From binding to drawstrings, there are many ways to use sewing tapes—and many different styles of them, too. In this post, we'll highlight one strong, versatile style of sewing tape and the many ways you can use it. Read on to learn all about twill tape, and head to WAWAK to find the perfect twill tape for your project.
WHAT IS TWILL TAPE?
Twill tape is a versatile, durable sewing tape often used to reinforce seams and narrow garment areas. It's typically made of cotton and features a distinctive herringbone weave recognizable by its v-shaped pattern. Its woven construction makes twill tape stiffer and stronger than other sewing tapes but flexible enough to move with a garment. Twill tape is often available in different thicknesses, widths, lengths, and basic colors like white, black, or undyed cotton.
What Is Twill Tape Used For?
Twill tape is a pretty simple sewing notion, but it lends itself to a wide variety of applications. Due to its strength and flexibility, it can be used to reinforce areas that need a bit more stability or stand on its own as a functional cord or tag. Here are some popular uses for twill tape:
Stabilizing Seams And Edges
One of the most common uses for twill tape is stabilizing seams and edges. When sewn into a seam, the tape adds strength and structure to prevent the seam from stretching or weakening. This is an excellent technique for seams that encounter a lot of friction or tend to get stretched out, like shoulder seams, necklines, and waistlines. It's also great for adding structure to hems and edges for strength and a stiffer look and reinforcing small garment details like buttons. In corsetry, twill tape is used as waist tape to reinforce the most stressed section of a corset.
Casings, Facings and Finishing Seams
Twill tapes can also be used to create a neat, tidy finish on the inside of a garment. They're often used as a facing to create a finished appearance on the inside of raw hems, armholes, neck holes, and other seams. They can also be used to bind edges, covering both the inside and outside of the raw edge, though this is a less common application due to the thickness of most twill tapes. Stitching twill tape to an item along its two long edges can also create a casing to pull drawstrings or cording through.
Creating Drawstrings and Ties
Twill tape is strong enough to be used as drawstrings, ties, and even bag handles. Thread it through a casing to create drawstrings for bags, pajama pants, sweatpants, and hoodies. Or, stitch it directly to your project to form ties for aprons or bunting (decorative flags), tote bag handles, and more.
Labels and Tags
Another use for twill tape is to make fabric garment tags and labels for your work. If you want to finish your garment or bag off with a tag, twill tape is the perfect material to create a sturdy fabric label that doesn't tear easily. Some sewers even print directly on the twill tape for professional-looking personalization.
Choosing The Right Twill Tape
Now that you have a better understanding of how twill tape is typically used (and maybe some project inspiration!), it all comes down to choosing the correct twill tape for your project. There are three main factors to consider when purchasing a twill tape:
1. Width and Length
Twill tape is often available in different widths and lengths. At WAWAK, our twill tapes range from 1/8" to 1 1/2" wide and are available up to 144 yards in length. When deciding on a length, consider the amount of tape you'll need. Creating drawstrings or reinforcing waistbands, for example, will probably require more twill tape than making fabric labels. The twill tape's width depends more on the specific application—should the tape be very narrow to reinforce a seam without adding much bulk? Or do you need a wider tape to create a tote bag handle? Consider how you'll use the tape and the desired appearance of the finished project to find the perfect size.
2. Weight
Similarly, you should consider your project's design when choosing a twill tape weight. Our twill tapes are available in three weights: fine, mid-weight, and heavy. Choose the weight that most closely matches the weight of your fabric and makes sense for your intended use. Heavier-weight twill tapes are thicker, stiffer, and sturdier, whereas lighter tapes are thinner and more flexible.
3. Color
Though you might not find as many color options as something like bias tape, cotton twill tape is often available in at least a few simple colors. At WAWAK, twill tapes are available in black, white, or natural (beige), depending on the style. It's generally suggested to use black twill tape when working with dark fabrics and white tape for light fabrics, but choose whatever color matches your specific project best—some sewers even dye twill tape to match certain fabrics.
WAWAK offers a wide selection of premium cotton twill tapes for reinforcing seams, creating ties and drawstrings, and more. Browse our collection and choose the perfect twill tape for your next sewing project!
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