By: Shelley Rodgers

I've done this before with Celtic knotwork and learned a
*very* crafty method using the bias strips.

Indeed, you use a tube of bias BUT it does *not* need to be
a "finished" tube like a spaghetti strap.  Huh? you say.

The technique I learned was to cut the bias strip, sew
*wrong* sides together with a 1/4" seam and trim to 1/8".
Iron the seam flat open by positioning the seam in the
center & ironing.  I have flat, narrow metal bars that
aid me in this (I insert the bar inside the tube & use
it to help keep the tube straight and flat while ironing
the seam open.)  What you end up with is a bias tube,
right side showing with an ugly seam on one side.  Trust
me, the technique is ingenious.

Now, flip the tube to the other side (the side without the
seam showing).  What do you see?  A finished bias tube!
You can either topstitch by machine (which I have done) or
hand applique it.  Either way, the ugly seam is hidden.
Who *cares* if the seam is enclosed in the tube or hidden
by the bias strip itself???  The end result is a very easy
way to use bias tubes for applique work without turning them.

This technique is described and illustrated in detail in
the two Celtic quilt design books by Philomena Wiecheck (of
which I have a personally autographed copy!!).  I used her
technique in applying a Celtic knotwork border to a jumper
that I made for Catherine to wear to school.  The blouse
and the knotwork bias tubes were of the same fabric.  It
looked *great*!

If you are interested in the books (of which I have no
financial interest), they are "Celtic Quilt Designs" (1980),
adapted by Philomena Wiechec and "Celtic Spirals" (1992) by
Philomena Durcan (same lady, different surname).  The books are
self-published (no denigration there: the books are color
photographed, glossy pages and lots of detailed
instructions: professional quality) by Celtic Design
Company, 834 West Remington Drive, Sunnyvale, CA  94087.