how to bind a quilt with bias tape

After cutting the triangles, I fold the fabric over in half and line up the cut edge and use THAT edge to line up my ruler for cutting the strips. Binding with bias tape – fully turned inside. Before writing this post I didn’t realize there was that much of a difference between bias tape and binding. Finally, fold over your bias binding to the back and stitch in place. Thank you for asking. His whiskers were like a cheese grater on the weaker straight weave of the fabric. This will be your sewing line. I am a momma of two crafty girls and my husband is my rock. Did you line up your ruler w the scissor-cut edge? After you have ironed the crease & cut on the crease w scissors, how did you reposition/fold the fabric to start cutting your strips? Then I trim and I leave an extra 1/8″ of batting and backing so when I turn the edge, the binding will be completely filled and my points don’t get cut off. It’s only tradition. I honestly thought the above was single fold binding not double. * The word binding is used interchangeably and can get really confusing. I have saved this tutorial also for when I do binding again. It doesn’t take a long time to make your own bias tape, but it is kind of a pain in the butt if you just want to get to sewing! I’ve addressed these issues above and realize that we need to add some clarification to the blogpost. Also, don’t stretch the binding as you stitch, which will add a warp to the edge that will never lay flat. We’re going to add clarification to the blogpost on those two points. I’ll use this again while stitching. You can make it yourself or purchase a handy little tool like this one. Could you explain that step in more depth? In this post, I’ll give you all of my little tips and tricks for accurate binding, some you may know and some that will be new to you. Jun 22, 2013 - Great tutorial on how to attach double fold bias tape with mitered corner. It’s easy to see and easy to remove for other sized cuts. Here’s how to create the durable, stretchy tape — even if you don’t have a bias tape maker on hand. So, I cut the binding at 2 ¾” wide, I will cut this last piece 2 ½” wide, ¼” LESS than the original width. There are several good tutorials out there that show you step by step how to cut on the bias. 2nd when you got to point of sewing ends together on quilt you say you lay left over right. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each type of binder. The beginner way and the more advanced way. If you’re interested in her contact information, let me know. Just lay the binding on and stitch. coordinating thread, cotton quilting fabric, cutting mat, quilting ruler, rotary cutter, Couching with BERNINA – Part 3: Couching Techniques, Passiflora Quilt Along, Part 4: Round Two, Using the Alphabet to Create an Abstract Embroidery Design, Using the Wreath Tool in BERNINA Embroidery Software 8.2. Thanks for your support. Keep the fabric flat and cut with scissors in the crease. Matching sewing thread (for the purpose of this tutorial we are using a contrasting white color thread), ruler, bias tape maker, fabric pen or chalk, scissors, sewing machine, iron I bound a King sized quilt for our bed with it, and within one year, this is what happened on my hudband’s side of the bed: His whiskers rubbed the fabric open because there was no cross-weave support on the edge of the quilt. I have used it on several other projects such as my pillow case dresses. Everyone agrees, though, that it can be tedious. Isnt in right over left. The one thing I'm not sure about is if the miters at the corners will still work. See more ideas about quilt binding, binding tutorial, quilting tutorials. So — if I cut the strips of my binding at 2 3/4″, I need to cut the ENDS of the binding where they meet up and need to be sewn together, 1/4″ LESS — so I cut the overlap at 2 1/2″, then sew them together. Helpful article. Thanks for asking. Also, let about 12″ of binding to just hang free, this is the part that you will join to the end. It’s soooo cute. The only exception is that I don’t have a “ditch” to sew into. I am just a little unclear on how you arranged your fabric for the cutting. Thank you. We’re going to add a clarification to the post, so please stand by. In my opinion, ⅜” binding gives you a “meatier” binding, and ¼” is just too skinny, especially on a queen or king bed quilt. I do however make my quilt binding with the same tool that is used to make bias tape. Simply brilliant! The next pic shows you cutting fabric and you have it lined up different . Thank for any help! Read that a few more times and think hard about what it says. This is what the miter at the corner should look like, on the top and to the back: This mitered corner will give you a perfect right angle edge to your quilt. I love my tool. Pin the bias tape to the back of your quilt with the raw edges of the bias tape even with the edges of the quilt. Okay — let me try to explain. Using your quilting ruler, trim the end