Making Bias Binding for Quilts
Bias binding is an essential technique for finishing the edges of quilts with a clean, professional look. From my experience as an avid quilter, learning how to properly cut and sew bias binding can be a game-changer for taking your quilting abilities to the next level. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know about making and working with bias binding for quilts.
What is Bias Binding?
Bias binding refers to strips of fabric cut at a 45 degree angle, or on the “bias” of the fabric. This allows the binding to stretch slightly and makes it easy to manipulate around curved edges of a quilt.
Why Use Bias Binding on Quilts?
There are a few key reasons bias binding is commonly used on quilts:
- It creates a clean, finished look along the edges of the quilt
- The binding neatly encloses the layers of the quilt (top, batting, and backing)
- It covers rough cut edges along the exterior of the quilt
- The stretchiness of the bias grain makes binding curved quilt edges easier
I’ve definitely had my share of struggles with getting neat and even binding before learning these tips and tricks! But it truly elevates the quilting game.
How to Cut Bias Strips for Binding
Cutting the bias strips for binding takes some precision, but has a little room for error. Here is the easiest method I’ve found:
- Start by cutting a square of fabric slightly larger than the finished width of your desired binding multiplied by 42 – for example, for 2.5 inch wide double-fold binding, cut a 10.5 inch fabric square (2.5 x 42 = 105). The industry standard quilt binding width is between 2.25 and 2.5 inches finished.
- Mark diagonal lines on the square from each corner, forming an “X” shape.
- Use a rotary cutter and ruler to carefully cut along the diagonal lines. This will give you two identical triangle sets.
- Line up the longest edges of fabric along one of the triangle sides and the right angles should match up perfectly. Cut strips along the angled edge for the length needed.
This may sound confusing, but it’s actually a very straightforward process once you give it a try! Many quilters cut binding strips in advance and store them for projects as needed.
How Much Binding Do You Need?
A common question is exactly how much binding fabric to cut for a specific quilt. Here is the formula:
Take the perimeter of the quilt in inches, add 10-15 inches for ease in attaching the ends, and divide by the width of your finished binding. For example, a 50″ x 60″ quilt has a perimeter of 220 inches. For 2.5″ wide binding with 12 inches extra, you’d need 88 inches of bias strips [(220 + 12) / 2.5 = 88] or about 1/2 yard of fabric.
Having too much is always better than not enough!
Sewing Bias Binding
Once you have bias binding strips cut, follow these simple steps to sew flawless binding:
- Select a binding length and pin one end to the back corner of the quilt, folding over the first few inches. Use diagonal pins to secure.
- Leaving a 6-8 inch tail of binding, begin attaching the raw edge of the binding strip to the raw quilt edge with a 1⁄4 inch seam allowance. Backstitch at the start. Take care not to stretch the bias binding as you sew.
- Stop stitching about 10-12 inches before reaching the starting point. Trim excess binding tail if needed and complete the stitching.
- To join the two binding ends, open up the starting tail and lapped end and place them perpendicular to each other, right sides together. Mark a diagonal line across the overlapped area and stitch along the line. Trim seam allowance to 1⁄4 inch.
- Fold the binding to the quilt backside, encasing the raw edges. Pin, then hand stitch the folded edge in place using a blind stitch and matching thread.
It may take some practice, but with these bias binding techniques you’ll have professional quilted edges in no time! Let me know if you have any other questions – I’m happy help with any binding challenges from my years of experience. Time for a quilt break!
Step | Details |
---|---|
1. Cut fabric on the bias | Cut strips at a 45 degree angle to the grain of the fabric for best stretch and flexibility |
2. Join the bias strips | Sew the angled ends of the strips together to make one continuous piece |
3. Press seams open | Use an iron to press the seams flat and open to reduce bulk |
4. Fold and press | Fold the strip in half lengthwise and press with an iron so crease is visible |
5. Pin binding to quilt | Leaving a tail, pin binding to edge of quilt, matching raw edges |
6. Sew binding to quilt | Sew binding to quilt using 1⁄4″ seam allowance and removing pins as you go |
7. Wrap binding over edge | Flip binding up over quilt edge and pin/tack in place on back |
8. Hand stitch binding | Whip stitch folded edge of binding to quilt backing |
9. Mitre corners | Fold binding at a 45 degree angle on corners |
10. Finish loose ends | Overlap ends of binding and trim off excess, finishing with whip stitches |
Here is the FAQ block on how to make bias binding for quilts:
FAQ
What is bias binding?
Bias binding is a narrow strip of fabric cut at a 45 degree angle or “on the bias.” This allows it to easily stretch and form curved edges, perfect for finishing quilt edges with nice corners.
How wide should I cut the strips for bias binding?
The typical width is 2.5 inches. However, you can cut them anywhere from about 2 to 3 inches wide. If binding a larger or thicker quilt, opt for wider strips.
What type of fabric makes the best binding?
Cotton fabrics work well, particularly quilting cottons which are durable yet soft. Avoid thick fabrics like denim as they’ll be bulky. You’ll get the nicest corners with a lightweight fabric.
How do I join the binding strips together?
Pin two strips perpendicular to each other on the bias edges in an L shape. Mark a line across the diagonal and stitch just inside the line. Trim off excess and press open for minimal bulk.
How much fabric do I need for binding a quilt?
- Measure quilt perimeter
- Add about 12 inches for ease and seam allowances
- Cut strips the calculated length or piece together strips to get the length
What’s the best way to attach binding to a quilt?
Sew binding to quilt front side first using 1⁄4 inch seam, mitering corners. Wrap around quilt edges to back and hand stitch in place using a blind stitch. Makes for tidy invisible finishing!