How to Quilt a Continuous Bias Strip

A bias strip is used to finish the edges of a quilted work, holding the layers together and adding a decorative framing to the piece. While they can be bought, creating your own is less expensive and gives you more fabric choices. Making a continuous strip is relatively easy and creates a strong smooth edge for your quilted project.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ruler
• Fabric
• Fabric pencil
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Iron

1. Measure all the sides of your quilt to determine how long your bias strip needs to be. Add about six inches to this to allow for connecting the ends.

2. Decide how wide you want your bias strip and use a yardage table to determine how much fabric you'll need. Most quilt shops will have a yardage table. As a general guide, if you need 100 inches of a 2 inch bias strip, you'll need a 15 inch square of fabric. If you need 400 inches of the same strip, you'll need a 29 inch square.

3. Cut the square diagonally and cross the diagonals over each other to form an "X" with the right sides of the fabric together.

4. Sew the top edges together and press the seam open. Open this piece up and lay it flat with the back of the fabric facing up.

5. Measure and mark the strip width starting on the bottom left corner of the fabric. The strip should start at the bottom and be measured parallel to the left edge of the fabric running towards the top. Place an "X" on the bottom of the fabric just to the right of the line you drew and one on the seam at the top of the fabric. Cut your strip about 6 inches up.

6. Turn the fabric so the right side is up and the cut is at the upper right-hand side.

7. Fold the two ends in, matching the two "Xs" back to back and sew these edges together on the back of the fabric. Press the seam open.

8. Turn the newly formed tube right side out and continue to measure and mark the width of your bias strip beginning at the cut you've already made, creating a continuous line to the end.

9. Cut along the line until you reach the end of the tube, creating one continuous bias strip.

[babyturtel]

on 3/9/2008 would love to see the finishing item in picture