How to Make Bias Binding: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hey there! Have you ever wondered how to create your own bias binding but felt intimidated by all of the complicated instructions out there? Well, fear no more! In this article, we’ll break down the steps to make bias binding in a relaxed and easy-to-understand manner.
First, let’s start with the basics. Bias binding is a strip of fabric cut on the bias (diagonal) of the fabric instead of straight. This allows it to stretch and conform to curves and angles, making it ideal for finishing edges and adding decorative touches to your sewing projects. While it may seem daunting at first, making your own bias binding is actually quite simple with a few tricks and techniques that we’ll share with you. So grab some fabric and let’s get started!
Introduction:
If you’re a sewing enthusiast, you probably understand the importance of bias binding in your projects. Bias binding is a great way to finish off raw edges of a project, making it look neat, clean, and professional. The beauty of bias binding is that it can create a contrasting or decorative effect when used on hems, edges, and seams. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of making bias binding with all the necessary steps, tips, and tricks.
Subheading 1: What Is Bias Binding?
Bias binding is fabric strips that are cut at an angle of 45 degrees to the selvedge edge. The fabric cut at this angle gives it a natural stretch. Hence bias binding is a perfect fit for curved edges with a tight radius, such as armholes, necklines, rounded pockets, and circular skirts.
Subheading 2: Choosing Fabric For Bias Binding
The choice of fabric for bias binding is essential. Preferably, choose fabrics that are lightweight, soft and drape easily. Cotton, satin, and silk are ideal choices for bias binding. However, if you want to create a sturdy binding, you can opt for cotton-poly blend fabrics.
Subheading 3: Tools Required for Making Bias Binding
To make bias binding, you’ll need a few tools, including a rotary cutter, cutting mat, bias tape maker tool, straight pins, and an iron.
Subheading 4: Calculating The Fabric Required For Bias Binding
Calculating the amount of fabric required for bias binding can be tricky. Generally, you need to measure the length and width of the panel that requires binding and multiply the total length by the bias binding width. You can add an additional yard or two to the calculation to be on the safe side.
Subheading 5: Preparing The Fabric
Before cutting the fabric, wash, dry and iron it. This process ensures that the fabric’s natural shrinkage occurs before cutting it into strips and avoids distorting the binding.
Subheading 6: Cutting The Fabric
Using a cutting mat, rotary cutter, and a ruler, cut the fabric on the bias into strips. Start from the fabric’s corner and cut strips at a 45-degree angle to the selvedge edge. Cut the strips to the width required as per the project.
Subheading 7: Joining The Strips
Joining the bias strips is an essential part of creating a bias binding. Using a diagonal seam, join the strips with right sides together. Ensure that the seam allowance is consistent throughout the strips.
Subheading 8: Pressing The Bias Strips
With a hot iron, press the bias strips while holding them tight to ensure that they don’t stretch or distort. Start from one end and press towards the other end of the strip.
Subheading 9: Folding The Binding
With a bias tape maker tool, fold the fabric strips in half, aligning raw edges, and press. Then, fold the two sides inwards towards the center fold, encasing the raw edges, and press the binding.
Subheading 10: Applying The Binding
Finally, It’s time to attach the binding to the project. Align the binding with the raw edge of your project, and pin it down. Sew along the edge of the binding, remove the pins, and press the binding away from the project.
Conclusion:
Making a bias binding is not a complex process – it just requires attention to detail and accuracy. Follow the steps outlined in this article, and you’ll be sure to create a perfect bias binding. So, get started and impress your friends and family with your sewing skills!
Choosing Your Fabric and Supplies
Now that you’re ready to make your own bias bindings let’s first talk about choosing the right fabric and supplies to get started. Take these steps into consideration to make sure you have everything in order.
Fabric Selection
The type of fabric you choose is important, as it will affect how durable your binding will be. Make sure that the fabric you select is easy to handle and work with while still being sturdy. Common options for bindings include cotton, silk, and bias tape. Make sure to consider what you will be using the binding for, as more delicate fabrics may not hold up well in situations such as high-traffic areas.
