Mastering the Art of Bias Binding: A Step-by-Step Guide for Quilters

Are you tired of using store-bought bias binding for your quilting projects? Look no further! In this article, we will teach you how to make your own bias binding for quilts. Not only is it a budget-friendly option, but making your own bias binding allows for more customization and control over the final product. Whether you are a seasoned quilter or just starting out, follow these simple steps to create flawless bias binding for your next quilt. Let’s dive in and learn the technique that will take your quilting to the next level.

The Importance of Bias Binding in Quilting

Bias binding is an essential technique in quilting that adds both functionality and aesthetic appeal to a quilt. It is a strip of fabric that is cut at a 45-degree angle to the selvage, making it stretchy and pliable. Bias binding is typically used to cover the raw edges of a quilt, providing a neat and durable finish.

One of the main benefits of bias binding is its ability to conform to curved edges, which can be challenging to achieve with straight grain binding. This makes it the ideal choice for quilts with irregular shapes or scalloped edges. Additionally, bias binding distributes the stress caused by pulling on the edge of the quilt, making it less likely to fray or tear over time.

Moreover, bias binding adds visual interest and can complement or contrast with the main fabrics used in a quilt. It allows quilters to add a pop of color or intricate patterns to their designs, adding another layer of creativity to their work. Overall, bias binding plays a crucial role in giving a quilt a polished and professional look.

Supplies Needed for Making Bias Binding

Before we delve into how to make bias binding for quilts, let’s go over the essential supplies you will need. First and foremost, you will need fabric – typically cotton or any other lightweight material works best for quilting projects.

You will also need sharp scissors or rotary cutter, an acrylic ruler, pins or clips, and a marking tool such as chalk or washable pen. Additionally, having an iron and ironing board nearby is crucial as pressing plays an important role in creating bias binding.

Lastly, you will need either a bias tape maker tool (available in various sizes) or make your bias tape without one using an ironing technique – both methods will be discussed further below.

How To Make Bias Binding Using a Bias Tape Maker Tool

Using a bias tape maker tool is a popular and straightforward method for making bias binding for quilts. Follow these steps to create your bias tape:

1. Begin by cutting your fabric into strips on the diagonal, making sure to align the grain of the fabric with the 45-degree angle line (typically marked on cutting mats).

2. Depending on the desired width of your bias binding, cut strips that are 1-1/4″ to 2-1/2” wide – remember that the final width of your binding will be half of what you cut.

3. Once all your strips are cut, take one strip and feed it through the bias tape maker tool, starting at the wider end.

4. As you pull and slide the tool along the strip, use an iron set to medium heat to press down on folded tape, creating a crease in the middle.

5. Continue pressing and sliding until you reach the end of the strip – this process will create double-folded bias tape with finished edges ready for use in quilting projects.

How To Make Bias Binding Without a Bias Tape Maker Tool

If you do not have a bias tape maker tool or prefer to make your own binding without one, follow these steps:

1. Begin by cutting fabric strips on the diagonal as directed above for using a tool.

2. Stack two strips together, right sides facing each other (repeat this process for all strips).

3. Sew a seam along one long edge of each pair using a ¼” seam allowance – this seam will be used later to connect all strips together.

4. Trim any excess fabric from seam allowance and press open, creating one long continuous piece.

5. Fold one raw edge of your continuous strip towards the seam on the wrong side, creating an angled fold (see photo here: https://www.amyscreativeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/bias-binding-tutorial-6.jpg).

6. Fold the other raw edge to meet the fold crease you just created, making sure to keep the folds even.

7. Press along both folded edges to create a nice crisp bias strip.

Attaching Bias Binding to a Quilt

Now that your bias binding is ready, it’s time to attach it to your quilt. Follow these steps for a professional-looking finish:

1. Begin by aligning one end of your bias tape with the edge of your quilt and pin in place.

2. Continue pinning the tape all around the edge of the quilt, ensuring that both the quilt and tape are right sides together.

3. When you reach a corner, stop sewing 1/4″ away from the edge – this will allow room for folding and creating neat mitered corners later.

4. Sew with a ¼” seam allowance all around, stopping ¼” away from each corner as directed above.

5. Once all sides are sewn together, trim off excess binding leaving approximately 1-2 inches past where you started sewing (this will overlap).

6. Open up both ends of bias tape and sew

What is Bias Binding for a Quilt?

Bias binding is a fabric strip that is cut at a 45-degree angle to the grain line of the fabric. This allows the strip to have some stretch, making it perfect for using as a quilt binding. Using bias binding creates smooth and even edges on the quilt while providing flexibility and durability. It is commonly used to cover raw edges and add finishing touches to quilts, giving them a professional look.

Bias binding can be made from any fabric, but it is most commonly made from cotton or cotton blends due to their versatility and ease of handling. However, you can also use specialty fabrics such as satin or silk for a luxurious touch.

Why Make Your Own Bias Binding?

Making your own bias binding is not only cost-effective but also gives you complete control over the final product. You can choose any fabric you want and customize the width according to your specific quilt project. Plus, making your own bias binding allows you to match the binding perfectly with your quilt for a cohesive look.

Store-bought bias binding often comes in limited colors and patterns, making it difficult to find one that complements your quilt design. By making your own, you have an endless variety of options at your fingertips.

