When I first started quilting, there was something about binding the quilt that scared me. And when it came to bias binding, I was like, "Heck no." But I am excited to say that I now love binding my quilts with non-bias or bias strips. My goal is for you to see the easy side of bias binding.
*Note: All colored words are links.
Let's get started!
First, a little understanding of why you may need or want bias binding.
Bias Binding is necessary for projects with curved edges. Cutting fabric along the bias allows it to stretch, preventing the threads from breaking as they move around the curved edges.
The other reason is purely preference-based, as an alternate design is created after cutting it on the bias.
Here is an example of an aesthetic choice.
This image is striped fabric folded on the straight-grain.
And here is the same fabric folded on the bias. See the difference.
So now that you know why you may need or want bias binding, it's time to get creative.
Step 1: Figure Out Your Fabric Square or Amount of Fabric Needed.
First, find the amount of binding needed to go around your quilt's sides. There is an easy formula for calculating binding length.
Follow these steps to determine how much binding you'll need:
Measure the perimeter of your quilt: Add the width (W) and length (L) of your quilt, then multiply by 2 to get the total perimeter.
Add 12 additional inches for diagonal seam piecing and mitered corners
Binding Length Formula: W + L (2) = Perimeter + 12
Example: 18" + 18" = 36(2) = 72 + 12 = 84" of Binding Length.
Multiply the binding length by your binding width.
*Note: I cut my binding strips at 2 ½".
Example: 84(2 ½) = 210
Find the square root of that number.
*Note: To find the square root, type the number into your calculator and press the square root sign. Easy Peasy!
Example: √210 = 14.49 Round Up = 15
For my 84" binding length, I need a 15" square piece of fabric.
Let's do one more quilt size for fun.
60 + 72 = 132(2) = 264(2½)= 660 =√660=25.69 = 26" Square needed for 660" of binding length.
Step 2: Fold Your Fabric on the Bias
Lay out your fabric square and bring the top left corner down to the bottom right corner.
2. Bring the bottom left corner up to the top right corner.
Repeat that same action by bringing the bottom left corner to the top right corner.
Rotate your fabric to comfortably cut off the folded edge, either on the right or left side. I am right-handed, so my folded edge is on my left side.
Align the ruler's edge right up to the fold, and the bottom edge aligned with a horizontal measurement line.
Trim off the fold.
Start cutting your binding strips at your desired width. I cut my strips at 2½".
Continue cutting until the fabric runs out or the piece becomes smaller than your desired binding width.
Yay!! You have all your bias binding strips cut and ready to stitch together.
Step 3: Pin your Bias Binding Strips Together.
*Note: For stripe fabric. After I cut my strips, I try to keep them in cutting order and paired together for easy piecing.
Align the diagonal edges so that they run parallel with one another, and the
For stripe fabric, make sure to match the lines.
With right sides together, align the diagonal edges, leaving ¼" overhang on the top and bottom edges for the seam allowance, and pin in place.
For stripe fabric, make sure to match the lines.
Here is another example of matching the stripes.
Continue this until your binding is all pinned and continuous.
Step 2: Piece your Bias Binding Strips Together
Sew the pinned diagonal edges together using your ¼" foot on your sewing machine or adjust the needle position to ¼" seam allowance to create your continuous bias binding.
Step 4: Press Your Seams and Trim Dog Ears
Press your seams either to the side or open.
*Note: I press my seams open. When pressing your seams open instead of to the side, reduce your stitch length to 1.8 to reinforce the stitching. This helps secure the seam and prevent it from pulling apart.
Trim your dog ears.
And voilá!! Beautiful continuous binding all ready for your quilty project!
Here are a few of my latest projects with my bias binding.
This is a quilted pillow using my Shamrock of Love Quilt Block. If you are interested in making an Easy Envelope Pillow with Binding, check out this Blog.
And my Friendly Phantoms Quilt by Sew Much Moore. Click on her name to check out her cool patterns and more!
I hope that this tutorial inspires you to create bias binding fearlessly. This is Quilting, after all. We should always push ourselves creatively because of the beauty that we create. Don't be scared, and keep going! And I am here if you need any help 💗😘💗
Happy Quilting,
Amber Foret
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