bias cut

HeidiHo · #1 03-15-2001, 10:38 PM

What in the world is bias cut? I know it's the way a dress or skirt is cut but that doesn't help me. A-line I understand. it looks like an A. Please help.
Thanks
Heidi

Allie_XO · #2 03-15-2001, 10:45 PM

Isn't it where one side is longer than the other??

amycat412 · #3 03-16-2001, 04:46 AM

most "slip" dresses are bias cut. the best way I can explain it is--know the dresses that just skim your figure without hugging it and look sooooo flattering? that's bias cut.

chloeishere · #4 03-16-2001, 06:05 AM

I think bias cut is one of those terms we use alot but don't really know what it means. I worked in retail for awhile, and i still had no idea how to explain it. I know that you cut on the bias, so that's why it's called bias cut. But what's a bias? I had no idea, so I consulted the dictionary. Here it is. I hope this helps.

1 : a line diagonal to the grain of a fabric; especially : a line at a 45° angle to the selvage often utilized in the cutting of garments for smoother fit

[This message has been edited by chloeishere (edited March 16, 2001).]

CutiePie2000 · #5 03-16-2001, 10:27 AM

Okay, girls, here is the explanation:

Bias cut refers to the way the fabric is laid out prior to being cut. Ordinarily, you lay the fabric out, so that the vertical and horizontal threads (referred to in "sewing terminology" as the weft or the woof for the horizontal threads...can't remember the name for the vertical thread...yes, seriously, thoses are the names!!....) in the fabric are running at "right angles" to the selvage ( Selvage is "The edge of a fabric that is woven so that it will not fray or ravel.". Normally, you place the pattern pieces on the fabric, so that the thread are running at right angles to the selvage and cut the pieces of fabric out. (there will be markings on the pattern, to ensure that the thread are running the correct way in relation to the piece that you're about to cut out).

Bias cut is when the pattern pieces are placed on the fabric so that the threads are running at 45 degree angles, and then you just pin the pattern down and cut out the pieces. When you cut the fabric this way (i.e. cutting the fabric on the bias), it hangs a bit more closely to the body (which is why sexy body conscious dresses like slip dresses are cut using this method).

Note: this should be attempted by "experienced sewers" only....sewing is not like cooking, where you can always start over!!

Allie_XO Isn't it where one side is longer than the other??
No, I would say that is "asymetrical".

[This message has been edited by CutiePie2000 (edited March 16, 2001).]

Miami1839 · #6 03-16-2001, 11:19 AM

I know this topic is for the ladies but I thought I'd add this. When I was a kid back in the late 70s/early 80s I remember this guy(gay I think) who had a sewing show on television or something like that. I think he used the terms you all are talking about.

Kevin

[This message has been edited by Miami1839 (edited March 16, 2001).]

CutiePie2000 · #7 03-16-2001, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Miami1839:
I know this topic is for the ladies but I thought I'd add this. When I was a kid back in the late 70s/early 80s I remember this guy(gay I think) who had a sewing show on television or something like that. I think he used the terms you all are talking about.
Kevin
[This message has been edited by Miami1839 (edited March 16, 2001).]

Great memory, Kevin! But remember that sewing is not necessarily "for the ladies"

...a lot of great designers out there are MEN!
Calvin Klein, Jean Paul Gaulthier, Thierry Mugler, Tommy Hilfiger, Tom Ford, Yves St. Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld etc. etc!

HeidiHo · #8 03-16-2001, 03:51 PM

thank you than you thank you. I'm looking for a dress for a 50th anniv. party & while browsing online I kept seeing bias cut, but I don't have time to send it back if it's a cut that'll look bad or I don't like. Thanks again.
Heidi

CutiePie2000 · #9 03-16-2001, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by HeidiHo:
thank you than you thank you. I'm looking for a dress for a 50th anniv. party & while browsing online I kept seeing bias cut, but I don't have time to send it back if it's a cut that'll look bad or I don't like. Thanks again.
Heidi

You're welcome! Good luck in your quest for the perfect dress and have a good time at the party!

Miami1839 · #10 03-17-2001, 01:45 AM

CutiePie2000,

Thank You.

Thats true. I didnt even think about that.

Kevin.