I start on the angled fold in the front and work towards the back of my piece, before going around the entire project. Bias Binder #87 is made for bias tape. If you have any questions or comments about this process, please comment here on the blog, and I’ll get back to you. It surely makes the process more enjoyable, and it gets your quilt finished at the same time. So, I cut the binding at 2 ¾” wide, I will cut this last piece 2 ½” wide, ¼” LESS than the original width. It is often used in garment sewing, finishing the arm holes of a dress, encasing the top edge of a pocket or bottom edge of a hem. I’m sorry about omitting that direction by photo! In my opinion, ⅜” binding gives you a “meatier” binding, and ¼” is just too skinny, especially on a queen or king bed quilt. Sew the bias tape to the neckline edge with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, joining the neckline and the bias tape. 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 This is a bias strip with just a single fold down the center.Binding with this tape will give you a top stitching line 1/2 inch from the edge. In addition to being a national quilt Instructor and BERNINA Ambassador, I’m also a Quilt Judge and have judged hundreds of quilts. Single fold bias tape binds both straight and curved edges, adds color accents to garments or finish off quilts, skirts or dresses! It has four different sizes and it also included a presser foot for my machine. How to sew bias tape. 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 start with ¾ yard cut of binding fabric for most quilts. It will naturally wrap itself around the quilt in the way it should lay. Some quilters also prefer bias cut binding for straight edged quilts. Thanks for asking. 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. You can make it yourself or purchase a handy little tool like this one. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each type of binder. Thank you for asking. Thank you for this. 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. It is then folded around the edge of the project and stitched in place. Beginning at the top, stitch in the ditch and sew to the next corner. Line up the raw edge of the binding to the raw edge of your quilt. Thanks for asking. Before I’m ready to start handsewing, I always add a hanging sleeve to my quilt. Bias binding is much more sturdy for the quilt because the edge of the binding has a cross-weave, rather than a straight weave. Click here for supplies: http://missouriquiltco.com Jenny Doan demonstrates how to bind a quilt with a sewing machine. 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. 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. However, when finishing my quilts I don’t use the presser foot. Stitch this edge down, starting and stopping ¼in from each corner, as before. Keep the fabric flat and cut with scissors in the crease. Joining the ends of the binding is very confusing. As 2 others commented, clarification is needed as to how you put them back together. 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. So, you’re cutting the strips in straight lines on the bias. Binding with bias tape – fully turned inside. Jun 22, 2013 - Great tutorial on how to attach double fold bias tape with mitered corner. As a judge, there is no hard and fast rule about binding being 1/4″. That’s good insurance. You buy the tape and you’re ready to start binding. The good thing about using this type of binder is that you have no prep. But it really is just as simple as folding it in half — only because the fabric is longer than the ruler. This center line of folded bias tape should pass along edge of blanket. Which is correct? Bias Tape Hand quilt by Jennifer Johnston. I sew the ends of the strips together individually, so I have the binding piece in one big piece. Next, fold the left side of the binding back, in half, and make a clean straight cut with scissors. Read that a few more times and think hard about what it says. Instructions to Double Fold Bind a Quilt. Why not? 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. My choice is single fold bias. We’re going to add a clarification on these. I’ve addressed these issues above and realize that we need to add some clarification to the blogpost. This is the best trick I can share with you. This is then sewn onto the project. I have exactly the same questions. I just wanted to thank you for your tutorial and the pics. 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. You do not need to back stitch here. Thank you. It’s easy to see and easy to remove for other sized cuts. 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! Quilt binding can make or break your quilt! Bias binding. When I do a tutorial like this, I do the photos step-by-step as I go, so I don’t have the ability to go back and add a photo for how I fold the fabric once the project is finished. Clip your binding in place along this entire edge. The beginner way and the more advanced way. Rather, choose a side (left or right) and start one-third of the way down. I especially like how you angled off at the corners for the miter. To do this, fold the long end of the binding up so it runs parallel with the second edge of the quilt. You want the binding to easily fold over so you don’t have to pull it at any part of the handstitching process. We’re going to add clarification to the blogpost on those two points. Could you explain that step in more depth? Thank you, thank you, thank you! Use a needle and thread to hand sew the front of the bias tape in place. Double fold, like the picture above shows, is easily made at home. Did you line up your ruler w the scissor-cut edge? Please stand by. To answer your question: Here you will find tutorials and free patterns related to fiber arts. For a square quilt straight grain binding, meaning fabric strips cut cross grain or length-wise grain, will work well. I start with ¾ yard cut of binding fabric for most quilts. After doing the final corner, sew till you get close to your 3” tail that you left. In this post, I will touch base on the difference between bias tape and binding. Yes — that’s exactly what I mean. Bias Tape is made by cutting fabric on a 45 degree angle giving it a little stretch. Sew till you get to a 1/4 away from the end. 