Bias Binding... Why?
#21
Bias gives the quality of stretchyness. This is very useful if you are a wee bit short on fabric for your binding, such as if you make a slight mistake in measurements. The bias allows you to coax, for example, a 3 ft piece of binding to ft an edge 3 ft 3 inches in length.
The stretchyness allows you to bind around curved corners, scalloped edges, or a round quilt (mug rug or table runner) easily and smoothly.
Matching patterns: if your binding has a printed recognizable pattern, cutting on the bias allows short pieces to be matched and connected with less attention to whether or not that print is recognizable. On a small piece, a too-bold, too distinct pattern on your binding could be a distraction.
These are my reasons. I've used straight-grain binding with both success and frustration. When I'm working on a very stable, perfectly squared quilt, then straight grain binding is okay.
The stretchyness allows you to bind around curved corners, scalloped edges, or a round quilt (mug rug or table runner) easily and smoothly.
Matching patterns: if your binding has a printed recognizable pattern, cutting on the bias allows short pieces to be matched and connected with less attention to whether or not that print is recognizable. On a small piece, a too-bold, too distinct pattern on your binding could be a distraction.
These are my reasons. I've used straight-grain binding with both success and frustration. When I'm working on a very stable, perfectly squared quilt, then straight grain binding is okay.
#22
Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Concord, NH
Posts: 30
Originally Posted by MzMcKee
I'm trying to work on my binding skills and I wanted to know why is it important to use bias strips for binding? Why shoulding we use a strip cut on straight of grain?
Thanks~
Thanks~
Patricia Cummings, quilt historian/ certified master craftsman in quilting
#27
Bias binding is only necessary when edges of the quilt are curved. If all edges are straight, cut fabric on the straight of grain. I've bound straight edged quilts with curved corners. In that situation, piece bias sections into the binding at each corner location so the fabric curves smoothly.
Sandy
Sandy
#28
I used bias only because my Grannie did so that is the way I was taught. I still have a roll of binding that she made that I haven't used. However, the seamtress in me asked WHY so now I use straight grain. Easier and faster to cut. All the old patterns I have say to use bias and I have no explanation as to why.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bearisgray
Main
25
07-21-2019 03:19 PM
craftybear
Links and Resources
0
01-30-2011 09:14 PM
craftybear
Links and Resources
3
12-25-2010 09:49 PM