Measuring and Cutting
Once you’ve selected your fabric, it’s important to properly measure and cut the strips for your bias binding. Be sure to measure the perimeter and add extra for overlaps, just as you would when making a traditional hem. The width of the strip should be determined by how thick you want your binding to be. Two inches wide is a common standard, but you make it wider or thinner if needed. As for the length, it should be at least twice the length of the perimeter.
Cutting Tools
Having the right cutting tools can make the process of creating bias binding much easier. A ruler and rotary cutter can ensure your strips are straight and even, while fabric scissors can provide a clean cut.
Pins and Clips
Pins and clips are vital when it comes to holding the fabric in place as you sew it. By using these items, you can prevent any unwanted puckering or gathering. Make sure you have at least a few on hand before starting your project.
Sewing Machine or Needle and Thread
There are two options when it comes to the actual sewing part of the project. You can either use a sewing machine or a needle and thread. A sewing machine will provide a straighter, more professional-looking seam, while hand-sewing can give you more control over the binding process.
Iron and Ironing Board
Having an iron and ironing board nearby can make creating bias binding much smoother. Ironing the fabric strips will help to create crisp, clean edges, and will prevent any wrinkling or puckering that may occur.
Fusible Webbing or Glue
Fusible webbing or glue can create a stronger bond between your binding and the project you are attaching it to. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully if you choose to use either of these items.
Sharpie or Fabric Pen
Before sewing, it’s a good idea to mark the fabric where you want the binding to be placed. You can use a sharpie or fabric pen to make these marks, ensuring that you will sew the binding in the correct location.
Backing Fabric
In many cases, bias binding is not the final layer of fabric on a project. Adding a backing fabric can provide extra strength and durability. Choose a fabric that complements the binding and/or project itself.
Cutting and Pressing Mat
Having a cutting and pressing mat can be helpful when working with multiple layers of fabric. A pressing mat can prevent the fabric from shifting while ironing, while a cutting mat can protect the underlying surface.
What Tools and Materials do I need to Make a Bias Binding?
To start making a bias binding, you will need to gather the following tools and materials:
Tools | Materials |
---|---|
Cutting mat | Fabric |
Rotary cutter or scissors | Sewing thread |
Ruler | Pins or clips |
Iron and ironing board | Bias tape maker (optional) |
Fabric: The fabric should be prewashed and ironed before you start cutting. It is important to choose a fabric that is suitable for your project, and that will provide the necessary weight and drape. You can use a variety of fabrics for your bias binding, including cotton, silk, rayon, and linen.
Cutting mat: You will need a cutting mat to protect your cutting surface and make it easier to cut the fabric accurately. The cutting mat should be large enough to accommodate the size of your project.
Rotary cutter: A rotary cutter is a great tool for cutting the fabric quickly and accurately. However, if you don’t have a rotary cutter, you can use scissors instead.
Ruler: You will need a ruler to ensure that your bias strips are the correct width and length. A clear plastic ruler with grid lines is the best option for accurate measurements.
Pins or clips: You will need pins or clips to hold the fabric in place as you sew. Straight pins will work, but you can also use clips if you prefer.
Sewing thread: You will need a high-quality cotton thread that matches your fabric for sewing the bias binding.
Iron and ironing board: Pressing your fabric is a crucial step to ensure that your bias binding lies flat and is neat. You will need a good quality iron and ironing board to help you with this.
Bias tape maker: A bias tape maker is a handy tool that helps you quickly and easily fold and press the fabric into a bias binding. It’s not essential, but it can save you time and effort.
Now that you have all the tools and materials ready, let’s move on to the next section to learn how to cut and prepare the fabric for the bias binding.
Happy Binding!
There you have it, making bias binding is not as hard as you might have first thought. With some good fabric, a ruler, pins, and a sewing machine or needle and thread, you can create perfect bias bindings for your projects. Now, it’s time to get started on your latest masterpiece! Thank you for joining me on this sewing journey, and I hope you will visit again soon for more sewing tips and tricks. Happy sewing!
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