To Buy ready made Bias Binding Click Here

Binding Guide
Everything you need to know about binding, including a step by step photo guide showing how to make it and attach it.

What is binding?
Binding is a strip of fabric or ribbon which is used to encase the edge of a project. In quilting and patchwork binding is cut from strips of fabric which are attached together and then sewn to the edge of the quilt to finish it.

What types of binding are there?
Binding can be cut from the fabric on the grain or on the bias.

Bias Binding is cut on a 45degree diagonal to the selvage. It is the most flexible and stretchy so suited for curves and is also strong so will last longer. The downside is there is more waste so more fabric is needed to make it.

Crosswise Grain Binding is cut along the width (selvage to selvage) so at a 90degree angle to the selvage. It has some flexibility/stretch so can be used on gentle curves or mitered edges and has very little waste fabric.

Lengthwise Grain Binding is cut along the length of the fabric parallel to the selvedge. It is very strong but has very little stretch so can not be used for curves.

Which type of binding should I use?
We prefer to use Cross Grain Binding as it is easy to make and is has the most economical use of fabric.
However we use Cross Grain Binding as a starting point and will change this depending on:

1. The project:
If your project has tight curves you will need bias binding. For gentle curves or mitered edges you can use Crosswise Grain Binding.

2. Use of item:
How often the item will be used & washed?
If your item will get moderate use then Crosswise Grain Binding can be used. If your project will need a lot of washing (things like place mats or play mats) then Bias Binding should be used as it is the strongest and it should therefore last longer.

3. Binding Fabric:
What is the print of the fabric being used to create the binding?
If you are using stripes or plaids for the binding they will look better if cut on a diagonal rather than on a straight so you may choose to use Bias Binding for the look of the finished item.

How much binding do I need?
To work out how much binding you need, measure around all 4 edges of your project and add a few inches. For a small project like a table mat add 2" but for a quilt add around 10”.

How wide should I cut my binding strips?
Decide how wide you want your finished binding to be and multiply that width by 4 then add 1/4”. For example, finished binding is 1/2" wide so 1/2" multiplied by 4 is 2" plus 1/4", so cut binding 2 1/4" wide.

How do I make binding?
Cut strips of fabric (using the cutting direction advice and width needed above) then attach strips together.
You can attach strips end to end using a small stitch length. Alternatively you can attach on the diagonal.

If attaching diagonally, place two strips right sides together at a 90degree right angle and mark from corner to corner.



It is important to mark and sew from the outside edge to the outside edge as shown.



Cut and press each seam open.



When your binding is the desired length, press with wrong sides together along the entire length of the strip.

How do I attach binding?
First make a pocket for the binding by opening up one end of the pressed binding and cut it at a 45degree angle. Fold inwards ½” and press.



With this end open sew it to the outside edge of the project for a couple of inches then backstitch.
Fold the binding back along your earlier pressed line and sew from the same position where you just finished your backstitch.



Sew around the entire outside, stopping a few inches from where you began. See below for sewing around corners.



When you have sewn around the project, stop sewing a few inches from the start. Tuck the unfinished edge into the pocket you made earlier.



Then go back to where you stopped sewing and finish attaching the binding to the quilt.

How do I sew a mitered corner?
Just before you reach the corner, fold your binding outwards as shown below.



Then with the diagonal still in place fold the binding back across to the left.



Pin into place.



Continue sewing but stop sewing your binding 1/4” from the outside edge and backstitch. Tip: If you are not using a 1/4” foot, use a vanishing pen to mark 1/4” from the edge.



Flip the binding back over as shown.



Continue sewing the binding along the next side and you will have a mitered corner!




How do I attach my binding to the other side?
After machine sewing the binding onto your project, press the binding outwards on the front.
Then fold over the binding onto the back.
Attach by hand sewing using whipstitch so the thread can not be seen.

To Buy ready made Bias Binding Click Here