Bias Binding

This type of binding is meant for scalloped edges, round corners and inside points. 

 

Use a round object or template to round corners and cut off the corners on the mark.

Start with a 12" square of fabric. Measure the binding on the straight grain. 3/4" for 1/8" binding, 1" for 1/4" binding, 1-1/2" for 1/2" binding, 2" for 3/4" binding or 2-1/2" for 1" binding. Line it up with the 45 degree angle mark on a cutting mat. Cut strips until you only have the small corners left. Leave the angle on the ends.

Position the ends of two strips so that there is a little piece extending from both ends. Mark the 45 degree angle with a corner trimmer. Change your thread to 50 wt. Sew on the line.

Trim to a 1/4" seam allowance. Press the seam open.

Fold the binding in half and press. 

Pin the binding to the quilt with a 1/4" seam allowance. Stretch the binding around curves. 

Lay the quilt right side up so the end strip is on the left and the beginning strip is on the right. Bunch up the quilt to give yourself some slack. Now unfold the end strip and position it horizontally right side up. Unfold the beginning strip and position it vertically wrong side up between the two marks. You're doing the same thing you did when you joined your strips, but it's a little harder this time.

Pin the two ends together so they don't shift. Fold the vertical strip so the edge is even with the horizontal strip. Repeat Step 3. When you've found the crease, iron it.

Now that you have your crease, place pins along the edges.

Sew it down. 

Fold the edge over the quilt and sew it down again.

Double Fold Bias Tape

 

Double fold bias tape was designed for finishing quilt edges. It works best on three thick layers of fabric. Double fold bias tape is sold commercially in packages, but can also be made in a matching fabric. This one is tricky to work with and few quilters today know how to use it. First of all, it has to be re-folded and ironed so there is a 1/16" lip on the back. You have to pin it to the quilt to find the corner. Mark where the corner is. Remove it and unfold it. Fold it right sides together and sew both 45 degree angles where you marked it. Begin and end 1/4" from each edge. Cut the seam allowance. Push the corner out. Pin it back onto the quilt catching the corner inside the binding. Top stitch both sides.

Bias Binding Foot

The Adjustable Bias Binding Foot is used for attaching 1/4-1” double fold bias binding. It has guides on the top and bottom that keep the binding folded while stitching both the top and bottom folds at the same time to create a flat binding.