Binding question
 

I usually use bias binding that I make using the molar method. But the other day I needed a quicker binding and just used 2.5" straight grain strips. Which do you use and why? The straight grain seemed easier for sure but what is the difference and which is better? Lots of questions haha thanks!

You really don't need to use bias binding on straight quilt edges. It's a matter of preference really. I always do straight grain strips myself. I have a scalloped edge on one of my quilt tops that will need bias binding though.

Straight grain binding whether long- or cross-grain is just fine. It is definitely faster, easier and you don't need to make as much excess binding.

In general I make bias binding and prefer the french double fold method. I machine sew on front and hand sew the binding down on the back. The bias is mostly helpful when you have curves and such, but I like the way it makes striped fabric march around the quilt. I also feel the diagonal seams are stronger/have less problems and are less noticeable but you can still do that with straight grain binding.

I rarely use bias binding unless I am going around curves.

I prefer straight grain, especially if I can cut it across the width of the fabric as this has the least stretch.

I think bias binding is cut on the bias so that it will stretch - great for curves but not really that helpful for straight edges.

I do mostly straight grain binding but the bias binding I’ve done seems to last longer.

I usually make binding by cutting selvage to selvage and cut it 2 1/2". The only time I made a bias binding was when I put binding on a wedding ring quilt and that took a lot more fabric and I really wasn't fond of doing it. I think it is definitely personal preference for what binding you want to do.

what in the world is Molar method? I've never heard of that. I use 2 1/2 inch binding cut across width of fabric usually. hardly ever need bias.

Straight of grain unless applying to a curved quilt.

I've never used bias binding. What is the molar method?

I typically don't use bias unless I've got curves or fabric that looks better cut that way (like stripes). Once I've got the binding cut, the method I use to attach it is exactly the same, and I don't find one easier than the other for straight sided quilts.

I prefer bias binding because it won't wear along the grain lines the way a straight grain binding will. I have an old quilt that is holding up well except for the straight grain binding, which is completely worn through along the grain line. Also wondering about 'molar.'

Joe's Mom is right. Straight grain binding has straight line of thread laying in the same spot always. Bias has been cut on diagonal, and there are different threads running along the Path, wearing them that are going around the edge of the quilts. giving the quilt more time to wear. That isn't much of an explanation from me.ha.

I like bias binding the best for the stated purpose that it wears better. Plus I also like to use stripes making a nice diagonal edge.

I always use straight unless I'm wanting a stripe to be diagonal on the binding. Bias binding has a little more "give" because of the stretch factor, making it easier to go around curves. Alas, I have not attempted any curved or scalloped edges.

We are all so curious....what is molar? I can't seem to find it on the internet.

I am in the bias binding camp for all my binding. I like the fact that more threads are exposed on the edge rather than just a single thread. If one of the threads breaks, the damage stops there. When I do the WOF bindings, I always end up with a wrinkle somewhere on them. Bias is slightly stretchy and works much better for me.

Edited to add: I sew all my binding seams on a 45 degree angle so that the weight of the seam is spread out over a larger area and I iron them open.

I found a molar feather quilting design and mola something else.

I always use WOF strips, join them with a diagonal seam. I prefer the bit of stretch. I only sew bindings on by machine. My fingers cramp doing hand sewing. I have started cutting my strips 2-3/4" wide.

I don't know the term molar for binding either, but I know I make "fangs" when I put the fabric back together after cutting on the diagonal. I think if you look at it from the top, it does look like a tooth with two roots -- what I call the fangs. That voice inside me always corrects "those are pennants, dear", but I can remember fangs :p

I always use straight binding. No bias. Double fold. Machine sewing on front and hand stitched on back.

I think molar method is when you use a square of fabric, and sew two opposite edges together offset by the width of the binding--we always call it continuous bias binding,but the piece before cutting does look like a molar.

I always use straight of grain--either WOF or length-wise unless there are curves.

I've learned the flange binding method. It's what I do now. Straight of grain, diagonal seams. All is sewn by machine.

Always use bias binding. Wears better, is forgiving if you need to correct minor errors or to make adjustments, but most of all....tradition. Bias is what I learned first . :o

Straight of grain binding unless I have a curved border then I use bias binding. In both cases I join my strips with a bias seam to reduce bulk

I almost always use bias binding that I cut 2.25 inches wide. It wears better. I always join seams on the bias as well. I have used it when making flanged binding as well. I have also made binding with the "Susie's Magic Binding" method. It was quick but I prefer the traditional method.

I use bias binding if I have curves to go around, scallops, round corners. If my quilt is straight, square cornered I use straight cut binding. You only (Need) bias if you have curves to deal with

I make bias binding starting with a square - 2 1/4" and keep a chart for how many inches the square makes for future reference

I don't use bias binding unless I am going around a curve or I am using plaid or stripe fabric for the binding and I want the look of the bias plaid or stripe diagonal on the edge.

Ditto, WMUTeach. I have used binding on the straight grain only when I didn't have enough fabric to cut on the bias. I think bias binding is easier to sew on. My quilting teacher always said that bias binding "wore better" than binding on the straight grain. I never asked her why but there are explanations above.

I read bias binding lasts longer but the same article said double fold binding would last about 100 years. I use bias binding when I have a scalloped edge or when I use striped or checked fabrics. A gingham bias binding is really adorable as are stripes. Otherwise I use WOF strips put together on a diagonal.

I always use bias binding. Cut 2 1/2 inches wide, folded once, stitched to front by machine, turn to back and hand stitch it down. It just lays so much better for me done that way.

I am ready to attach the binding to a double wedding ring. What advise can you give me, especially at the "vee" of the scallop? (Photo) I normally cut my binding at 2 1/4". This gives me a 3/8" finish on the front. I would like to make it a little wider because of frayed edges (photo). Should/Can I miter to get a smooth look at the "vee"? (Vintage). Any ideas/experiences/suggestions?

I just use bias binding for everything. It is what I learned first, and when I have tried straight binding, I always end up with it beginning to twist (arggggg!). It is the first method I learned, and don’t remember where, is to start with a large square of fabric, fold it on the biases, and cut. I do have to join many strips, but that is just part of the process to me. I have a sit down adjustment on my ironing board so I can sit and get it all pressed at once. From what I have read here, bias binding is the most durable, and I am OK with that.

This video and a few others are what helped me figure it out.

https://youtu.be/Vci9-li3aYU

I use bias binding on curves or if I want to use straight-striped fabric and put it on the diagonal. Otherwise I cut it either way, straight with the grain. I would use bias binding for everything if it were not so much more work. By the time I start to bind a quilt, I just want it finished.

This right here is the molar method, I'll try to find a tutorial on it but it's probably the same method you all use for bias binding just under a different name

This is what I call the molar method I learned it from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Quilting which was my first quilting book. Sounds like bias takes longer but is more durable, so I'll probably use that if I have time and straight grain of I'm rushed. https://makeit-loveit.com/make-conti...s-tape-binding Thanks everyone for your replies :D

Funny I only used the term molar method because I thought everyone would know what I meant lol. That was the method I used when I first started quilting now I use this method. You don't need a square (can use rectangle) and there is a chart for sizing on it as well. http://piraterodgers.com/tutorials/c...20requirements

I use both. Depends on the quilt and the fabric I bind with and the results I want. And thanks for the molar explanation. I was really scratching my head over that one. Always learning something here.