of your binding … Photo courtesy of Jennifer Johnston: This photo is of a quilt in progress that I first saw on Instagram. This machine bind a quilt method will leave a visible stitched line around the back of your quilt so use a bobbin thread that matches the quilt backing and a top thread that matches the binding. Now, press the binding in half, meeting the raw edges, to make your binding length. In this post, I will touch base on the difference between bias tape and binding. My mitered corners were better with the single fold bias vs. the double fold binding—I think it was due to the thickness of the material with the double fold binding. Sorry few things dont make sense. Stop sewing the binding when you are about 12″ away from where you started. So, you’re cutting the strips in straight lines on the bias. So, I went back to using Bias binding, as I did when I first started quilting. I’m glad you asked! The 1/4″ cut isn’t narrower, it is cut shorter. If you are using premade bias tape you don’t need to create the folds as this is done for you. Not quite sure what you mean “Now – between the cut edge of the beginning binding, use the ruler to measure where you should cut the tail of the binding to joining the two ends.” Do you mean you measure 2-½” from the point where the cut end would overlap the tail? Sew the rest of the binding to the quilt edges as previously done. Finally, fold over your bias binding to the back and stitch in place. For the purpose of this tutorial, we are using two contrasting fabrics. One is after you fold fabric to make bias and cut in crease . I also like how I have a guide with the “ditch” to sew into. To answer your question: For a square quilt straight grain binding, meaning fabric strips cut cross grain or length-wise grain, will work well. Fold up the fabric so the selvedge matches the cut edge to get a perfect 45-degree angle. I start on the angled fold in the front and work towards the back of my piece, before going around the entire project. I am living my best life staying home with my girls and getting to be creative everyday! Also, for joining the ends, you said “Lay left side over right, with the raw edge on the left.” The picture shows the right over the left. Smooth stitching on the back goes a long way for judges too. Not only is there a difference between bias tape and binding, but there are “single fold” & “double fold” in both categories. I also prefer to use a ⅜” binding rather than a ¼” binding. Bias binding is much more sturdy for the quilt because the edge of the binding has a cross-weave, rather than a straight weave. The rest of the tutorial is fine but I’m a little lost on that part. I also really liked the binding clips it came with so I got a whole set as well. Double fold bias is simple single fold bias that has been folded over. TIP: When cutting strips or other subcuts on my mat, I don’t line the fabric up to the markings on the mat. Well apparently there is a difference. If you have any questions or comments about this process, please comment here on the blog, and I’ll get back to you. Any rules from a judge? Would love clarification on this point. That’s how they become bias strips instead of strips that are cut on the straight of the grain. This is what your beautifully mitered corners will look like: When you turn the binding over to the back for handstitching, it should completely cover the stitching line as shown: If you try to pull the binding over so it covers the stitching, it will fold over the edge of the quilt inside the binding and create an over-filled and lumpy binding. Fold the binding back so it’s smooth, and now fold the binding down onto the next edge and sew from the top edge. I’m sorry about omitting that direction by photo! When beginning to sew on your binding, don’t start at the edge or in the middle, as your join will be really obvious to the eye. Bias tape is a great way to bind, or seal in, raw edges. Place the pieces right sides together, aligning the … After doing the final corner, sew till you get close to your 3” tail that you left. Here’s what I do: I sew the binding on first with a 1/4″ seam allowance, before I trim the edges of my quilt. Bias binding. Please stand by. I hand stitch mine. Press the folded edge with iron to get a crisp crease. With the ⅜” seam allowances, you also need to take into consideration the thickness of the quilt at the edge – which is where the 2 ¾” strip width comes from, to accommodate that. I am definitely going to do that the next time I sew my binding on. DIY And Crafts. Yes — I DO line up the ruler with the scissor-cut edge. One recurring problem with quilts entered for competition is the binding: unfilled binding, overfilled binding, uneven binding and the trend to stitch the binding to the back of the quilt and topstitch it on the front. Why not? Step Two: Press the binding. Repeat steps 1-2 until all four corners are mitred, and finish according to your chosen method (see below). I know, I’m crazy….lol. Pre-made