How to bias tape a quilt
"Binding" is the term quilters use to describe the finished edges of their quilts, and bias tape is one form of binding. You can buy it premade or make your own from a material used in your quilt.
Things You'll Need
- Bias tape (the length of the perimeter of your quilt plus 12 inches)
- Sewing machine
- Matching thread
- Needle
Instructions
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1
Baste the quilt pieces together. Assemble your quilt pieces with the backing laid down first with right side down, the batting next and then the front of your quilt, right-side-up. Baste these layers together by hand or machine to keep them in place while adding the binding. The basting should be done approximately 1/4 inch from the edge of the quilt.
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2
Place the bias tape along one edge. The tape is folded in half with the wrong sides facing in. When placing it, place the other layers of the quilt within the fold and line the edge of the tape up with the basting stitches from Step 1. Most people prefer to do this on the front of the quilt, but it will work the same if you do it on the back. Begin by placing the bias tape in the center of any edge of the quilt and stitch in place. Stop stitching when you are 1/4 inch from the edge of the quilt.
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3
Fold the bias tape to form a mitered edge.
First fold the tape straight up, at a 90 degree angle to the quilt; this forms a 45 degree angle in the tape. Fold the binding back down, holding the first fold in place. -
4
Stitch the remaining bias tape in place. Follow the procedure described in Step 3 for each corner. Stop approximately 1/2 inch before your starting point.
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5
Finish the binding.
Cut your bias tape so that it overlaps your starting point by 1 inch. Tuck 1/4 inch of the raw edge under, and stitch the remaining bias tape to the quilt.
Stitch down the folded edge to the bias tape that it overlaps from where you started your binding. This will keep it from unravelling when washed. It can be done by hand or by machine, but the stitches will show if you choose to machine stitch. If you choose to hand sew use a slip stitch to keep your stitches from showing.
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