Continuous Bias Binding
@SewEssential
@RoseryApparel
@GloryAllan
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Learn how to make and apply continuous bias binding to create a polished, stretchy edge finish ideal for curves, necklines, quilts, and armholes.
Materials Needed:
- Lightweight to medium-weight cotton fabric
- Rotary cutter or sharp fabric scissors
- Quilting ruler or straightedge
- Cutting mat
- Fabric marker or chalk
- Sewing machine
- Matching thread
- Iron and ironing board
- Bias tape maker (optional)
- Pins or clips
Tips Before You Begin:
- Choose a tightly woven fabric for best results—looser weaves can distort easily when cut on the bias.
- Pre-wash your fabric to prevent shrinkage after sewing.
- Use spray starch to stabilize lightweight fabrics before cutting.
- Press your seams open and your bias tape flat for a clean, crisp finish.
- Test your binding on a scrap curved edge before applying to your project.
1. Determine How Much Bias Binding You Need
- Measure the edge of the area you want to bind. Add 10% extra length to allow for finishing ends and overlapping.
- Decide on your desired binding width (e.g., ½” double-fold or ¼” finished edge).
2. Cut a Square Piece of Fabric
- Cut a perfect square from your fabric (common sizes: 18”x18” or 20”x20”).
- The larger the square, the longer your continuous binding will be.
3. Mark and Cut on the Bias
- Fold the square diagonally to find the true bias (at a 45° angle).
- Use a ruler to mark evenly spaced lines parallel to the bias, equal to your cut width (usually 2” for double-fold binding).
4. Create a Bias Tube
- Cut the square in half diagonally.
- Rotate one triangle and align the straight edges right sides together to form a parallelogram.
- Stitch with a ¼” seam allowance, and press the seam open.
5. Offset and Sew the Tube
- Bring the short edges of the parallelogram together, right sides facing.
- Offset the lines by one strip so that each line matches up one step ahead.
- Pin and sew with a ¼” seam allowance to create a spiral tube.
6. Cut the Continuous Strip
- Starting at one side of the tube, cut along the marked line in a spiral motion to create one long, continuous strip of bias binding.
7. Press and Fold the Bias Tape
- Press the strip flat.
- Use a bias tape maker or manually fold both raw edges toward the center and press.
- For double-fold bias tape, fold in half again and press.
8. Apply the Bias Binding to Your Project
- Open one folded edge and align the raw edge of the bias tape with the raw edge of your fabric, right sides together.
- Stitch along the fold line.
- Fold the tape over the raw edge to the other side and stitch it down, either by hand for an invisible finish or by machine for speed.
