THIS is VERY cool! I can see that the important thing is really to start with the largest square possible or one will be sewing "a million" bias strips together! I have sewn for years and, as a young mother when my (former) husband did not want me going out to work (imagine that!), I sewed slipcovers at my home for 2 ladies who went out to do the fittings. At that time, I learned the technique of creating a sewn tube, then cutting round & round for my bias strips. This could be easier yet! Thank you!

So cutting perpendicular to the last fold means I will be cutting from the "basement to the roof", correct? If I do this my longest strip, which is in the middle of the house,  would have to be half as wide as the subsequent strips to accommodate the dimensions of the fold? Is this correct?

To karenchrist: cut along where the floors would be in the house (perpendicular or 90 degrees to the last fold), not from the basement to roof (which would be parallel to the last fold).

Thanks for publishing this quick bias strip technique- I will definitely try it. Also I am looking forward to your post on John's method of pattern making for slip covers. Hopefully that will come out shortly!

Thanks for publishing this quick bias strip technique- I will definitely try it. Also I am looking forward to your post on John's method of pattern making for slip covers. Hopefully that will come out shortly!

How far from the edge do you stop?  Do you get a continuous strip that way?

How far from the edge do you stop?  Do you get a continuous strip that way?

Why does it make a difference which way I cut it?  Won't they be the same?

Very neat!

I would really be interested in his quick method of cutting slipcovers.  I measure and doublecheck and triplecheck.   FAST and accurate would be wonderful.

Sometimes directions challenge me when I do not see a technique in person or in a video.  So, with the article and comments in hand, I am going to cut out a small square - probably in muslin or a remnant.  Then, I will practice the instructions.  That way I will not waste any good material.  After I have the technique down, I will try it on a real project.  I am considering keeping the instructions in a loose-leaf binder with my own handwritten notes so that I will not forget the proper technique.  Happy sewing/quilting!!!

I am anxious to try this technique .

Hope you will share John's slipcover knowledge very soon. I have had several disasters and would like to know how to make a nice one.

This is great never could figure out how to do this can't wait to try it. Thanks

I am so glad you included directions to make your own bias tape.  All the sewing shows lately shows the bias tape machine.  I do not need another machine if I can make my own.  Your diagrams and directions are so clear.  I will practice using newspaper first and then material next.  Thanks because the machines are too pricey.

If you don't cut off the folded edge first before you start measuring 1 inch slices, it will be twice the width of the rest of the strips.

Hi: I have been checking all the comments on this (it has been by far one of the most popular posts!). To ralac071: You do cut all the way through both edges and this does not create continuous strips, but strips that get smaller as they go to the top (from basement to roof). You stitch the strips right sides together, perpendicular to each other, to create a longer bias strip. There is another method for continuous bias strips that I have seen in commercial patterns. Also, as mentioned below, you do need to cut the bottom piece in half. I do it after cutting the strip.

Would love to hear any other tips anyone has!

Amber

This is just a terrific tip!  Maybe I will tackle all those pillows I have been planning to make for the master bedroom sitting room.  But then, I will  have to use up the down saved from old pillows and that will be a mess for sure.  Oh dear!

lovemom