Using bias tape as a strap is one of those simple-yet-beautiful sewing techniques that gives your garment a clean, professional look—especially on sleeveless tops or dresses. The best part? It finishes the armhole and creates a strap all in one go. Win-win!
In this tutorial, we’ll walk through how to attach bias tape as a strap while also enclosing the raw edge of your armhole. It’s a straightforward method once you get the hang of it—and with a few careful steps, it’s almost foolproof.
Step 1: Attach the bias tape to the armhole
Start by pinning your bias tape along the armhole with the right side of the tape facing the wrong side of the garment, like shown in the photo. Stitch it in place using a 3/8 inch (1 cm) seam allowance and a straight stitch.
Step 2: Repeat on the back piece
Now take the other end of the same bias tape and attach it to the corresponding armhole on the back piece of the garment (see below photo). Again, use a 3/8 inch seam allowance and be sure to check that the bias tape isn't twisted between the front and back—it’s surprisingly easy to end up with a strap that spirals the wrong way.
Step 3: Fold the bias tape over
Next, flip the garment to the right side. Fold the bias tape over the raw edge of the armhole so it fully encloses the seam (see photo). The strap should now lay neatly along the top, and your raw edge should be hidden inside the fold of the bias tape.
Step 4: Stitch it down
To finish, sew a straight stitch along the edge of the bias tape using the same 3/8 inch (1 cm) seam allowance. This will secure the strap in place and enclose the raw edge completely.
And that’s it! You should now have a beautifully clean strap and armhole finish like the one in the below photo. ✨
Step 5: Connect the front and back
Finally, you can connect the front and back pieces as you prefer with a strap and bias tape without any visible seams. The bias tape will be seamlessly connected with your garment.
Final Thoughts
This technique is perfect for summer tops, dresses, or anything sleeveless. It’s tidy, secure, and adds a professional touch without a lot of extra effort. As always, practice on a scrap piece first if you’re new to bias tape—you’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes second nature.
Have questions or need a hand? Feel free to reach out—we’re always here to help!