Does binding have to be on the bias?
 

I just finished making 20 feet of binding-all of a sudden I remembered I forgot to cut it on the bias, will it still work? any advice?

It's fine. I was not taught to do bias binding until well into my quilting practice. I rarely use bias binding. I only make the effort when using a striped fabric and I want the stripes to tilt.

I began serious quiltmaking in 1983, and made a few bias bindings for bed quilts. I much prefer the lengthwise cuts of fabric for binding. I'm told the bias will last longer, but I lile the look of the straight-grain much better.

I was told the only time I really need to worry about cutting binding on the bias is if it is going to placed on a quilt with rounded edges.

Thanks so much for your quick responses, now I can finish the quilt this weekend.

I knew I would get expert answers Thanks so much ladies.

Fine as long as you have straight edges

I use bias binding for everything but as long as there are no curves, straight works. I'd probably use straight on small projects if I had strips already cut or something. I love using bias binding though.

When you use straight cut binding, the same threads run all the away down the binding. Theoretically this results in a weaker binding, since if one of those threads breaks and pulls out it will damage a greater area (possibly the whole length of the quilt) than if you use bias binding. However, most of us use straight binding anyway, unless the quilt has curved edges that require bias.

I agree - I always cut my binding WOF unless I have rounded edges, scallops or striped fabric.

I love striped fabric on the bias for binding - because I would spend too much time trying to make the stripes "straight" on the edges (OK so I am a bit OCD on this). When I do a striped bias binding, I generally use the tube method.

I only do bias binding if I have curves. Otherwise, I prefer straight of grain.

Same here....I've used lots of straight grain on straight sides. Works just fine!

Only time I cut on the bias for binding is when I'm making a scalloped edge.

I only use bias for curves, ect. everthing else gets straight grain.

Y'all are missing out! lol. Even if I'm not doing curves bias binding is so much easier when mitering corners. I couldn't believe the difference.

does your quilt have straight edges? If so, your binding will be fine. you only need bias when you must go around curves. as in scalloped or angled points as in table runners and such.

Ditto, me too.