Can someone explain this to me please...

I read somewhere that the only time you need to cut binding on the bias is when you are going to be binding curves. Otherwise, you can straight cut the fabric width wise.

I only cut on the bias when I do a scallop edge,, otherwise on straight of grain.

I feel the bias bindings a tougher than the ones cut on the grain. They have more give, I think. IMHO

I've been told that bindings cut on the bias last longer.

That is what I believe also. When binding is on the bias, you will be able to gently stretch it and shape it around the curves.
There is less 'give' in straight binding.

But straight grain binding is just fine for straight quilts. It has enough strength because it is double folded. IMHO.

Here's a blog post that explains the differences between bias and straight of grain binding:
http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/2011/01...cs-part-1.html

and here's part 2 where she shows how to make bias binding:
http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/2011/02...rt-2-bias.html

I am going to try making my next quilt with rounded corners and use bias binding. I don't really like mitering corners.

Binding cut on the bias is more flexible and therefore it's easier to make it look nice when you fold it over and stitch it down. It's also easier (for me at least) to make nicer mitered corners with bias binding.

According to Barbara Brackman, reknown quilt historian, bias binding was rarely, if ever, seen on quilts prior to the scalloped-edge quilts of the 1920-1930s.

I prefer the look, feel, handling, and strength of double fold (aka French fold) binding with mitered, hand-turned, handsewn corners.

But, as you can see, it's a purely personal preference.

Jan in VA (quilting nearly 30 years.)

thats what I do :thumbup: :D

They are only cut on the bias if you have curves or a scalloped border. Otherwise they can be cut on the straight of the grain. I've NEVER cut bias strips. As a matter of fact, the one time I did a scallopped border, I went out and bought pre-made bias strips and used those.

The only time I cut my binding on the bias is when I am binding a curve or if i want to use a stripe or plaid and have the bias look. I use a straight width of fabric cut for straight edges.

I have never cut on a bias for my binding. I could see if you are going to have scalloped edges it would be better, but not for a square quilt.

If you cut one yard of fabric on the bias by 2-2 1/2 inches you will get yards and yards of binding. Much more than straight of grain. Anyway (Bias binding) that is all I have ever known.

This is a good explanation, Gale, of the reason for bias binding. Two of them have to do with strength and durability and the last is for aesthetic reasons.

The older members of my guild thinks if binding isn't cut on the bias it's not real binding. Bias binding is a pain in the butt to make so I don't make it. I use double fold straight 2 1/2" strips cut with my Go and run it through the Simplicity Binding machine. I have yards of binding in minutes. I think double fold is stronger then bias.

When I use bias binding (which I have only done on curved projects so far) I use double fold just as if I was using straight-of-grain binding.

The bias binding I make and use is always double fold.

Thanks for the question and all the answers since I was wondering also...I never have done curves and always cut on the straight grain...

They do not have to be, only if you are doing curves, I cut mine straight grain just fine

One of the theories behind bias binding is: the threads of the binding are all running at a 45 rather than straight along the edge. This means that the edge of the quilt does not wear out along the edge as fast? I use bias if doing curves. On straight edges, I find that straight binding lays flatter with fewer waves.

I like a bias binding if I'm using striped fabric. It gives the stripes a diagonal look, and is more interesting. Otherwise, I only use bias binding if there are curves.

I make all my bias bindings..I have a binding machine that requires it...Its stronger that way but, if not using a machine like mine I think its a personal preference.

Same with plaids and ginghams. They look really nice when cut on the bias.

Having been a clothing and home dec sewer all my life before starting quilting a couple years ago, I made many many many yards of bias binding. You can get about 9 yards (roughly) of bias binding from a yard of 44" fabric. It makes a beautiful rounded corner which I love for some quilts. I made a silk quilt with a silk velvet backing and made bias of the silk velvet because mitering corners on bulky velvet would be very difficult, I rounded the corners and hand stitched the binding down; it came out beautifully. I had never done straight grain binding till I started quilting; still prefer the bias. You will find as many opinions as there are techniques.

I do not cut my bindings on the bias and have been quilting for 40 years. A straight grain cut is usually done.
A bias cut binding is only necessary on a scalloped edged quilt
where the binding needs to fit a rounded edge.

I agree!

If i'm using bias binding - i pin it to keep it from stretching as i sew - this may be why it's not laying flat.

I normally use straight grain because it's simpler. I do want to thank you ladies for this thread today, because i'm quilting a project that i'm going to curve the corners instead of squaring them off.

I learned that cutting on the bias for borders and bindings made the seam more difficult to see(?).

All my binding is bias cut. Probably because "that was how MaMa did it". I do find that I can finish my binding more smoothly with bias. My granddaughter only uses straight cut binding, and her quilts are always beautiful. I'd say to do it however it works best for you.

I always cut a bias binding. The binding is stronger and easier to put on the quilt. I double fold 2 1/2 inch strips. I love the look of a striped binding cut on the bias. My mitered corners look much better with a bias binding.

ME TOO!!

Ditto! It's much easier and takes less time to cut bindings cross grain, and while I think it sounds theoretically probable that bias bindings are stronger, I haven't seen sufficient proof of it to make me take the extra fabric/trouble to make my bindings on the bias.

ROFL. This is what I told Dreamer2009 on the phone. I never even thought about it. Now I have some food for thought from everyone. Guess like my old saying "if it's not broke, don't fix it" and I've never had problems. (Snicker) :lol:

I agree with doing bias for curved edges, but I usually use straight grain for straight edge quilts or wall hangings. I have heard bias is stronger and for quilts with a lot of use that is important.

I always cut on the bias. I found it easier to turn on straight edge and curved edged quilts. Just a preference.
D in TX

If a quilt is washed often, a bias cut binding seems to last longer. Especially on a baby quilt that is washed often.

Just watched both of these tutorials and thank you so much. I never understood why you should cut your binding on the bias. She makes perfect sense. This was great; thanks again.
Diane in Garnet Valley, PA

The "theory" is that if you cut your binding cross grain, then you would have a single thread on the edge, for the entire length that you cut. However, I doubt that my binding is cut so cleanly cross grain across the entire width of fabric for that to be true. So, my cross cut binding may be a "little" weaker than bias cut binding, but not enough to make a big difference for my quilts, which are not heirlooms.

Thanks for linking to my tutorials! As I've said on my blog many times, my goal is to provide as much information as possible so everyone can make the decision that works best for them.

-Julie