How to Make Bias Binding

Bias binding is a flexible, stretchy narrow band of fabric cut diagonally on the grain that is folded into a long, thin tape to be used for matching or contrasting trims and casings. Bias binding is available in a wide range of colors, but for exact fabric matching and custom finishes, you will want to make your own. The process is easy and just requires a square of fabric, cutting and a little machine sewing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Iron
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Tailor's chalk

1. Fold a square of fabric in half diagonally across the middle. Press well and cut along the diagonal fold line.

2. Decide how wide you want your bias binding strips to be and mark lines spaced at intervals of the finished width parallel with the diagonal side you just cut.

3. Cut through both layers along the diagonal chalk lines.

4. To join strips, hold the right sides of the ends of two strips together so that one strip is perpendicular to the other, and sew along the diagonal seam.

5. Press the seam open and trim the ears of fabric visible from the right side, then fold and press the bias tape as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have folded on the bias of the fabric by matching the crosswise grain to the selvage, so that the two grain lines are perpendicular to each other. The tape can be pressed and folded once or twice towards the middle along each side to make single-fold or double-fold bias tape. A quilters' rotary cutter, mat and ruler can be used to cut strips of equal length easily and without marking the fabric.