Bias versus straight grain binding?

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09-08-2011, 12:01 PM

#11

Prism99

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Location: Western Wisconsin

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Bias binding does wear better. It's actually as easy to work with as straight-grain ***IF*** you starch the fabric heavily before cutting into strips. I use a 1:1 solution of Sta-Flo liquid laundry starch and water, "paint" it on the fabric with a large wall-painting brush until the fabric is saturated, toss in the dryer, then iron with steam. Heavy starch stabilizes the fabric so much that the bias becomes easy to work with. (Doesn't mean you can mishandle it; just that it comes our requiring only about the same amount of care as a straight-grain binding does.)

I do like bias bindings on baby quilts for the reason cited -- all the extra machine washings they get.

Edit: Heavy starching might not work well for curved edges (because it becomes more difficult to stretch the edges). I have only ever used heavily starched bias on straight edges.

09-08-2011, 12:14 PM

#12

mom-6

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Location: Texas

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I've not used bias binding so far. If I get brave and do a double wedding ring quilt, then yes I'll use bias for the curved edges. But for straight edges, I see no compelling reason for using bias.

09-08-2011, 12:22 PM

#13

Hinterland

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Join Date: Oct 2009

Location: Hudson Valley, NY

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I can't comment on the wear issue, but I've always used straight of grain for my bindings. The one time I tried to do bias, it was a mess and had to come off - not fun because I decided I didn't like it after I hand sewed the back.

I think it's more personal preference than anything else, unless you have curves on your edges.

Janet

09-08-2011, 12:57 PM

#14

Zhillslady

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Join Date: Jan 2011

Posts: 887

I have quilts 10+ years old I've done in straight binding and the binding has not worn even though tey are washed repeatedly (cat sleeps on a couple). I only use bias is curved edges.

09-08-2011, 01:08 PM

#15

MadQuilter

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The first quilt that I finished and kept has been thru the wash a gazillion times. It is well-used and starting to get satiny-soft and slightly thread-bare. The binding is starting to fray a little and it is straight binding. I would do the same quilt the same way had I to do it over again.

09-08-2011, 02:28 PM

#16

SueSew

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Quote:

Originally Posted by dunster

Quote:

Originally Posted by SueSew

I was just reading Harriet Hargreaves book on machine quilting, and she say that in no uncertain terms bias binding is the best looking and she simply won't do anything else. However, I think she shows her own BIAS in that remark LOL

I have not read anything generally about bias binding wearing better, only its usefulness on curves.

However, I have read that setting the joins of the binding on the bias, not just joining the pieces end to end, is a more sturdy construction.

That's interesting. What is the date on your book? I have Harriet's book on Heirloom Machine Quilting, 4th edition, but I didn't find binding in the index. In the Art of Classic Quiltmaking (by Harriet Hargrave and Sharyn Craig), they say it's a personal preference and point out that bias binding, if improperly applied, can cause rippling along the edge, but that it is supposed to wear longer for the reasons I stated in my last post. (This book is probably where I learned that information to begin with.) It also says that Harriet doesn't use either true bias or straight grain, but cuts the fabric as it comes off the bolt rather than try to square it up with the grain, so it's only slightly on the bias. So... what I think has happened is that Harriet's preferences have changed with time.

It is better to join strips of binding on the bias because that results in less bulk in one spot when you fold the binding over. I didn't know that when I made my first quilts, so I can testify from first hand experience that the bulk caused by a straight join can make a bulge in the binding and be much more difficult to sew down.

Oh Dear, Dunster...I erred. Last weekend I read Hargrave's 4th ed, Gaudynski's Guide to Machine Quilting 2002 AQS 6th printing, and Sue Nickels and got them jumbled. I took Harriet's name in vain.

It was Gaudynski with a host of good reasons for bias - looks better, stays smooth and doesn't crinkle up, acts like an elastic band around the quilt to hold it in, and improves stability of the quilt as well as of course looks great. AND she says a beginner could do it. Well, easy for HER to say!!!

09-08-2011, 02:32 PM

#17

madamekelly

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Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

Posts: 7,695

I only use bias binding, because to me, not only does it wear better, but I don't have to argue with it to get it to lay flat!

09-08-2011, 02:40 PM

#18

leannadc

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Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Oklahoma

Posts: 52

I have always used bias, but I usually have issues with puckering no matter what...

09-08-2011, 02:43 PM

#19

Quiltinvaca

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Join Date: Jul 2011

Location: Vacaville, CA

Posts: 221

Over 20 years ago I was taught that bias binding is the only way to go and have used it ever since. Reasoning is that you have more strength with the crossed threads than you do with a single thread. My guess is that you should use what works best for you.

09-08-2011, 06:13 PM

#20

Tartan

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Join Date: Mar 2011

Location: Ontario, Canada

Posts: 41,481

Bias for curves and scallops. I use straight grain for most everything else. It's so much easier to cut and I get a straighter edge without ripples on my quilts. I figure if the edge eventually frays (50 yrs?) it will probably not be my problem to replace it. :D