Monday, March 15, 2010

Tuesday's Tute: Bias Binding How to....


I recently came across this "new to me" binding technique. (Thank you Theads DVD and magazine for teaching me about this.) I use bias binding quite a bit instead of a facing. But, often the bottom edge isn't caught or the pressed edge isn't lined up correctly. This new technique, however, eliminates those pitfalls. You sew the first line of stitching on the wrong side of the fabric and there is no pressed edge...until you're done.
Follow me to learn more...
1. Prepare the garment for binding.
2. Cut the binding piece a tad bit (I know a tad is measurable, maybe it would be 1/4") wider than usually used.

Please forgive the dirty looking ironing board. It's clean, but very old (maybe 50 years) and sentimental, therefore I've not recovered it. Maybe I should make a new cover....someday.
(This picture shows the binding along with the right/wrong sides of the"garment")

3. Fold...do not press... the binding in half lengthwise.

4. Sew the folded binding to the wrong side of the garment, matching the (3-2 binding + 1 garment) raw edges. Stitch all 3 layers with 1/4" seam.

5. Press seam (not folded edge) towards binding.



6. Roll binding toward garment (right side) just past the seam. Stab pin in place.
7. Press down. Pins should fall away from the iron.


8. Pin binding in place, or use a temporary adhesive (sewable, you don't want to gum up your machine) to hold the binding in place.

9. Top stitch on the right side as close to the binding edge as you can.



Perfect binding....


Extra tip...if your garment edge is mostly straight with not much curve at all, if any, you needn't use a "bias" binding. Your binding can be cut on the straight...saving fabric and making the cutting quicker. You can also use ribbon for such. Bias cuts are needed for curves though. Oh...bias means cut on the 45 degree angle...


**The top in the picture was made with our Easy Knit Top Pattern, with a slighly larger neckline than my shirt template, so it would go over my head, because it's a woven fabric, not a knit.**

Happy Sewing!
Debbie

3 comments:

  1. is the pattern available to purchase?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, thank you for asking. It's the Fun and Easy Knit Top/Dress e-pattern in the right hand column.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great Tute. I have sewn the binding on the back first but did the whole iron first and flip over to front. This new way sounds like it is going to beat all. I can't wait to try it! Thanks!
    Donna Rae

    ReplyDelete

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