Which is best to use straight grain or bias binding?
Thanks,
Terry

i use straight unless have curves to go around

ditto for me

I've always used straight unless I had curves also. However, I am seriously thinking about doing more quilts with curved corners. I hate mitering. I think if I am using scrappy binding I will have to do straight of grain but if I'm using yardage, I will try bias instead.

Here's a good tutorial for cutting bias strips fast:
http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/2011/02...rt-2-bias.html (2 methods shown)

bias is obviously good for use on curves, but there is another advantage of using it for even straight edge...it lasts longer. Remember that "rips" from simple wear and tear normally occur along the thread lines - either on grain or cross grain = you don't get rips on the bias. When you fold a straight grain binding over the edge of a quilt, it leaves one or two threads running right on the edge of the binding the whole way around...and if and when those threads get worn, a rip starts and continues along the edge of the quilt. With a bias binding, there is no one thread that runs along the edge...all threads cross it at an angle. If one of those threads gets worn, that one thread may break from the wear, but you don't get rips/slits appearing because adjacent bias threads hold the fabric together.

I will only use bias when there are curves or for an heirloom quilt without curves. The rest I use straight of grain :D:D:D

I use bias bindings for all of my quilts.

Ditto continuous bias bindings only and for these reasons.

I have thus far in my limited career of quilting only used straight grain binding. BUT the other thing I heard about bias (other than no rips, and it's obvious advantages to curved edges) is that it "rolls" better over the edge and rarely puckers or twists, and is easier to miter.

I've only used straight, but I do have a question about bias binding: Is it more difficult to sew on because of the tendancy of bias to stretch?

I like to use bias binding for most of my quilts, and absolutely for ones with curved edges. Also, it depends on how much fabric I have--if I'm running short of fabric for the binding, I'll do whatever fits best--usually straight of grain for something like that. I believe that bias binding will wear better than straight of grain, too.

depends on the quilt and the binding fabric. some fabric may look better cut on the bias; you always need bias if going around curves, if you rounded your corners instead of straight corners and it is easier to (ease) your binding around the quilt if it is bias cut. if your quilt is just straight lines straight binding is ok to use...it's a personal choice

I use only bias, it wears much better and is easier to miter.

I use straight of grain but if I were to make a striped binding I would do it on the bias.

I agree...plus my Granny said to ALWAYS use bias binding and that is good enough for me!! LOL

When I started quilting, I researched this topic and found this information. It makes sense and explains why Granny said to always use bias binding and why her bindings from decades ago still look great.

I always use bias binding made from the continuous tube method and it is definately easier to handle and stitch and makes mitering corners much more manageable as well.

This is what my neighbor told me. Looks like she's right!

also a big THANKS to everyone who answered! Now to call my neighbor and tell her I've been converted to bias binings.

I haven't found the stretch to be a problem...just the opposite. Because of the stretch, it's easier to work in any unevenness so the binding lays flat...but I make sure I don't stretch it as I stitch it in the first time.