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. Quilt Binding.. Fold up the fabric so the selvedge matches the cut edge to get a perfect 45-degree angle. I am definitely going to do that the next time I sew my binding on. Next, install the Reverse pattern foot #1D, and engage the Dual Feed. 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 did have the same issue as the two commenters above. Sky is the limit when it comes to using bias tape to finish edges! Quilting. How much do you cut off of the binding and how many inches do you leave after the cut? We are going to add a clarification to the blogpost so please stand by on that. Use short stitches through just the fold to … I know, I’m crazy….lol. I’ll use this again while stitching. 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. I am blessed to have a bias tape maker and that made making the binding easy. Before writing this post I didn’t realize there was that much of a difference between bias tape and binding. Place the pieces right sides together, aligning the … Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. I like to start about 18 inches from the bottom corner. Hand stitching the binding on the back of the quilt is a task that you either love or hate, I’ve heard both. 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 !! Helpful article. When you cut your strips, move the fabric away from the cut edge, rather than picking up the ruler. The next thing to do is pushing the fabric seam allowance inside the tape. Fold the bias tape fully to the back, and stitch in place. And you’re right — it looks like the photo shows the exact opposite. Please stand by. 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. I also follow the same steps as above. I also appreciate this tutorial, but agree with comments above on what to do following cutting the bias with scissors. Layer your remaining bias binding on top of the beginning tail and stitch in the ditch till you reach your beginning stitches. Trim any excess bias tape. I found that if I don’t cut that 1/4″ off, it DOES grow and stretch. Thanks! I do this because of how I finish the binding. So, when I cut the ¼” less, the binding lays flat and perfect. And, I only fold the fabric in half because the ruler isn’t long enough. I’m sorry — it seems as though I missed a photo opportunity! Is there a way to show and explain this part better so I can understand. Leaving a 3” or longer tail, begin sewing in the “ditch” of the bias fold. It’s like folding triangles in half. You might see some favorite recipes crafts and gardening ideas along side the quilting and crochet. Keep the bias tape open on top of your neckline right-side up. However, with a little research it turns out that single fold binding is actually an unfolded piece of fabric that is sewn to the edge of a project, which is then wrapped to the back, folded and stitched in place. I have really been enjoying the posts here . I am just a little unclear on how you arranged your fabric for the cutting. I also like how I have a guide with the “ditch” to sew into. I make mostly straight edge projects so I don’t cut on the bias very often. Mark a diagonal line on the right binding edge, with a pencil. It’s only tradition. Start by giving your bias strip a quick press, this will help it feed through the tape maker. Press a 1/4″ strip of fusible tape on top of the folded inner edge. Before I start sewing bias tape I fold back the edge shown below. I find that the sizes of my cut pieces are more accurate. Well apparently there is a difference. *Repeat for all four corners. The place that the quilt will get the most wear is the bound edge. Binding can be cut on the straight grain or on the bias. 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. If the mat lines bother me, I’ll flip the mat over to the unprinted side. Okay — let me try to explain. Then cover it and pin it with the rest of the tape. I also really liked the binding clips it came with so I got a whole set as well. I sew double fold binding very similar to how I sew single fold bias tape. Just lay the binding on and stitch. 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. I found if I left that ¼” on, the area where I stitched that last bit to the edge made my edge stretch just enough that it was visible when the quilt was hung. Finally, fold over your bias binding to the back and stitch in place. I have used it on several other projects such as my pillow case dresses. I sometimes make a wider binding than 3/8 of an inch because the design of the quilt might be enhanced (at least to my eye ?). The artist, Jennifer Johnston, projected a shadow of her hand onto the fabric and used the bias tape to outline the shadow. Both binders wrap the bias tape or fabric around the edge of your project and hold it in place as it goes under the needle for stitching. So if you see in my photos that the fabric is laid “off” of the lines on the mat, that’s why. I always start and end with a little back stitch. After you have ironed the crease & cut on the crease w scissors, how did you reposition/fold the fabric to start cutting your strips? This can be the kind you purchase at the fabric store in small packages. Thanks again. Pay close attention to the way to lay the edges together in the photo below, so you don’t have to pick out your stitches. Any rules from a judge? Single-fold bias tape is made with strips of fabric that have been cut on the bias, sewn together in long strips, and used to bind raw fabric edges or add a pop of color. 