cutting fabric for binding
 

How do you cut your fabric for quilt binding? Does it matter if it's cross-grain, WOF, or bias? Is there a preference?

I cut WOF. Bias if I am working with curves length of fabric has less stretch than W O F

I normally cut my binding straight of grain from selvage to selvage. If you have any curves in your border, you MUST cut your binding on the bias in order for the bias to stretch around the curve.

Usually WOF but if I am cutting borders LOF from same fabric, I cut binding that way also. Always bias if scalloped borders.

Usually WOF but more and more I am leaning toward bias binding. It seems stronger to me.

WOF (selvedge to selvedge) gives a bit of give, so it's forgiving and easier to apply.

I tried the WOF binding and didn't care for it. There isn't hardly any play in it. While sewing it on, I ended up with little pleats in it and ripped more than I wanted to. Now, I cut all mine on the bias. For me, it is easier to work with, never get any little folds or pleats and it lays prettier.

I cut continuous bias binding (2.5 inches wide) and can make enough binding for a King sized quilt from 28" of fabric (42" wide). I use Shelley Rogers' method (Google her) and it is the most sensible and easiest to follow of the many instructions and tutorials that I've seen. She also has a tutorial on how to join the ends so that it is flat and practically invisible. I can cut and press this binding in about an hour and machine stitch it on my quilt in another hour. Two hours - King sized quilt bound and ready to gift!

http://piraterodgers.com/tutorials/cbt/

I always cut it on the bias. It is stronger and best if the quilt is going to be used a lot. It does not take any more fabric that WOF.