Master the Art of Quilting: A Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing Bias Binding on Your Quilt

AvatarByJill Nammar

Quilting is a beloved craft that has been passed down for generations, with each quilt telling its own unique story. And while the patchwork and designs may vary, one element remains consistent – the binding. Binding not only provides a polished and finished look to a quilt but also serves the important function of keeping the layers together. While there are different types of binding techniques, sewing bias binding on a quilt offers a professional and clean finish. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just starting out on your quilting journey, learning how to sew bias binding on a quilt is an essential skill to have in your repertoire. In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about this technique and provide step-by-step instructions on how to master it. So let’s dive in and add another layer of beauty to your quilting projects!

Quilting is a time-honored craft that has been enjoyed by many for centuries. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced quilter, learning new techniques can enhance your skills and allow you to create more intricate and beautiful designs. One essential technique that every quilter should know is sewing bias binding on a quilt. Bias binding not only adds a professional finish to your quilt but also provides strength and durability to the edges. In this guide, we will walk you through step-by-step on how to sew bias binding on a quilt.

What is Bias Binding?

Bias binding is used to bind the raw edges of the quilt, providing a clean and finished look. It is made from fabric strips that are cut on the bias, meaning at a 45-degree angle to the selvage edge. Cutting fabric on the bias allows it to stretch and curve around corners smoothly without creating any puckering or folding. This makes it ideal for binding curved edges and corners, which are commonly found in quilts.

Types of Bias Binding

There are two main types of bias binding – single fold and double fold. Single fold binding is created by folding the bias strip in half lengthwise, then pressing it in place before attaching it to the edge of the quilt. Double fold binding involves folding both sides of the strip towards the center and then folding it again in half, enclosing the raw edges inside. Double fold binding provides extra thickness and durability compared to single fold but may require some practice to achieve perfect mitered corners.

Preparing Your Quilt for Bias Binding

Before attaching bias binding to your quilt, ensure that all raw edges are properly trimmed, ironed flat, and secured with pins or clips. This will provide you with a clean surface to work with when attaching your binding.

There are two ways to prepare your quilt for binding – the traditional method and the non-traditional method. The traditional method involves hand-stitching the binding to the quilt’s back, while the non-traditional method includes machine stitching. While hand-stitching may provide a neater and more professional finish, machine stitching can save you time and effort.

Steps to Sew Bias Binding on a Quilt

Now that your quilt is ready for binding, let’s dive into the steps to sew bias binding on a quilt.

Step 1: Measure and Cut Bias Strips – Measure the perimeter of your quilt to determine how much fabric you need for your binding strips. Add an extra 10-12 inches for mitered corners and joining the strips. Cut your fabric on the bias at a 45-degree angle, making sure that it is wide enough to cover the entire edge of your quilt.

Step 2: Joining Bias Strips – If one strip is not enough to cover your quilt, you will need to join two or more strips together. Lay two ends of bias strips right sides together at a 90-degree angle and mark a diagonal line from corner to corner. Stitch along this line, trim excess fabric, and press seams open.

Step 3: Attaching Binding to Quilt Front – Starting from any corner of your quilt front, align the raw edges of one short end of your bias strip with one raw edge of your quilt top. Leave about 4-5 inches overhang at the starting point, ensuring that no raw edges are showing. Stitch with a ¼ inch seam allowance.

Step 4: Sewing Mitred Corners – When you reach each corner, stop stitching when you are about ¼ inch from reaching the edge. Fold the remaining unstitched binding strip up so it makes a 45-degree angle with the next edge. Then fold it back down over itself so its raw edge is in line with the next edge you will be stitching. Continue stitching until you reach the next corner and repeat this process.

Step 5: Finishing Binding on the Back – Once you have finished sewing around the entire quilt, stop stitching about 10-12 inches from your starting point and leave a tail of binding hanging. Lay your quilt flat and fold one end of the binding strip under, then fold the other end over it to enclose the raw edges from step 3. Stitch in place, making sure to secure all layers together.

Step 6: Hand-stitching or Machine-Stitching the Back – If you prefer a traditional finish, you can hand-stitch the binding to the back of your quilt. Fold over one side of your binding strip and tuck it neatly around the edge to cover all raw edges. Use a blind stitch to secure it in place. Alternatively, you can use a decorative stitch on your sewing machine and carefully sew along the edges to attach your binding.

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them when sewing bias binding on a quilt:

– Puckering: If your binding is puckering along the edge of your quilt, try reducing your stitch

What is Bias Binding?

Bias binding is a narrow strip of fabric that is used to cover and finish the raw edges of a quilt or any other sewing project. It provides a neat, professional-looking edge to the fabric and can add a touch of color or pattern to your project. Bias binding is cut diagonally across the grain of the fabric, allowing it to stretch and curve around edges smoothly.

The diagonal cut also gives bias binding more strength and durability compared to straight-grain binding. This makes it perfect for finishing seams on garments, as well as delicate edges on quilts. Bias binding comes in different widths, colors, and designs, making it versatile for use in various sewing projects.

Why Use Bias Binding on a Quilt?

Binding is an essential step in quilt-making as it secures the edges of your quilt top and batting together, giving it a finished look. While there are various types of binding available, bias binding has some unique benefits that make it an attractive choice for quilters.

Firstly, bias binding has more stretch than straight-grain binding, making it easier to manipulate around curves. This comes in handy when you are working with an intricate quilt pattern that includes curves and corners. Secondly, bias binding can add an element of design to your quilt with its variety of colors and patterns.

