Quilting Tips- Continous Bias

Continuous Bias:

Continuous Bias Binding A bias binding is used to edge quilts with scalloped edges or rounded corners. Because you are working with the cross grain of the fabric, it will curve smoothly around rounded quilt edges. Any woven fabrics will do. Stripes and plaids give a unique and pleasing effect when cut on the bias.

Step 1: Straighten the width of your fabric by tearing off one end. This will give you a true straight grain to work with.

Step 2: To get the true bias, hold the straightened end. Bring the upper right corner down to the lower edge. This fold is the true bias. Press this fold so you have nice crease to follow. open up fabric and cut on this creased line.

Step 3: Take this triangle of fabric and move it to the opposite edge of your fabric. Your fabric should look like a parallelogram. Stitch right sides together. Press.

Step 4: With a ruler and pencil, mark a line parallel to the bias, the width you would like your bias to be. This width will depend on your preference for binding. I cut my binding wide enough that I can fold it in half, sew it to the front of my quilt with a 1/4" seam allowance. I then turn the folded edge of the binding over to the back and stitch by hand. For a finished binding that is approximately 3/8" wide, I cut my strips 2 1/2 inches wide. Again this width depends on the finished look you like the best. if you desire a wider edge, cut your strips wider, and take a 1/2' seam allowance.

Step 5: Make the fabric into a tube by bringing the marked edge of end 'A 'to edge 'B.' Move corner 'A' along the edge until the marked line and corner' B' are together. Sew these lengthwise edges together. Your tube will lookout of shape.

Step 6: Lay tube flat and continue to mark the line you started in step 4.. This works very well with a quilters gridded ruler.

Step 7: Carefully cut along your line. This strip is your bias. Finish your binding by pressing it in half with right sides out.