Step by Step Tutorial How To Create Bias Binding for Quilt by Remi Vail Studio

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts

Written by: Tamara Darragh

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Published on

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Time to read 4 min

Bias Binding Is A Game-Changer For Finishing Quilts

Bias binding is a game-changer for finishing quilts, especially when working with curved edges. I also love to cut ginghams, plaids, and stripes on the bias because they look so cute added as a binding that way. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to make bias binding from yardage fabric for your next quilting project. Let’s dive in!

Step by Step Tutorial How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio Blog Photos

What Is Bias BInding?

Bias binding is a strip of fabric cut on the bias (diagonal grain) of the fabric. This cutting method gives the binding more stretch and flexibility, making it ideal for curved or irregular quilt edges. Creating your own bias binding allows you to customize colors and patterns, ensuring a perfect match for your quilt.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio

Materials Needed

Fabric Yardage

Start with a square between 15-20 inches; we'll use a 15" square in this tutorial. I'm using Butterscotch Tina Bee Gingham by Lori Holt for Riley Blake Designs.


Thread

My preference for making binding is Aurifil 50 weight thread. It's strong but thin and doesn't create any extra bulk within the seams. Use whatever you have on hand!


Fabric Scissors & Rotary Cutter


Fabric Pen 


Quilter's Ruler


Fabric Clips or Pins


Sewing Machine


Ironing Board & Iron

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio

How To Create Bias Binding

1. Cut a Square of Fabric


Start by cutting a square of fabric measuring between 15 and 20 inches. For this tutorial, I’m working with a 15-inch square. This size is ideal for creating manageable amounts of binding for smaller quilting projects. For the quilt I'm working on I made bias binding from (2) 20 inch-squares and (1) 15 inch-square and combined them.


I find working with squares larger than 20 inches is kind of cumbersome.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio

2. Fold Fabric in Half


Fold the fabric in half. Smooth the edges and ensure an even fold.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio

3. Mark the Folds


At the folded edges, make small notches on both sides using your scissors. A tiny snip will do the trick - just enough to mark the fold.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio

4. Cut the Fabric in Half Diagonally


Using your rotary cutter and quilting ruler, cut the square in half diagonally. You'll now have two triangular pieces.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio

5. Align the Pieces


Place the two triangular pieces right sides together (RST) and line up the notches you made earlier. This step ensures you fabric will align perfectly after sewing.


My finger is pointing to where the notches should line up.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio

6. Pin and Sew the Seam


Pin and sew pieces together using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. This creates a larger, continuous piece of fabric to work with.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio

7. Press the Seam Open


Use your iron to press the seam open. The step helps reduce bulk and ensures your binding lies flat.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio

8. Draw the Cutting Lines


Starting at the leftmost diagonal edge, use a ruler to draw a line 2 1/2 inches from the edge. Continue drawing parallel lines 2 1/2 inches apart across the fabric until you reach the other side. 

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio

9. Trim the Edge


Trim along the edge of your fabric to make the final strip an even 2 1/2 inches wide.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio

10. Fold and Match Short Ends


Fold the fabric so the short ends meet, aligning the drawn lines.


Then, offset the edges by one line to create a continuous loop when cutting.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio

11. Secure the Fabric


Use fabric clips or pins to secure the ends together. You will need to adjust the fabric slightly to ensure the lines will match perfectly after sewing because they will offset just a bit from the seam allowance.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio

12. Sew the Tube


Sew the short ends together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance to form a tube. This step creates the continuous nature of the binding.


13. Press the Seam Open


Press the seam open to reduce bulk.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio

14. Cut Along the Continuous Line


Using scissors, cut along the continuous line you've drawn. You'll now have a single, long strip of bias binding.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio

15. Create Additional Binding as Needed


If more binding is required, repeat the steps above to create additional strips.



16. Join Binding Strips


To join multiple strips, align the ends at a 90-degree angle, right sides together (RST), and sew diagonally across. Trim the excess fabric and press the seam open.



17. Fold and Press


Finally, fold the bias binding in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together (WST). Press the folded strip with an iron to create a crisp edge.


And voila - you now have beautiful, flexible bias binding ready to use in your quilting projects.

Tips for Making Bias Binding

  • Starch Fabric
  • Use Sharp Scissors
  • Press Often 
  • Start Small: Practice with a smaller square to get comfortable with the process.

This is my Love Notes Quilt Pattern made with the Blush 'n Butterscotch fabric collection designed by Simple Simon and Co. for Riley Blake Designs.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio

Why Make Your Own Bias Binding?

Making your own bias binding gives you creative control over the fabric's color, pattern, and size. Plus, it's a budget-friendly option that adds a personal touch to your quilting projects.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How To Create Bias Binding for Quilts by Remi Vail Studio

Final Thoughts

Learning how to create bias binding for quilts is a fun skill every quilter should have. Once you're mastered this process, you'll be able to customize your quilt finishes with ease. Ready to give it a try? Grab your fabric and get started today!


Happy Stitching!


xo,

Tamara💞


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Tamara Darragh of Remi Vail Studio - Quilt and Bag Pattern Designer. Holding Vintage quilt.

Hi, I'm Tamara!

I'm the artist behind the scenes at Remi Vail Studio. When I'm not sewing you'll find me loving on my two fur babies, Tellee and Corduroy, playing outside with my hubby, or elbow deep in the dirt of my garden!


Thank you so much for being here. It means the world to me!

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