Binding, Bias or Straight-cut?
#21
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,649
99% of the time I will cut my binding strips on the bias even if my quilt edges are straight. To me, it just feels like it "hugs" the edge of the quilt better than straight of grain. If I only have a smaller piece of fabric for my binding, then I cut it straight of grain.
I figure it takes the same number of square inches for a length of binding (length x width) no matter which way it's cut.
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Thornton, Colorado
Posts: 1,023
Ditto to straight cut binding for quilts with straight edges and bias binding for those with curved edges. While bias binding does take more fabric, it is lovely to see how nice it looks on a quilt!
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: northeast NE
Posts: 1,072
I have done both. I determine the cut based on the type of fabric. If I use a thick backing, then I prefer bringing the backing to the front and doing a hem around it rather than binding. I posted a tutorial over in the tutorial section on how to do this without excess bulk on the corners. The thick backing (like minkee or fleece) is much sturdier than cotton binding.
I do have one quilt with frayed binding that I need to cover up. It's been much loved so I'm not sure if it's because of the straight of grain or just lots of use over the years. The ones that I have hemmed show no stress on the edges.
The worst that I have done was buying that ribbon binding for a baby quilt. After a few washings it looks horrible.
I do have one quilt with frayed binding that I need to cover up. It's been much loved so I'm not sure if it's because of the straight of grain or just lots of use over the years. The ones that I have hemmed show no stress on the edges.
The worst that I have done was buying that ribbon binding for a baby quilt. After a few washings it looks horrible.
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: New Orleans, La
Posts: 1,768
Oh thanks so much for asking that question. I"m working on a quilt now and it will have a striped binding, and I really wanted to used the stripes a certain way. I don't do curves ( at least haven't yet ). So it's kind of like to wash or not to wash your fabrics. Whatever suits my needs. Thanks so much.
#28
I always do bias. I actually like the little bit of stretch it gives. I usually pull on it a bit as I attach the binding to the quilt edge, so that when it "relaxes", it brings in the edge of the quilt, which may sometimes be a little bit wavy or wonky.
I don't understand why bias binding is considered more difficult, and it doesn't really waste fabric. It's the same square inches -- but I will admit the leftovers are triangular scraps instead of squares. Even if I only have narrow piece of fabric to start with, I still make diagonal strips and join them. I don't mind the seams.
I don't understand why bias binding is considered more difficult, and it doesn't really waste fabric. It's the same square inches -- but I will admit the leftovers are triangular scraps instead of squares. Even if I only have narrow piece of fabric to start with, I still make diagonal strips and join them. I don't mind the seams.
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