The Easy Way to Apply Greek Key Trim
My twill tape arrived in the mail Saturday (all 72 yards of it! The best thing I could find at the time ...) It sounds plasticy, but its actually cotton so it adheres well.
That evening I got straight to work! After finishing my last greek key project, I realized that there must be some way to fold the tape so you can do it consistently, without cutting each piece individually. At first I thought it would just give weird edges, but by folding it twice for one corner you are able to get square edges and 45 angles for the folds. Sometimes you dont get everything on the first (or second) try! :)
Heres how I did it for my 20"x20" pillow sham. First I made a sham using this method. I ironed it flat and laid out a painters tape guide line as shown in the diagram below (left image).
I created a border around the pillow using painters tape. I inset it a little and it ended up at about 1" from the edge of the sham. The keys were 3.5"x3.5", and I made the inner painters tape 1.25" thick (the distance of two of my 5/8" twill tape).
You can start anywhere, but you want to start the ribbon with a straight edge (slightly inset from where the tape will join it at the end, so that it gets covered) and then head either counter clockwise or clockwise. I found counter clockwise to be easiest for me.
Below I created a few picture diagrams to show you exactly how I did the fold. The directions pick up after you have laid down the first straight part and you need to make the first corner.
1. The ribbon will be perpendicular to the direction that you want to go.
2. Fold the ribbon straight back on itself. I also pressed with an iron at this point so it would be creased, but its not necessary.
3. I put a little permanent adhesive for fabrics at the crease to help hold it down.
4. Then I folded the piece back over on itself (like step 2) and then folded it up at a 45 angle. I played with it till it was straight (once you do a few you get the hang of it!)
5. I ripped of the corner of my no sew adhesive (I like heat n bond) to make a 45 degree angle.
6. I placed the no sew adhesive along the track and ripped it at the end.
7. Then I ironed till it was secure. You want to make sure that you dont iron too long because the adhesive will melt away, check after a few seconds, you want the adhesive to be melted, but still tacky, place it down and it will fully adhere once it dries. Id also recommend placing a piece of plain white paper underneath the iron (no print otherwise it ends up on your fabric or iron) to help protect the fabric. **note: before applying your no sew adhesive, make sure to test it on a scrap piece of ribbon and fabric to make sure that it doesnt show through.
To finish, where the ribbon meets the end, cut it straight across and fold at a 45 degree angle and adhere with no sew adhesive.
I also went back and stuck a little no sew adhesive under the corners that were loose and secured with the iron.
I love how it brings in white, since all of the other pillows have white in them, it makes them more cohesive.
Meanwhile, this was going on at the other end...
How can you say no to that face? :) Except when she rolls in bird poo at the beach (yep happened this weekend and yes she did go for a mandatory swim which she hates!)
It took about 30 minutes to layout the tape, but a lot of that was figuring about how to do it, so now it would probably take about 15 minutes. and about 1 hour to apply the twill tape.
So total time spent ~ 1.25 - 1.5 hours
Total cost:
Heat n Bond now sew adhesive $2 (joanns or walmart)
Twill Tape: $10 but I only used about 3.5-4 yards, so about $2
If anyone needs white 5/8" twill tape, let me know, I have plenty. ha! .50/yard and probably $1 shipping (unless you need a lot).
So is this easier? Do yo think its worth the time?
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By the way, anyone notice that my nails are painted? I hardly ever paint my nails, but found a product recommendation at A. Liz Adventures to make it last forever!! Check out Aprils second tip here. Now Ill be painting them more often! Thanks April!
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