Another reason why quilters prefer bias binding is its durability. The diagonal cut of the fabric provides more strength compared to straight-grain binding, ensuring that your quilt edges stay secure even after multiple washes.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Sew Bias Binding on a Quilt

Now that you understand what bias binding is and why it’s beneficial for quilting let’s dive into the steps involved in sewing it onto your quilt project:

Step 1: Prepare Your Bias Binding
The first step is to cut your binding pieces from a fabric of your choice. To cut your binding on the bias, you will need to cut diagonally across the grain of the fabric at a 45-degree angle. This results in a long continuous strip, rather than cutting along the straight grain, which will give you shorter strips.

To determine how much bias binding you need for your quilt, measure the perimeter of your quilt, and add 15-20 inches for corner seams and overlap. You can also use store-bought bias binding if you prefer not to make your own.

Step 2: Joining Bias Binding Strips
If you need more than one strip of bias binding to cover the entire perimeter of your quilt, you will need to join them together. Take one strip and place it right-side-up on your work surface. Then place another strip on top of it, right-side-down and at a 90-degree angle to the first strip’s end.

Sew diagonally from one corner to the other, creating a seam that forms an “X” shape. Trim off the excess fabric and press open the seam flat.

Step 3: Attaching Bias Binding to Quilt
Start by unfolding one end of your bias binding and aligning it with the edge of your quilt top. Leave about six inches of extra binding at the beginning. Sew along the fold line using a quarter-inch seam allowance until you reach about six inches away from the corner.

Next, stop sewing and backstitch. Take out your quilt from under the sewing machine foot and fold over the bias binding at a 45-degree angle towards yourself. Then fold it back down onto itself so that its raw edges align with those of your quilt’s next side.

Pin or clip in place, making sure that there are no folds or twists in your binding. Continue sewing along the next edge, repeating the same process at each corner until you return to where you started.

Step 4: Finishing the Binding
When you reach the end, stop sewing about six inches before you get to your starting point. This will leave a gap between the two ends of your bias binding. Trim off any extra binding on both ends so that they overlap by at least half an inch to an inch.

Fold one end of bias binding back and then fold the other over it, creating a diagonal seam. Sew across this seam using a quarter-inch seam allowance. Then trim off any excess fabric.

Step 5: Attaching Bias Binding to Back of Quilt
Lastly, flip over your quilt and fold the bias binding over to the backside. Use clips or pins to secure it in place and sew along the edge of your bias binding, making sure that you catch both sides of the binding in your stitches. When you approach a corner, fold it under neatly before sewing along the next edge.

Once you have stitched all around your quilt, backstitch and trim off any excess threads. You now have a beautifully bound quilt with neat edges!

Tips for Sewing Bias Binding on a

1. What is bias binding and why is it used on quilts?
Bias binding is a strip of fabric that has been cut on a 45-degree angle from the selvage edge, making it slightly stretchy. It is used on quilts to neatly finish off the raw edges and create a decorative border.

2. Can bias binding be made at home or do I need to buy pre-made binding?
While pre-made bias binding is readily available in craft stores, it can also be made at home using a bias tape maker and iron. However, using store-bought binding is recommended for beginners as it ensures consistent width and eliminates the need for precise measuring and cutting.

3. How do I attach bias binding to my quilt?
Start by unfolding one end of the bias tape and placing the raw edge of your quilt between it, right sides together. Sew along the first crease line, then fold the tape over to the back of the quilt and press. Next, sew along the edge of the binding, taking care to catch both sides as you go.

4. What if my quilt has curved edges?
Bias binding is ideal for curved edges as its inherent stretch allows it to easily conform to different shapes without puckering or wrinkling. When attaching bound edges on curves, make sure to clip small notches along the raw edge of your quilt every few inches to allow for smoother folding.

5. How do I join two pieces of bias binding together?
To seamlessly join two pieces of bias tape together, overlap them at a 90-degree angle and pin in place. Mark a diagonal line across both layers of tape where they overlap, then sew along that line before trimming away excess fabric close to the seam.

6. How can I ensure my corners are neatly finished with bias binding?
Mitered corners provide a professional-looking finish to quilts with bound edges. To achieve this, stop sewing with your needle down at the corner, pivot your quilt to align the next edge with the binding, and continue sewing. Fold the binding over the raw edge of the new side and continue sewing until you reach the next corner. Repeat this process for all corners.

In conclusion, learning how to sew bias binding on a quilt is an essential skill for any quilter. Bias binding not only adds a professional finish to a quilt but also provides durability and stability to the edges. To sew bias binding successfully, it is important to accurately measure and cut the fabric strips on the bias, as well as take the time to properly mark and attach it to the quilt. Techniques such as hand stitching or machine stitching can be used, depending on personal preference and desired look. Additionally, utilizing different types of bias binding can add variety and creativity to a quilt project.

One key takeaway from this process is the importance of precision and attention to detail. Measuring accurately, cutting on the bias, and carefully attaching the binding all contribute to a polished final product. Another key takeaway is patience – sewing bias binding can be time-consuming, but taking it one step at a time will result in a beautiful finish.

Finally, practice makes perfect when it comes to sewing bias binding on a quilt. Experiment with different types of fabrics and techniques to find what works best for you. With determination and perseverance, mastering this skill will elevate your quilting projects and bring satisfaction in seeing your hard work come together in a stunning result. So go ahead and give it a try – your

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.