cutting the binding
 

The last quilt that I finished, I cut the binding on the bias and it puckered. How do You cut the binding?

I just cut the wof. and sew on that way. I do sew the ends together on an angle. can't remember what it is called, most of the time. mine usually come out better that way than on the bias.

I do both it just depends on how I feel at the time. Have never had bias pucker. Was it on a true 45 angle? Was it puckering all along the binding, or just one section. Do you use a walking foot? Hmm I'd like to know why it would pucker too.

First thought. Was the binding cut on a true bias? Did you press binding before attaching?
I cut width of fabric unless the design in the binding fabric is directional. If I am following a pattern on the strip then I might cut the length wize. If I am following a distinct pattern (or fussy cutting) the binding strip then I will follow the design and not the grain of the fabric. This can contribute an attractive touch to the edge of the quilt.

I don't like to cut bias so I only use it for curves (scallops) but I have had it pucker on really tight" innies".

Did you pin it prior to sewing it to the quilt? If you didn't, that could have allowed it to stretch - and pucker. I always pin it - maybe only in 3 or 4 places, but just enough to keep it from stretching.

the trick to using unpuckering bias is to cut it wide enough to double over, match the raw edges, fold every few inches and pin because the problem comes in letting one side 'creep'... which is easy to do... so by folding STRAIGHT over and matching every few inches the two point straight across from one another will stay together...why bother? Because the bias threads that enclose the raw edge of the quilt sandwich criss cross each other over and over the whole length of each side, they wear far longer...we have all seen old quilts with the binding seams still in place, but with the edge completely worn away so the quilt layers, batting, and binding layers are all visible. that is because when that ONE thread that ran the length of the side began to wear, there was nothing to stop it going completely away. This edge receives the most wear and tear of any part of a quilt...you (and all your hard work) and the quilt both deserve the extra hassle of working with bias... many people think that bias is more expensive but it is NOT... the square inches of bias fabric are exactly the same as the square inches used of crossgrain fabric... it's just that you will have more seams... how much trouble is that really? 10 little seams instead of 3 or 4? try the pin technique and keep the edges even...see if you don't love the way it looks after a couple of practices...

I only make binding on the bias when it is scalloped or curved. If the quilt edges are straight I make the binding based on WOF cuts.