Continuous Bias Binding Tutorial

Warning:  We're about to get a little technical here.  I needed to go through this process again, so I thought I'd bring you with me.  It really isn't too difficult, and if you've seen this technique before, but have avoided it, I would encourage you to give it a try, especially, if you have a lot of binding to make.  Please note:  I am not a professional seamstress, but I do play one on my blog!

There are several good on-line sources of this same information.  If you'd like to see some other examples, you can Google tube bias binding for a list.

1. Lay your fabric out (mine is 54" x 19") and fold the corner over to the adjoining side.  You'll have a 45^o angle.
2. Cut along the angled bias edge.
3. Place your newly cut triangle at the other end of your fabric, making sure both angles are going in the same direction.  Sew the piece together and press the seam allowance open.
4. This is what it should look like when it's put together.  (A rhomboid)

Next, you will need to figure out how wide to cut your strips by wrapping a piece of fabric around your welting, allowing for a seam allowance.  You will need to have your welting to do this.  I decided to experiment this time and buy clothesline since it was the same size and a lot cheaper.  It feels a little stiffer than the regular welting.

 

Then, lining your ruler up with the angled edge, draw your lines all the way across the width of the fabric (you can use a pen or pencil).  Click on the photo to enlarge if you need to.  My lines are 1 7/8" apart.  (This will vary somewhat depending on the heaviness of your fabric and thickness of your welting.)

Hang in there, we're in the home stretch!

1. Take both angled ends and pin them together matching drawn lines, but offset by one, forming a tube.
2. Shown sewn and seam pressed open.
3. Start cutting on lines
4. You'll go round and round till you get to the opposite end.

Now you can wrap your welting, baste it in, and construct your pillow as usual.

Doesn't this fabric look perfect in my family room?  When my client was taking them from our home, Artsy Chick asked "Why's he taking our pillows?"  Ha!

I hope I've encouraged you to give this technique a try!  I only have one more technical sewing post to show you.  Do you remember the chocolate brown fabric?  I'll be doing a tutorial on constructing a cushion slipcover.


For those of you who used to participate in my Fabric Fun Thursday parties, I found these great blogs...