Making bias binding

Usually, the type of binding I use for my quilts is straight grain with bias seams. Sometimes however, there is a need for a more flexible binding and this calls for bias binding – mainly for curves such as on a scalloped edge like a traditional Wedding Ring quilt, as it has more stretch.

I prefer to make my own binding,  because if I’ve printed a quilt myself then it will look better finished with handprinted binding also.

Bias binding is cut on the cross or the bias of the fabric. To achieve this, I will fold the fabric at a right angle or it can be done on a cutting mat – most have a ‘guide line’ for this so it’s easy to follow. It also makes it a lot easier to make sure your fabric is square before the cutting begins!

Once I have my bias line, it’s then a matter of cutting the strips for the binding and my favourite width to cut is two and a half inches.

When I have enough strips, I square off the edges and then with right sides together, line my first one across and my second one longways making sure the straight edges match. I then draw a line to sew along or a fold will also do. Once sewn, I cut off the excess and press flat making sure my seams are open rather than the usual pressing to one side as when patchworking. This diagonal or bias seam ensures that they sit quite flat and not bulky when folded and bound.

Once all the seams are ironed open, I press my binding in half. To have it ready for stitching to the quilt, I then press both sides in half again so essentially only the right sides are showing inside and out. I also roll my binding so it’s easier to control and keep neat while working.

A tip for those of you making your own bias binding: press with your iron only. The nature of bias binding means that there is more ‘give’ being on the ‘cross’ so make sure your iron doesn’t stretch your fabric or it will no longer be square and could make your finished binding quite uneven. Happy stitching!