How to Cut Bias Binding

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Fabric that is cut on the bias is cut from one corner to the other of the fabric. [1] Making diagonal folds allows you to create bias binding strips without having to measure and draw lines all the way across your fabric. [2] The strips have angled ends that make it easier to connect them along the edges of your project. Bias binding strips can be used to cover the raw edges of a project while also adding a decorative touch.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Pressing and Cutting the Fabric

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  1. Your fabric needs to be completely wrinkle-free. This will help to ensure that the bias binding strips look neat when you sew them onto the edges of your project. Iron your fabric to get rid of any wrinkles before you begin working with it. [3]
    • Depending on the type of fabric, you may need to pre-wash and dry it before ironing it. For example, if your fabric is one that will likely shrink the first time you wash it, such as cotton, then pre-washing is recommended.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cut Bias Binding
    A cutting mat and rotary cutter make it much easier to get precisely sized binding strips. You can purchase a cutting mat and rotary cutter in a craft supplies store. Place your fabric onto the cutting mat after you have pressed it. Make sure that the print side of the fabric is facing down towards the mat. [4]
    • If you do not have a cutting mat and rotary cutter and do not want to purchase these items, then you may also use scissors and a ruler to make your cuts. However, you will have to be much more careful when cutting the fabric since you will not have the benefit of a lined surface to cut on.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cut Bias Binding
    Use your rotary cutter or a pair of fabric shear to cut your fabric piece to the desired dimensions for making your binding strips. The dimensions that you cut your fabric to will impact how much bias binding you can make. It is best to use a piece of fabric that is a square or nearly a square. You can also use what is known in quilting terms as a “fat quarter” to make your bias binding strips. This is a piece of fabric that measures 1.25 yards (1.14 m) by 1.25 yards (1.14 m). [5]
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Video: Pressing and Cutting the Fabric


Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Folding the Fabric

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cut Bias Binding
    Fold over one corner of your fabric towards the opposite lower opposite corner. Make sure to match up one edge of the fabric with its adjacent edge. The corners may not line up perfectly if your piece is slightly rectangular. It is most important for the edges of the fabric to be even on one side. Also, if your piece is slightly rectangular and not square, then you may have some excess fabric that does not match up with anything and that is okay. [6]
    • Your piece will be in the shape of a triangle after you make this first fold. The print sides of the fabric will also be visible after you make this fold.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cut Bias Binding
    Next, fold one corner of the triangle to its opposite corner. This will form the fabric into the shape of a smaller triangle. You may still have a strip of excess fabric at the bottom of the triangle, and that is fine. [7]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cut Bias Binding
    Fold the tip of the triangle towards the bottom of the triangle so that the fabric forms a rectangle. You will have a small triangular piece of fabric sticking out from the bottom of the rectangle after you make this fold. [8]
    • Keep in mind that this extra fold is only necessary if you are working with a larger piece of fabric. If you just have a small piece, then you can skip it.
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Video: Folding the Fabric


Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Cutting the Bias Binding Strips

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Cut Bias Binding
    Place your clear ruler across the shorter area of the rectangle so that it is about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) from the edge. Then, run the rotary cutter along the edge of the ruler to cut this 0.5 in (1.3 cm) strip off of the rectangle. [9]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cut Bias Binding
    After you remove the end piece, turn the piece of fabric around and begin cutting 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) sections all the way across the rectangle. You can make your strips smaller or larger if desired by increasing or decreasing the width of the strips. [10]
    • Make sure to cut across the shortest portion of the rectangle. In other words, cut width-wise, not lengthwise.
  3. After you cut the strips, stack them up and tie them with the first 0.5 in (1.3 cm) piece of fabric that you cut. This will keep the bias binding strips together until you are ready to use them. [11]
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Video: Cutting Bias Binding Strips


Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Are bias bindings required when sewing?
    Young Kim
    Tailor
    Young Kim is a Tailor based in Livonia, Michigan. She has been working in the sewing and clothing alteration industry since 1989. After opening her own dry cleaning business, Young discovered her passion for sewing, turning her prowess at tailoring and alterations into a new career. Her high attention to detail, creative visualization skills, and quick ability to pick up technical processes have earned her countless happy clients over the past 35 years. In particular, she specializes in working with special occasion formalwear (wedding dresses, suits, etc.), repairing and mending garments, resizing and redesigning looks, and completing custom fittings. She opened her latest business, Tailoring by Young in 2022.
    Young Kim
    Tailor
    Expert Answer
    Bias bindings aren't always necessary, but they do have several benefits, including stopping fraying and offering that finished look and decorative element. Other ways to finish these raw edges include zigzag stitching or tucking, but bias bindings produce a more professional-looking finish. But it really is usually up to you or the direction of your project, your expected level of finish, and your preferences when to use bias bindings.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Fabric
      • Cutting mat
      • Rotary cutter or sharp fabric shears
      • Clear ruler
      • Iron

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.quiltingdaily.com/binding-a-quilt-bias-binding-vs-straight-of-grain-binding-quilting-daily/
      2. ↑ http://www.jenniferlaurenvintage.com/2013/05/tutorial-how-to-make-bias-binding.html
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dgB4Hc_Xe4&feature=youtu.be&t=55s
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dgB4Hc_Xe4&feature=youtu.be&t=50s
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dgB4Hc_Xe4&feature=youtu.be&t=35s
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dgB4Hc_Xe4&feature=youtu.be&t=1m5s
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dgB4Hc_Xe4&feature=youtu.be&t=1m19s
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dgB4Hc_Xe4&feature=youtu.be&t=1m32s
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dgB4Hc_Xe4&feature=youtu.be&t=1m39s
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dgB4Hc_Xe4&feature=youtu.be&t=1m49s
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dgB4Hc_Xe4&feature=youtu.be&t=2m15s

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