Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Why many books have no instructions for 2 1/2 inch binding? >

Why many books have no instructions for 2 1/2 inch binding?

Why many books have no instructions for 2 1/2 inch binding?

Thread Tools
 
Old 11-08-2012, 09:22 AM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 862
Default Why many books have no instructions for 2 1/2 inch binding?

A question on here brought up another question for me. Many of my quilting books, including the reference guides, give instructions for every width bias binding except 2 1/2 inch, using the bias methods. MOST people I know use 2 1/2 inch binding, so what's with these authors leaving out the most obvious and commonly used size from their instructions? I have long since made a laminated sheet of the instructions that *I* use, but am just wondering. This has got to be annoying to beginners.

I refer to instructions for making continuous binding from squares. I since discovered Shelley Roger's mathematical instructions, so can calculate it out myself for either rectangles or squares.
IAmCatOwned is offline  
Old 11-08-2012, 09:29 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Bneighbor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: NE Ohio
Posts: 464
Default

Thank you for the link...I have wanted written directions, with pictures for the longest time. Very good instructions.
Bneighbor is offline  
Old 11-08-2012, 09:34 AM
  #3  
MTS
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,134
Default

Me thinks beginners have enough to worry about without adding continuous binding to the list.

You really only need bias binding if there are curves on the quilt edge or a striped fabric you want to highlight.

I just looked quickly at five (pretty recently published) quilt books sitting in a reachable pile (on the floor), and none of them suggest doing the binding that way.

Otherwise, one can do a killer binding using straight cuts of fabrics.

I cut my straight binding 2-1/4" (as do most people I know).

I don't really think it's a big problem.
MTS is offline  
Old 11-08-2012, 11:57 AM
  #4  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 11,276
Default

Ah, yes, the Dread Pirate! I've been using her instructions for at least 4 or 5 years. I think her instructions are very easy to follow. Having said that, I only use bias binding on curved edges or rounded corners. everything else I cut at 2.25" WOF
PaperPrincess is offline  
Old 11-08-2012, 02:38 PM
  #5  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Duluth/ Superior, WI
Posts: 1,038
Default

I only use bias when doing curves, odd shapes, or rounded corners, and make it 2". All other binding I do on straight grain at 2 1/4".
QuiltNama is offline  
Old 11-08-2012, 03:49 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
cattailsquilts's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Eidson, TN
Posts: 559
Default

I generally only use bias when the fabric has a linear design that I don't want to look so rigid. I usually do 2-1/4 binding also, it's plenty wide enough for my W&N quilts, or ones I do with polar fleece back & no batting.

Awesome link, though, adding it to my 'how-to's for when I *do* need it!
cattailsquilts is offline  
Old 11-08-2012, 06:27 PM
  #7  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Southern Indiana
Posts: 5,052
Default

I never cut my binding on the bias either unless I have curves, or Im using a stripe. I cut my binding 2.25 always
Jackie Spencer is offline  
Old 11-08-2012, 06:34 PM
  #8  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Mechanicsville, IA
Posts: 1,497
Default

Thanks so much for this link. I usually use straight binding but am glad to have this info at my fingertips. I'd like to do some striped fabric as bias binding. I always learn something reading QB.
Silver Needle is offline  
Old 11-09-2012, 04:35 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Killeen, Texas
Posts: 329
Default

What a helpful link! Going to print this out. Just bought a bias binding tool (like the one used in the Missouri Quilt Company tut) so anxious to give it a whirl.
batikmystique is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Teeler
Main
34
03-21-2013 12:07 AM
Tallbald
Main
13
11-12-2012 05:22 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



FREE Quilting Newsletter