HOW TO SEW BIAS BINDING

 

Bias binding is a strip of fabric that is cut on the bias (diagonal to the grain) of the fabric. It is often used to finish the raw edges of a garment, such as on the neckline, armholes, or hems, as it has a bit of stretch and can conform to curved edges more easily than a straight-grain binding. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sew bias binding:

1. First, gather your materials. You will need a sewing machine, thread, fabric, scissors, a ruler or measuring tape, and a tailor's chalk or fabric pen.

2. Begin by determining how much bias binding you will need. To do this, measure the length of the edge you will be binding (such as the neckline of a shirt). Add an extra 1-2 inches to this measurement to allow for overlap and any slight discrepancies in your sewing.

3. Cut a strip of fabric on the bias that is at least 2 inches wide. The length of the strip should be equal to the length of the edge you will be binding, plus the extra inches you added for overlap.

4. To join the ends of the bias strip to create one continuous length, lay the two ends of the strip together at a 90-degree angle, right sides facing. Draw a diagonal line from the corner of one end to the corner of the other end, as shown in the diagram below.

5. Sew along the drawn line, then trim off the excess fabric close to the stitches. Press the seam open, then fold the strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press.

6. Begin attaching the bias binding to the edge you will be binding. To do this, lay the bias binding along the edge of the fabric, right sides together, aligning the raw edges. Pin in place.

7. Sew the bias binding to the fabric using a straight stitch, keeping the edge of the binding aligned with the edge of the fabric as you sew. Be sure to leave a small tail of binding unsewn at the beginning and end of the seam.

8. When you reach a corner, stop sewing with the needle down in the fabric. Lift the presser foot and pivot the fabric to continue sewing around the corner. Lower the presser foot and continue sewing until you reach the end of the seam.

9. Once you have sewn the entire length of the binding to the fabric, fold the binding over to the wrong side of the fabric. The folded edge of the binding should now be aligned with the raw edge of the fabric.

10. Using a slipstitch or blind hem stitch, hand-sew the folded edge of the binding to the wrong side of the fabric, enclosing the raw edge and attaching the binding securely.

11. Repeat the process on the other side of the binding if necessary (such as when binding the neckline of a shirt).

Sewing bias binding may seem like a daunting task at first, but with a little practice and patience, you'll be a pro in no time! Just remember to take your time and keep your stitches even and straight, and you'll be able to easily add a professional, finished look to any garment. Happy sewing!