Mastering Bias Binding: The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Finishing Your Quilt

AvatarByJill Nammar Quiting

Quilting is a timeless craft that has been passed down through generations. From intricately stitched patterns to unique color combinations, each quilt tells a story and holds a special place in the hearts of those who create them. One essential aspect of quilting is bias binding, which adds strength and durability to the edges of a quilt while also enhancing its visual appeal. If you’re new to quilting or looking to expand your skills, learning how to make a bias binding for a quilt is a crucial step. In this article, we’ll delve into the process of creating bias binding and share tips and tricks to help you achieve professional-looking results every time.

Understanding Bias Binding for Quilts

Bias binding is a key component in quilting, as it is used to create a clean and professional finish on the edges of a quilt. Essentially, bias binding is a strip of fabric cut on a 45-degree angle to the grain of the fabric. This allows the binding to stretch and curve around corners and curves, making it ideal for quilts with irregular shapes.

Creating your own bias binding may seem daunting at first, but with the right techniques and tools, it can be a simple and satisfying task. In this guide, we will walk you through how to make your own bias binding for your quilting projects.

Choosing the Right Fabric for Bias Binding

When it comes to choosing fabric for bias binding, there are a few important factors to consider. Firstly, the fabric needs to be lightweight and preferably 100% cotton. This will ensure that the binding is not too bulky when sewn onto the quilt.

Additionally, consider the overall color scheme of your quilt when selecting fabric for bias binding. You can either choose a plain fabric that complements the quilt or opt for a printed fabric that adds some interest and contrast.

Preparing Your Fabric

Once you have selected your desired fabric, it’s time to prepare it for cutting into bias strips. The most efficient way to create bias binding is by utilizing a full-width strip of fabric rather than sewing multiple shorter strips together.

To do this, start by folding your chosen fabric diagonally from one corner to another. This will create a triangular shape with two raw edges at each end. Make sure that the fold is straight and even before pressing it firmly with an iron.

Cutting Bias Strips

With your prepared fabric ready, you can now begin cutting your bias strips. Start by measuring how wide you want your binding to be and mark this on the fabric’s raw edges.

Next, using a rotary cutter or scissors, cut along the marked lines, creating long bias strips of your desired width. If you are making multiple strips, remember to cut them in a continuous spiral without cutting the fabric in between.

Joining Bias Strips

To create one continuous bias strip from your multiple shorter strips, simply lay two ends together at a 90-degree angle and sew them together. Make sure the edges are aligned perfectly before sewing them with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Trim off any excess fabric and press the seam open.

Repeat this process until all your strips are joined together, creating one long continuous strip.

Creating Folded Bias Binding

Next comes the process of folding and pressing the bias binding. To do this, lay your long strip right side down on a flat surface and fold one raw edge towards the center of the strip. Press it firmly with an iron.

Then, fold the other raw edge towards the center until both folded edges meet. Again, press it firmly with an iron to create a neat crease.

Sewing Bias Binding onto Your Quilt

Now that you have created folded bias binding, you are ready to attach it to your quilt! Start by finding where you want to begin attaching the binding on your quilt. Leave approximately 8 inches of unsewn binding at the beginning for joining later on.

Align one edge of your bias binding along one edge of your quilt’s top layer and pin it in place every few inches. Start sewing from where you left that extra 8 inches earlier and make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end for added durability.

As you sew around curves and corners, gently ease or pivot the fabric to ensure that there are no puckers or tucks in the binding. Continue sewing until you reach the starting point, leaving 8 inches of excess binding again.

To join the binding seamlessly, fold the excess ends of binding in half and overlap them. Sew across the overlapped section then trim off any excess fabric. Finish sewing the remaining short length of binding to complete your bias binding.

Finishing Touches

Lastly, flip the bias binding over the edge of your quilt’s back layer and hand-stitch it in place for a clean and professional finish. And there you have it – your very own handmade bias binding ready to showcase on your beautiful quilt!

Now that you have mastered creating bias binding for quilts, you can experiment with different fabrics, colors, and widths to add a personal touch to your quilting projects. With some patience and practice, this technique will become second nature, making your quilts stand out with a beautifully finished edge.

What is Bias Binding?

Bias binding is a decorative edge on a quilt that is used to cover the raw edges and create a professional finish. It is a long strip of fabric cut on the bias and folded in half, with the raw edges tucked inside. This technique not only adds a polished look to your quilt but also allows it to curve around corners and curved edges.

Why Use Bias Binding?

Using bias binding has several advantages over other types of binding for your quilt. Firstly, it adds more strength and durability to the edges of your quilt as it is cut on the bias, which is the diagonal direction of the fabric and offers more stability. Additionally, bias binding allows for more versatility when it comes to creating curved or irregular shapes on your quilt, as it can be easily manipulated around these challenging corners. Lastly, using bias binding gives your quilt a cleaner look without any visible raw edges.

Steps to Make Your Own Bias Binding

Making your own bias binding may seem intimidating at first, but with some simple steps, you can easily create beautiful binding for your quilts.

