What Is Straight Seam Binding?
Straight seam binding stabilizes seams in knits, binds edges, encases seams and much more. Whether single fold or double fold, this handy fabric tape makes short work of many sewing tasks while producing professional results.
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Definition
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Straight seam binding is often confused with seam tape. The two differ greatly but can be interchanged for some uses. Straight seam binding, similar to bias binding, features a folded center for single-fold binding, and a folded center and folded-under raw edges for double-fold binding. Although bias binding comes from fabric strips cut diagonally, or on the bias, straight seam binding comes from the straight cuts of fabric, or with the grain, or weave.
Function
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Straight seam binding encases the edges of seams or straight hems. This binding offers an alternative to hemming a garment. Binding also encases raw edges for French seams. In a pinch, seam binding can be used to stabilize the shoulder seams of knit garments such as T-shirts.
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Make Seam Binding
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Straight seam binding can be difficult to find in stores. Bias binding is more easily available but has more stretch and less stability. To make straight seam binding, cut fabric strips three times the desired width along the straight edges of the fabric with the grain or weave. Fold in half lengthwise and press. Fold the raw edges to the inside and press again.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit T-shirt image by Antonio Oquias from Fotolia.com