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 binding is fully turned to the back of the fabric in this binding method. Now, press the binding in half, meeting the raw edges, to make your binding length. The rest were marked down because of the problems with inaccurate stitching. All of my instructions that follow use a ⅜” binding and seam allowance. The only exception is that I don’t have a “ditch” to sew into. Please stand by. Tip #1: Straight edge binding vs. Actually a professional longarmer did that for me. IL042 894 Premier Finish for the bias tape and IL019 ANTIQUE WHITE Softenedfor the bodice. I hand stitch mine. Wrap the bias tape over the edge of the quilt to the front side and press with an iron. Thanks for asking. This fold line should not go lower or too high from this edge. 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. Want to learn how to use double folded bias tape in sewing? Method 1. She does custom computerized and free motion work, and that was computerized. Well done! Not only is there a difference between bias tape and binding, but there are “single fold” & “double fold” in both categories. I just finished a quilt with the cleanest, prettiest binding I have ever done with the procedures in the post. * The word binding is used interchangeably and can get really confusing. The 1/4″ cut isn’t narrower, it is cut shorter. 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. 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. Stop sewing the binding when you are about 12″ away from where you started. Stitch to about 6″ away from the bottom edge. I think that little extra ⅛” measurement of binding adds a nicer frame to the outside of the quilt, especially with the lofts of our batting being just a little bit thicker. Just as I fold back the edge of my bias tape before I begin, I also do that to my binding. I love my tool. Bias tape, also referred to as bias binding, has many practical applications. Would love clarification on this point. I first started using bias tape with quilting- where you often make your own bias tape from fashion fabric. Simply brilliant! Isnt in right over left. I’m going to take you step by step. eeks! On this step, you want to double-check that the edge of the bias tape that isn’t sewn yet is covering the stitches underneath it. Now, sew the last of the binding to the quilt. Your join will be perfectly hidden. 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. Step 1. Pull your piece out. I, too, would like a little more instruction about how to position/fold the fabric after cutting on the crease with scissors before you start cutting the binding strips. Fold the fabric in half, lining up the cut so the raw edges are even — as pictured below. We were going to call this tutorial: Bias Binding: Basics & Beyond, however, … 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. Press entire piece of fabric flat so there are no evident folds. That part always gives me problems as well, which is why I wrote the instructions as I did. :::face palm::: I’m going to add a correction – so please stand by. It doesn’t look like you sewed the 2 triangles together before cutting your strips. Start by flipping the the binding over to the front of the quilt. We’re going to add that clarification — so please stand by. Step Two: Press the binding. 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? 2nd when you got to point of sewing ends together on quilt you say you lay left over right. Bias tape is a great way to bind, or seal in, raw edges. Now sew out to the edge of the quilt, remove the quilt and snip threads. Join the two cut edges in this way. For the purpose of this tutorial, we are using two contrasting fabrics. Exposed Binding Method . TIP: When cutting strips or other subcuts on my mat, I don’t line the fabric up to the markings on the mat. Fold the bias tape as shown in the pictures above. For this we can use a single bias tape which is 1.5 inch wide ( total width). Sew strips together, end to end, lining the ends up so they have a ¼” “bunny ear” on both ends, and sew. TIP: I mark my ruler with blue painter’s tape and write the width on the tape with a permanent pen, so I can remember where I need to lineup and cut. I read it several times looking for how to fold the fabric for cutting. In all my years of judging, I have seen just one quilt that had perfectly machine top-stitched binding on it. Wrap the bias tape over the edge of the quilt to the front side and press with an iron. I find it very relaxing. I have saved this tutorial also for when I do binding again. Then I measure the tail-end as per my directions and photos. To attach the binding to the back of your quilt, re-fold the binding to the way it was folded in the package. The one thing I'm not sure about is if the miters at the corners will still work. Finally, fold over your bias binding to the back and stitch in place. Press all seams open. 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. 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