Bias versus straight grain binding?
#11
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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.
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.
#13
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
I think it's more personal preference than anything else, unless you have curves on your edges.
Janet
#15
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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.
#16
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Nawth o' Boston
Posts: 1,879
Originally Posted by dunster
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
#19
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.
#20
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
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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
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