bias fold is pretty darn old, and whoever came up with the idea of pre-packaging pre-folded bias tape was a genius. This center line of folded bias tape should pass along edge of blanket. I started this blog when I lost my job as a Director of an adult day care center due to covid 19. In all my years of judging, I have seen just one quilt that had perfectly machine top-stitched binding on it. *If this is a mini quilt and you plan on hanging it, check out how I hang my own mini quilts before I attach the binding here. Quilt Binding.. I think this is a great tutorial and I will definitely safe it for later use. Sew along the first edge of the quilt before binding the first corner. Use short stitches through just the fold to … If, however, you’re binding a quilt with curved edges, you’ll want to cut bias strips for your binding. Jul 25, 2020 - Bias binding can be a great finishing technique, but how do you use binding? Hand stitching the binding on the back of the quilt is a task that you either love or hate, I’ve heard both. With your ⅜” marked ruler, measure the bottom edge and place a pin at ⅜” from the edge. Leaving a 3” or longer tail, begin sewing in the “ditch” of the bias fold. Attaching the Bias Binding Start sewing in a bit from the end of the strip – about 2 inches. Could the pictures/directions for how to fold the fabric, prior to cutting the bias strips Please be added? The corrections have been made in the blogpost, so all instructions are complete. This helps to avoid bulk – which is also why we prefer to use a diagonal seam rather than a straight seam, which is super-bulky and makes a little pebble in the binding. However, with scissors and fabric in hand today i realized that after I have cut off the triangle in the ironed crease, THERE ARE NO DIRECTIONS FOR FOLDING THE FABRIC !! You can cut strips of batting to "fill out" the binding. Within this method you will need the following tools: scissors; pins or sewing clips ; Sewing Machine; Thread; Iron; Within this method, you can learn 2 ways of attaching your bias binding. I just wanted to thank you for your tutorial and the pics. Begin sewing at a 90 degree angle from the last stitch before backstitching over the corner to keep it in place. I am afraid that I got lost on the part where it is cut 1/4″ narrower. I see a triangle on top of the main piece and that the bottom is folded but not sure if you folded any other side and exactly how I should place my fabric in order to cut the strips? How did you do that? I can see how using 3/8” seam allowance would work well when there is a plain border but what do you do when there is piecing with points 1/4” along the edge to be bound? I make mostly straight edge projects so I don’t cut on the bias very often. Since I wrote that post, I’ve had the chance to refine my quilt binding applications to create a better, sturdier binding. I would probably zigzag the strips of batting to the quilt's edge, then fold the binding over to the back. Sometimes it's difficult to know which type of binding to use for your project. How to sew bias tape. My 4 strips are 2-1/2″ x 42″ (the width of the fabric). The place that the quilt will get the most wear is the bound edge. She does custom computerized and free motion work, and that was computerized. I apply a hanging sleeve to every quilt I make because I never know when it will need to be hung – especially if it’s going to be in competition somewhere. Use short stitches through just the fold to make the seam almost invisible. Next, fold the left side of the binding back, in half, and make a clean straight cut with scissors. Lay the quilt flat, so you have clear access to the part of the binding that you need to join, as shown in the photo above. So — if I cut my binding strips at 2 3/4″ wide, the connector piece will be cut at 2 1/2″ at the overlap where you will connect the binding pieces together. I find that the sizes of my cut pieces are more accurate. It will naturally wrap itself around the quilt in the way it should lay. To add mitred corners on quilt binding, use a binding clip to hold the corner, fold the binding back down onto your quilt, aligning the raw edges along the next side. Want to learn how to use double folded bias tape in sewing? And while it’s commonly used as quilt binding, you can actually incorporate it into a variety of projects, whether you need to sew a face mask or want to add a fun design element to a garment. Sew to the pin, make sure the needle is in the down position, take two backstitches, stitch forward two back to the pin, then pivot the quilt edge out to the corner. This becomes your new raw edge to line up your ruler for cutting the strips. The timing on this article is spot on for me!!! To attach the binding to the back of your quilt, re-fold the binding to the way it was folded in the package. Bias tape, also referred to as bias binding, has many practical applications. Trim any excess bias tape. I line up the ruler on the 45-degree line of the ruler. Move