Three techniques to apply tape, ribbon, framilon using an overlocker
1.On a stable or woven where the edge being taped will not stretch or distort when stitched -
Feed the tape, ribbon, framilon into the guide and under the back of the foot.
Foot Down
Needles down into the tape, hand crank one stitch if you want it secure.
Trim part of the seam allowance away from the edge of the leading end of the fabric.
Lift foot (needles down in tape.
Feed fabric under the foot and tape until the leading end is up against the front of the needles and the edge is up against the cutting knife.
Lower Foot and hand crank one stitch if you want to ensure that the tape and leading end of the fabric are anchored together
Sew
At the end continue to sew on the tape only about 2cm past the end of the fabric
Needles down in tape.
Trim edge, Lift foot and feed in the next piece to be taped under the tape and foot. Foot Down and Sew.
Repeat until the batch of edges to be taped is complete
For knits and unstable fabrics where you want to ensure an exact seam length - method 1 (works on a sewing machine as well and good for one off taping jobs)
2. Make a mark 3 - 5 cm in from the edge of the tape. Make a second mark the seam length distance from the first.
(if you want to ensure absolute accuracy, mark the corresponding dots on the seam to be taped.
Trim approx 22.5 - 3cm seam allowance from the edge of the leading end of the fabric.
Align the first dots of tape & fabric. Lift foot and locate the leading end of the fabric under the needles, and the fabric edge against the knife.
Needles down into tape and fabric
(If you need to, hold the end of the tape at the back of the foot for the first couple of stitches)
Align the end dots together hold them to ensure they stay aligned whilst the feed dogs ease the fabric onto the tape.
3. Accuracy and one off method 2 -
Use washaway wonder tape to attach the exact length of tape to the exact seam line on the fabric.
Offer up to the overlocker and sew.
Tacking also works.
This method is good for controlling gathers & ease onto a stable tape.
Finally, if you have an elasticator foot and are doing a batch job that makes testing the tape/elastic tension setting correct along with testing for the correct dif feed settings, you can use this foot for applying tape but with the minimal tension.