric s well as the cutting lines, and line up where the two lines cross.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

I tried the Margo Anderson method and screwed it up.

I take my fabric and fold it like I would a bandana to make a triangle. On the fold part, I mark 1 1/4", then 2 1/2" for a 5/8" wide seam and fold over. That I do for Hats to finish the brims. 2" for binding bodices, corsets, picadils for Bodices, etc. I make a seam if I need longer pieces. The seam does not show all that much.

[Lady Rosalind]

Rotary cutter and quilting ruler, for me. Just easier and quicker, and if I need just a bit, I don't have to futz with trying to fold or mark anything. Just need one straight edge, and boom = bias.

[gem]

But then don't you have to sew all the little strips together one at a time?

Lady K, I don't really understand what you mean. You lost me after "triangle."  Care to try again?

[Auryn]

gem
I use the same method- its the only way I can do it without screwing it up.
The problem you are having is that you are  using a square, are you remembering to offset the fabric.

This is the best diagram/instruction page I have ever found for this.
Maybe going through the steps in pictures will help.
I even have this page bookmarked in my iphone
http://pir8.freeservers.com/quilting/CBT/

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Sorry to confuse you, gem.

Say you have  a square piece of fabric. Take a corner and bring it up until you form a triangle of sorts. The bottom or fullest part here there will be the fold is where the bias will form.

Does that make sense?? From there, measure 1 to 1 1/4"(on the folded part) to determine the width of the bias you are making, then double that afterwards.

[Valencia]

Wow, I had no idea you could make it that way... I've been cutting strips and sewing them together. And WOW it's not fun. I'm going to have to try the tube idea next time!