If you are like me, sitting down to bind a quilt means it’s almost finished. It’s so exciting to look through your stash, your binding scrap bin or go to the store to get fabric to complete this crucial step. Binding does more than secure our quilts, though. It acts as a frame and it keeps the outside edges of the quilt from being exposed and damaged through wear and tear.
But did you know that bias binding is stronger than straight grain binding?
It’s true, and it’s because the fibers criss-cross down the length of the binding vs. run parallel to it. What that means is the fibers in a bias cut binding will hold up to wear and tear because friction from use is spread across multiple fibers in multiple directions of fabric instead of just a handful of fibers running down the length of the binding.
In this video, I show you how the warp and weft (grain and cross-grain) fibers criss- cross down a section of binding.
Below I show you how I cut bias binding. I explain why I like it and why I use it, then I show you how to cut bias binding, including a tutorial using a sheet of paper! It’s ingenious, really, and quite simple.
I have always been on team bias binding because I’m a traditionalist; however, there’s something to be said for making binding this way with regard to sustainability. The fact is, well made items last longer so if you want your quilt to be used for years to come a bias binding won’t fail you. Over time, your quilt will be able to maintain it’s shape and overall appearance, even if it’s subject to continual wear and tear.
Benefits of Bias Binding
• Bias binding will last longer because the fibers criss-cross down the binding vs having them run parallel to it.
• Bias binding can go around curves or scallops.
• If you keep leftover bias binding scraps for projects, you never have to worry that you can’t use it for a curved item! I love a good, scrappy bias binding!
• If you cut a vertically striped fabric on the bias, you create movement on the binding because the stripes are angled. It’s a lovely, subtle effect that adds a great layer of dimension to quilts!
• Bias binding doesn’t use any more fabric than straight grain bindings.
• There are two ways to join bias binding together. You can make a continuous bias binding OR you can cut long strips on the bias. My preferred method is to cut long strips using a bias folding technique I learned 20 years ago. If you’d like to see it, head over to my blog for the video. The video is about 11 minutes long. I have a whole lot to say about bias binding.
Let’s Talk About Cross-Grain Binding
I would be remiss not to share that there are times when I use a cross-grain binding. I’ve bene known to use it when:
• I’m making a wall hanging.
• I’m making an art quilt that won’t be used.
• I have a limited amount of fabric to use for the binding of a wall hanging or art quilt.
Benefits of Grain or Cross-Grain Binding
• Easy to make.
• Doesn’t use any more fabric than bias binding.
• Less intimidating when you begin quilting.
• If you cut a horizontally striped fabric, you create a stripe that runs perpendicular to the quilt. A lovely effect. Photo below courtesy of Emma Jean Jansen. Mixed Lollies Quilt.
How you make a quilt binding is really personal preference. If you don’t like to make bias binding, that’s okay! It’s your quilt. You can do what you want. I’m just sharing what I like and use and the reasons I prefer this method of construction.
What’s your favorite way to make bias binding?
