I see lots of gorgeous quilts with bias binding but I have never done binding that way. Is it hard and wouldn't you waste more fabric that way??? Please advise, I really want to use a stripe fabric I have and make it a bias binding. thanks :)

Here's absolutely the best bias binding instructions I have ever seen:
http://pir8.freeservers.com/quilting/CBT/

as you can see from the illustrations, you do not waste any fabric at all.

Did you change your avatar???

I usually do a straight binding..but I'm just lazy that way. HOWEVER...a good stripe or a curved edging and its off to the bias with me. There are a few ways to make it...I will see if I can find a you tube link or something with pictures. (I'm a visual person myself!) I found a great stripe that was already on the diagonal! I got a nice binding without having to do bias.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cedg4qE7MSo

This one looks pretty good...don't forget to post pictures of that pretty stripe-y binding!

I don't know the answer to your question, quiltmama, but I had to write to tell you that I *adore* the quilt in your avatar picture. It is stunning!

yes :( I changed computers and forgot to save that pic. :( I may still even scan it but I don't know if it will look the same. :) It makes me feel good that you noticed :)

thanks :)

I am a very visual learner too. My husband laughs everytime we go somewhere and I tell people, "I can't see it until I can touch it". My eyes are apparently in my hands. :)

I am about to do my 1st bias binding. So much great information & so many great links here. I am doing a jacket & only need a little so I decided to do strips rather than cut continuous.

I'm tempted by bias binding, as I've heard it works better once the binding starts to fray, but I've also heard that unless you're binding over curves, it's an absolute nuisance due to stretching and wiggling and generally being annoying. Thoughts, anyone?

I normally use straight binding, but on curves I use bias binding. I love the look of stripes and plaids on the bias, so I would use bias for that too. I never had a problem with stretching or being hard to use, it's just harder to cut than straight binding.