Making bias tape question: how wide?

[gem]

Ok, I'm getting ready to make some bias tape to bind the (still hypothetical) hemp-boned corset, and I understand what to do, but I'm not sure how *wide* to cut the strips.

This site gives a nifty chart for determining strip width, but it presupposes that you know how wide you want your finished tape to be.   

What width of tape do you lot recommend?  I think I'll be using the Baroness's French Binding instructions.

The fabric for the bias tape has been sitting on my ironing board since *Thursday,* so it's beyond time for me to cut it out, already!

Gramercy!

[Kate XXXXXX]

For a finish approximately half an inch wide, I cut the bias 2.5" wide.  Fold in half and press.  Sew the doubled tape to the outside, a little under half an inch from the edge: fold over to the inside and sew the folded edge down either by machine 'in the ditch' from the right side, or by hand on the inside.

Using a zigzag for sewing it down initially is something I need to experiment with.  I'm not sure why she sewed the second side down twice...

Using the tape doubled is more durable and lessens the chance of 'pokey's' from the hemp cord scratching you.

[Syrilla]

Before cutting, make sure you are on truly bias.  Being even a little off will change the ability of the fabric.

[gem]

Thanks, Kate and Syrilla!

So 1/2" finished width is pretty standard for corset binding, then?  Anyone else care to weigh in before I whip out my ruler?

Gramercy!

[mollymishap]

I thought 1/2 inch sounded too wide (for my taste) so I just went and checked the width of the binding on my effigy corset and at most, it's about 3/8".

I think it depends on what is pleasing to your eye--so long as it's wide enough to do the work of keeping the boning in place without the edges fraying, you should be ok. 

Do a test with various widths and see which you like best.