Making Bias Binding: A Step-by-Step Guide

Bias binding is a simple and effective way to finish raw edges of your sewing project. It’s also a great way to add a pop of color or texture to your design. While many craft stores sell pre-made bias binding, making your own at home is easy and cost-effective. In this article, we’ll explore how to make bias binding in relaxed English language without any complex terms or technical jargon.

Before we begin, let’s define what bias binding is. Bias binding is a strip of fabric that has been cut on the bias, meaning on a diagonal grain of the fabric, rather than straight or cross-grain. Cutting fabric on the bias allows it to stretch and curve easily, making it ideal for finishing curved edges and armholes. Bias binding can be made from any type of thin to medium weight fabric, such as cotton, silk, or linen.

How to Make Bias Binding: A Step-by-Step Guide

Bias binding is an excellent decorative tool that you can learn to make by yourself. It’s an easy process that requires a few simple steps. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, this guide on how to make bias binding will be useful for you.

What is Bias Binding and Why Use It?

Bias binding is a long strip of fabric that is used to finish the edges of a garment or piece of cloth. Making bias binding involves cutting the fabric on the bias (diagonal) grain of the fabric. When sewn onto a cloth edge, it creates a clean finish, adds color and texture, and prevents fraying.

What Fabric Can You Use for Bias Binding?

Almost any “non-stretchy” fabric can be used for binding; woven cotton, silk, linen, and rayon are all great options. Generally, lighter fabrics work better than heavyweight fabrics. Cotton works well because it folds easily and is readily available in a wide range of colors.

Tools Required for Making Bias Binding

You do not need fancy or expensive tools to make bias bindings, as most can be found in your sewing arsenal. Here is a list of tools you will need for making bias binding:

– Fabric
– Acrylic ruler
– Rotary Cutter or scissors
– Sewing machine and thread
– Iron and ironing board

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Bias Binding

Follow the below outline-guide to create your bias binding:

Step 1: Select and Cut Fabric for Bias Binding

Choose your preferred fabric, and then determine how much you need. To calculate how much fabric you need, multiply the length you want to bind by 2. Then add an extra inch at each end for overlap and joining.

Next, draw lines on your fabric to make strips. Cut the fabric on the bias in width according to your preference with a rotary cutter or scissors, an acrylic ruler, and a cutting mat.

Step 2: Join the Strips

Once you have all the strips cut out, lay two strips at a 90-degree angle, right sides facing each other. Sew the strips together using a straight stitch. Snip off any excess edge material.

Repeat this process to join all the strips until you have one long piece.

Step 3: Ironing

Fold the strip of fabric in half lengthwise, with the right side facing outside. Use the iron to crease it. This crease will be helpful in aligning the binding along any clothing or project you will add it to.

Fold either side of the strip’s raw edges towards the crease’s center and press them with the iron to keep them in place.

Step 4: Sewing

Fold the binding material in half, ensuring the fabric’s right sides are facing each other. Sew your binding onto the fabric’s edge using a straight stitch. Start at the end of any straight edge, beginning about an inch or two from either end to leave ample room for attaching and finishing. When you reach the edge’s end, lift the needle on your sewing machine. Pivot the fabric and continue stitching along the next edge.

Step 5: Finishing

Finish by stitching the tail ends of the binding strip with a zigzag stitch or by cutting one end of the strip at a 45-degree angle and wrapping it around the other until it reaches the starting point. This will provide a professional finish and secure the binding’s two ends together.

Conclusion

Learning how to make bias binding is one of the easiest and most satisfying sewing projects you can do. With the right tools and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create beautiful decorative trim for any piece of clothing or project. Experiment with different fabric types and colors to find the perfect bias binding for your design. Happy stitching!

Materials You’ll Need

Before we delve into the process of making bias binding, it’s essential to first gather all the necessary materials. Here’s a list of items you’ll need:

1. Fabric

The first and foremost thing you’ll need is fabric. Choose a pattern or color that complements the project you’re working on.

2. Ruler

To ensure that your bias tape is cut evenly, a ruler is a must-have tool. A clear, plastic ruler is ideal, so you can see through it and have a clear view of the fabric.

3. Rotary cutter and cutting mat

A rotary cutter is a handy tool that slices through fabric without causing fraying. A cutting mat also helps keep your fabric from sliding around while cutting.

4. Scissors

You’ll need scissors to cut your bias strips once you have them measured and marked.

5. Iron and ironing board

A reliable iron and ironing board are essential for pressing the fabric and creating crisp folds.

6. Sewing machine

While bias tape can be made by hand, a sewing machine makes the process much quicker and more efficient.

7. Thread

Make sure you have thread that matches your fabric so that any stitches you make are nearly invisible.

8. Pins

Pins keep your fabric in place as you create your bias strips. They can also be used to hold your bias tape in place as you sew it to your project.

9. Bias tape maker

A bias tape maker is a tool that helps you fold and iron your strips of fabric. It’s optional but highly recommended as it makes the process of creating bias tape much more efficient.

10. Patience and willingness to learn

Making bias binding takes time and patience. If it’s your first time, be willing to learn, take your time, and embrace the process.

How to Join the Bias Binding Ends

Whether you are making a bias binding for a garment or quilt, you will eventually need to join the two ends of the binding. Here are five methods you can use to join bias binding ends:

1. Overlapping Ends
The easiest way to join bias binding ends is to overlap them. Cut the binding to the desired length, leaving an extra 2 to 3 inches at the start and end. Once you reach the end of the project, overlap the two ends by a quarter-inch and sew them together with straight stitches. This method is best suited for straight-edged projects, such as napkins and tablecloths.

2. Mitering Ends
For projects with corners, mitering your binding ends can solve the corner-joining problem since it gives a neat and professional look. You will need to cut the end of each piece at a 45-degree angle, then sew them together. To ensure a neat finish, make sure the two edges meet precisely in the center of the angle. Trim the excess fabric away, fold, and press the seam open.

3. Square Ends
Square ends are suitable for simple projects, but trimming two ends of the fabric to make them perfectly even is critical. Like the overlapping method, cut and sew the binding together with right sides facing and a straight stitch, then trim away the excess fabric, and press the seams open.

4. Slanted Ends
Slanted ends give a professional finish to bias binding, perfect for appearing on the front side of your project. To make slant cuts, lay the binding flat on your cutting mat, then cut at a 45-degree angle on the flat. Sew the two ends together from the right side in a straight stitch, trim away excess fabric, and press the seam open.

5. Zig-Zag Ends
This technique can help secure the ends of the binding with a tight seam. Lay the ends of the bias binding on top of each other with their right sides together, then zig-zag stitch across them. This method will give a less visible and simple seam, making it ideal for lot of work where the ends may not be visible.

In conclusion, these methods will help you join bias binding ends perfectly each time, and with a little practice, you’ll find the perfect method to suit your project.

Wrap Up

We hope this guide has been helpful in teaching you how to make bias binding! Remember, it’s all about piecing together your strips of fabric, cutting on a diagonal, and setting your fold in place. With a bit of practice, you’ll be binding everything in sight! But before you go, we’d like to extend a huge thanks for reading and we hope you’ll visit us again soon for more crafting tips and tricks. Happy sewing!