I'm sort of new at this, having done only aprons and small projects so far. My question is this: Is the edge for a wall hanging always done with the bias strip, or can it be done using the straight grain strips. Is the border supposed to have the look of a mitered corner because it's done with the bias tape or how does that happen? Thanks for the help. My quilting books that I have aren't real explicit on the topic.

unless the quilt edge is curves, i always use straight of grain.

I use the straight of grain also and do not miter the corners. I cut 4 strips, put the 2 sides on first and finsh off with the top and bottom. There is no right or wrong way...a personal preference:)

I always use straight of grain binding for all my quilts unless they have a curved or scalloped border. I generally miter the corners.

Thanks, ervebody, as one of my children used to say.

I seldom use bias, but you can use either bias or straight binding with equal success. Bias is more stretchy, of course, and you have to be a little more careful when applying it. As a result, like the others who have responded, I only use bias when I have rounded curves.

Here is a link to one of the best binding tutorials I've found. http://www.mikidiane.com/f/binding.pdf

Hope it helps!

bias binding is necessary on curves- any straight edge can have straight binding-
and mitering is a personal choice- plenty of people do not miter their corners-
you can bind the edges any way you want- you can even stitch front & back together-right sides together- leaving an opening for turning- turn it right side out- press and top stitch around it- no one says you have to use a binding.

I usually use WOF for my binding but reacently I've been thinking that I would try some bias cut & some straight of the grain. I think that I will experiment with some small projects to find out how does.

I use straight grain. You can also layer the front and batting, then right sides together sew the back on, leave a little pocket, and turn it. No binding needed.

I don't know what WOF is. Thanks so much for all the replies. Lots and lots of ideas to use now. Thanks a lot!!!