Why is binding cut on the bias

In production, fabric is pulled slightly off grain as it is rolled on a cardboard bolt. So strips cut selvage-to-selvage are rarely straight on grain. This means they have some stretch, and you can use cross grain binding on quilts with either straight edges, mitered corners and or gently curving edges. It also means that, if your strip has a pattern that runs across the width of the fabric, it might not be straight along the strip you cut. You cut bias binding at a 45 degree angle to the selvage.

Because bias binding is very stretchy, you can be use it on any edge. In addition, many fabrics, like plaids and stripes, look especially nice when cut on the bias. Bias binding holds up to extreme wear and tear for a very long time because it has the most threads at the fold of any of the types of fabric binding described here. The illustration below shows the thread count in binding strips of equal length. Thread coverage at the edge of bias lengthwise grain top , least thread coverage crosswise, slightly off grain middle , true bias bottom , most thread coverage.

Straight grain binding has the least, only one long thread on the edge. Cross grain binding because it is rarely rolled onto a bolt straight on grain is somewhere in the middle. Whether you use cross grain, lengthwise grain or bias fabric binding, just remember to take into account:. Just cut the strips the width you need, sew the number of lengths you need together and use them in you project.

However, when you are making bias binding, figuring out how much fabric you need and then cutting the fabric with minimal waste is a little trickier. I also provide a printable pdf that shows how to determine the amount of fabric you need to get the length of bias binding required for your project.

Do I need to cut my fabric on the bias or will regular strips do? Tags: None. Re: Cutting binding strip, bias or no bias? You can do it either way. Straight binding will probably be easier for you. I usually only use bias binding when I have curves. I don't mind doing bias binding, but I hate having all the extra seams. It's harder to keep them away from the corners. Comment Post Cancel. I have only used regular strips so no help. I have heard bias strips are best for curved or scalloped edges.

Cathy F. I use regular cut strips if there are no curves. Bias binding if there are. Visit my Flickr page, sewing and cakes! If you cut width of grain, i. That's plenty of give unless you do curves.

If it will get tough wear and tear, bias would have more durability. I always make double fold bias binding. It holds up better. For the majority of quilts--the ones getting moderate use--crosswise binding provides plenty of thread coverage. For quilts that will be used and washed a lot, the extra threads in bias quilt binding is an advantage. Baby quilts that will actually be used and place mats definitely fall in this category. Flannel quilts and lap quilts are good candidates, too.

For bed quilts, it really depends on the owner. Whether you use cross grain, lengthwise grain or bias quilt binding, just remember to take into account:. Click any image below to see the full collection and find pricing and ordering information. About Privacy. Standard Quilt Sizes Chart. Setting Triangles Chart. See Privacy Policy.

So what's there to debate about bias binding? Thread coverage at the edge of bias quilt binding lengthwise grain top , least thread coverage crosswise, slightly off grain middle , true bias bottom , most thread coverage. Binding it Up!