the cut triangle to the right of the rectangle, positioning it as shown below. However, double fold binding actually sews two layers to the front before wrapping around to the back whereas single fold there is only one layer sewn to the front of the project. Bias Binder #87 is made for bias tape. Press a 1/4″ strip of fusible tape on top of the folded inner edge. It must pass exactly along the line of edge of blanket. Pin the front of the bias tape in place all the way around the quilt. Lay the binding you will sew on top of the start of the binding, overlapping the two, as shown in the photo below: Now – between the cut edge of the beginning binding, use the ruler to measure where you should cut the tail of the binding to joining the two ends. Here’s an easy, quick and simple tutorial on how to sew single fold bias tape! After all of the strips are cut, I trim the angled ends (selvedge) off and then I have the correct angle set for sewing the strips together. Pin or clip into place. We’re going to add that clarification — so please stand by. We were going to call this tutorial: Bias Binding: Basics & Beyond, however, … Then I measure the tail-end as per my directions and photos. Wrap the bias tape over the edge of the quilt to the front side and press with an iron. My choice is single fold bias. Step Three: Stitch the binding to the quilt. How much do you cut off of the binding and how many inches do you leave after the cut? I just finished a quilt with the cleanest, prettiest binding I have ever done with the procedures in the post. I especially like how you angled off at the corners for the miter. Thanks! The rest were marked down because of the problems with inaccurate stitching. Leaving this tail of fabric free at the beginning makes it easier to attach the ends once the binding is in place. I start with ¾ yard cut of binding fabric for most quilts. I hand stitch mine. TIP: Before you begin sewing, take the time to measure the needle placement to the #1D foot, as shown in the photo below: See? The 1/8” adjustments make the perfect look and fit. If your rotary cutter doesn’t make a clean cut all the way through the fabrics, it’s easier to just cut through the fabrics with the ruler in place, than to try and line up your ruler on the same cut line again. You want the binding to easily fold over so you don’t have to pull it at any part of the handstitching process. After cutting the crease, I fold the fabric in half, lining up that cut edge — because that’s where I need to line up the ruler to make the cut. We’re going to add a clarification on these. It's also used frequently in home decor and accessory sewing to add the finishing touch to a project, such as a blanket or bag. To bind your quilt, begin sewing about 3 inches from the end of the binding. Cut the number of required strips of binding, according to your pattern or calculations. It doesn’t look like you sewed the 2 triangles together before cutting your strips. It is then folded around the edge of the project and stitched in place. I marked my little ruler so I can see exactly where the ⅜” mark is. Finally, sew the … Joining the ends of the binding is very confusing. The instructions and photos show how I piece them together, with equal bunny ears on either end so they’re lined up just right. I thought that bias tape and binding were the same thing—their only difference being whether or not they were cut on a straight grain or on the bias. And you’re right — it looks like the photo shows the exact opposite. If you look at the photo just after the one for cutting on the ironed crease — you can see that the cut edge is lined up and I have folded the fabric in half. Step 1. After cutting the crease with scissors, turn the fabric one-quarter turn clockwise so the cut crease is now vertical. I like to start about 18 inches from the bottom corner. It surely makes the process more enjoyable, and it gets your quilt finished at the same time. Bias Binding: The Basics + Beyond - Sew4Home. I found that if I don’t cut that 1/4″ off, it DOES grow and stretch. Please stand by. Your join will be perfectly hidden. Sew till you get to a 1/4 away from the end. Before I start sewing bias tape I fold back the edge shown below. This is then sewn onto the project. I read it several times looking for how to fold the fabric for cutting. Now sew out to the edge of the quilt, remove the quilt and snip threads. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. The middle crease will enclose the raw edges of your quilt as the other half of the binding wraps around to the back. Next, install the Reverse pattern foot #1D, and engage the Dual Feed. Trim any excess bias tape. See what it looks like when you pull the binding back to turn the corner? For that binding connector piece, I have them overlap each other and measure 1/4″ LESS than the original width of the binding. Binding can be cut on the straight grain or on the bias. In this quilt, the bias tape serves as an outline of the figure 8 shapes.