Gather Materials

To make your own bias binding, you will need:

– Fabric: Choose a lightweight cotton fabric that complements or contrasts with your quilt.
– Ruler: A clear ruler marked with grids makes measuring easier.
– Rotary Cutter: It helps to get precise cuts along the grain of the fabric.
– Cutting Mat: Protects your work surface while cutting fabric.
– Iron: To press out any wrinkles in your fabric
– Sewing Machine: To stitch the bias strips together.

Cutting Bias Strips

Firstly, you need to determine how much bias binding you require for your quilt. Measure all four sides of your quilt, add them together and add an extra 12 inches for overlapping and joining the binding ends. Next, multiply this number by 1.414 to get the length of your bias binding.

Now, lay your fabric on a flat surface and fold one corner to the opposite edge, forming a triangle. Cut along this diagonal fold to create a triangle-shaped fabric piece. This is your first bias strip. Using your ruler and rotary cutter, measure an equal width of strips (usually 2-2.5 inches) along the diagonal until you have enough strips to reach your required length.

Joining Bias Strips

To achieve a continuous strip of bias binding, you will need to join all the strips together. Place two strips at right angles with their right sides facing each other. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner on the top strip using a ruler or any other straight edge as a guide. Pin these two strips securely in place.

Stitch along the drawn line, trim the excess fabric and press open the seam towards one side. Repeat this process for all remaining bias strips until you have one long continuous strip of fabric.

Folding and Pressing Bias Binding

To achieve clean edges on your bias binding, you will need to fold it accurately before stitching it onto your quilt.

Iron your long continuous strip of fabric in half lengthwise with wrong sides facing each other.
Open up the binding and iron both raw edges towards the center crease.
Finally, fold along the center crease again and press once more. You now have perfectly folded double-fold bias binding ready to be sewn onto your quilt.

Tips for Using Bias Binding

– Always pre-wash your fabric before cutting it into strips for bias binding.
– Use lightweight cotton fabric for easy manipulation while sewing.
– Ironing is crucial at every step while making bias binding for neat edges.
– To avoid any bulkiness, trim any excess fabric before joining bias strips.
– Use a walking foot while sewing bias binding onto your quilt to ensure even stitching.
– Before sewing bias binding onto your quilt, run a few stitches along the raw edges of your quilt to keep them in place.
– Use binding clips instead of pins to secure bias binding onto your quilt while sewing.
– If you are using patterned fabric, make sure to align the pattern with the edge of the quilt for a consistent look.

Learning how to make your own bias binding is an essential skill for any quilter. By following these steps and tips, you can create beautiful and durable bindings for your quilts. With practice, you will master this technique and be able to add a professional finish to all your quilting projects. So why settle for store-bought bias binding when you can create custom ones that complement your quilt? Give it a try and see the difference it makes in your quilting journey!

Q: What is a bias binding?
A: A bias binding is a long strip of fabric used to finish the edges of a quilt or other sewing project, creating a clean, durable edge.

Q: Why is it important to use a bias binding on a quilt?
A: A bias binding allows for flexibility and movement along curved edges, providing a smooth, professional finish to the quilt and preventing fraying.

Q: What materials do I need to make a bias binding for my quilt?
A: You will need fabric (preferably in the same or complementary color as your quilt), scissors, pins, and an iron.

Q: How do I cut fabric on the bias for my binding?
A: To achieve true bias, fold the fabric diagonally from corner to corner and then cut strips along that diagonal fold. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-cut bias tape.

Q: How do I attach the binding to my quilt?
A: Start by sewing one end of the binding strip to one side of your quilt with right sides together. Then fold over the bias strip and sew along the edge of your quilt. Continue this process until all sides are bound.

Q: Can I make my own double-fold or single-fold bias tape?
A: Yes, you can make your own double-fold or single-fold bias tape by folding and pressing both raw edges of your fabric strip towards the center before attaching it to your quilt. This will create either single or double folds depending on if you fold it in half again after pressing.

In conclusion, learning how to make a bias binding for a quilt is a valuable skill for any quilter to possess. By understanding the proper techniques and methods, you can elevate the overall look and durability of your quilt.

First and foremost, it is crucial to choose the right fabric for your bias binding. This should be a high-quality fabric that can withstand frequent washing and wear. Cotton or linen fabrics are ideal options for bias binding as they are durable and easy to work with.

Next, measuring and cutting the fabric on a bias grain is essential in achieving a sturdy, stretchy binding strip. This will allow the bias binding to contour smoothly around curves without puckering or bulging.

Following this, carefully sewing the binding strip onto the quilt with an accurate ¼ inch seam allowance will result in a neat and tidy finish. Taking your time while sewing and using pins or clips to secure the binding will ensure consistent stitching and a professional-looking final product.

Additionally, mitering the corners of your quilt correctly will add another level of polish to your binding. This technique involves folding the corners in an intricate pattern, producing crisp edges that lie flat against the quilt’s edges.

Finally, pressing the finished bias binding is just as important as each step in making it. By pressing

Author Profile

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.