Tools and Materials needed

To make your own bias binding for a quilt, you will need the following tools and materials:

– Fabric: Choose a high-quality 100% cotton or cotton blend fabric in a color or pattern of your choice.
– Rotary cutter: A rotary cutter makes cutting at an angle much easier.
– Cutting mat: This will protect your work surface from getting damaged by the rotary cutter.
– Ruler: A clear quilting ruler with marked measurements is essential for precise cutting.
– Seam ripper: In case of any mistakes, having a seam ripper on hand will save you time.
– Sewing machine: A sewing machine makes the process faster and more efficient, but you can also do it by hand.
– Iron and ironing board: These will be used to press and set the fabric after cutting.
– Pins or clips: These will help hold the fabric in place while working.
– Bias tape maker: This tool helps fold and press the bias binding into shape, giving it a professional finish.
– Scissors: To trim any excess thread or fabric.

How to Make Bias Binding for a Quilt

Now that you have all the necessary tools and materials, follow these steps to make your own bias binding for your quilt:

Step 1: Cut your fabric

Start by cutting your chosen fabric into a square. The size of the square will depend on how much bias binding you need, but for most quilts, a 12-inch square should suffice. Place your fabric on the cutting mat at a 45-degree angle (diagonally) with one corner pointing towards you. Use the ruler and rotary cutter to cut off all four sides of the square, creating four triangles.

Step 2: Join the triangles

Take two of the triangles and match them right sides together along one edge. Pin or clip in place and stitch along this edge with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Repeat with the remaining two triangles to create a long strip of fabric.

Step 3: Press open seams

Use an iron on medium heat to press open the seams. This will ensure that your bias strip lays flat when it’s time to use it.

Step 4: Mark cut lines

Place your long strip of fabric on a flat surface with the seam running down the middle. Use a quilting ruler to mark parallel lines down its length at regular intervals. These lines indicate where you’ll cut strips of equal width. The width of these strips will determine the width of your bias binding. A 2 ½ inch strip is standard for a quilt, but you can adjust the width as desired.

Step 5: Cut strips

Using your rotary cutter, cut along each marked line to create your bias binding strips. Continue the length of the fabric until you have enough strips for your quilt.

Step 6: Join strips if necessary

If your quilt is larger than one strip can cover, you will need to join multiple strips together to create one long continuous piece of bias binding. To do this, overlap two strips at a 90-degree angle with right sides together and sew diagonally from corner to corner. Trim the excess fabric and press open the seam.

Step 7: Create continuous bias tape

Now it’s time to use the bias tape maker. Feed one end of your strip into the wide end of the tool and use an iron on medium heat to press it as it exits through the narrow end, creating a folded bias tape. Repeat this process until you have made continuous bias tape for all your prepared strips.

How to Attach Bias Binding to Your Quilt

Now that your bias binding is ready, follow these steps to attach it to your quilt:

Step 1: Prepare quilt

Q: What is bias binding?
A: Bias binding is a strip of fabric that is cut on a 45-degree angle to the grain of the fabric, allowing it to stretch and curve around the edges of a quilt without causing puckering or distortion.

Q: Why do I need to make my own bias binding for my quilt?
A: Making your own bias binding allows you to have complete control over the color, pattern, and quality of the binding. It also allows you to customize the width and length to fit your specific project.

Q: How much fabric do I need to make bias binding for my quilt?
A: The general rule of thumb is that you will need four times the length of your quilt plus extra for seams and corners. For example, if your quilt measures 60 inches on all sides, you will need at least 8 yards of fabric for your bias binding.

Q: Can I use any type of fabric to make bias binding?
A: Yes, you can use almost any type of fabric to make bias binding. However, lightweight and non-stretchy fabrics such as cotton or linen are recommended for best results.

Q: How do I cut my fabric on a bias grain?
A: To cut your fabric on a bias grain, first fold it into a triangle with one corner hanging down. Then cut along this diagonal fold line with a rotary cutter or scissors. This will give you strips that are cut on a 45-degree angle to the grain.

Q: What is the best way to sew my bias binding onto my quilt?
A: There are several different methods for sewing bias binding onto a quilt, but the most common one involves pinning or clipping your folded bias strip onto the raw edge of your quilt, sewing it in place with a quarter-inch seam allowance, and then folding it over to the back of the quilt and hand-stitching it down for a clean finish.

In conclusion, bias binding is a versatile and essential technique for finishing the edges of a quilt. By following proper techniques and utilizing the right tools, you can create professional-looking binding that adds a beautiful accent to your quilt. The key takeaways from this guide are to accurately measure and cut bias strips, carefully stitch them together, and attach them to your quilt with precision. It is also important to take your time and be patient throughout the entire process. With practice and attention to detail, you can master the art of making bias binding for your quilts.

Not only does bias binding provide a clean and polished look to your quilt, but it also adds durability and longevity by protecting the raw edges of your fabric. It also allows for more creativity in design options by offering the possibility of using contrasting or coordinating fabrics for your binding.

Additionally, knowing how to make bias binding can save you time and money in the long run as pre-made bindings can be expensive and may not always match your project perfectly. By making your own bias binding, you have complete control over the color, width, and length of your binding.

Furthermore, learning this skill opens up endless possibilities for incorporating bias binding into other sewing projects such as clothing or home decor items. It is a valuable technique that every qu