Continuous Bias Binding

Continuous Bias Binding How to from Whitney Sews

Bias binding is incredibly useful for finishing so many different sewing projects!  Projects ranging from quilts to aprons and hats to bags and much more.  Bias tape is often made by cutting strip after strip of fabric on a 45 degree angle.  Then you have to piece all those strips together.

However there is a better way!  Using this method you only have to sew two seams, no matter how much bias binding you need.  You start with a square of fabric and it makes one long continuous strip of bias fabric

Check out the full tutorial HERE to see how to create your own continuous bias binding.

Use the chart below to determine how large your fabric square needs to be based on the length and width you want your bias strip to be.

**Don’t forget to save or pin this chart so it’s easier to refer back to**

Continuous Bias Binding Measurement Chart by Whitney Sews

 

If you’re needing a different size or amount than those listed on the chart here is how to determine your starting fabric size.

Measure the item you are needing the bias binding for (Ex- all 4 sides of a quilt or the circumference of a skirt hem)

Decide how wide you want the bias strip to be (Ex. 3 inches)

Choose a square size to test the math on.

Multiple the square size by itself (Ex. a 12 inch square is 12 x 12 to get 144)

Divide that number by the binding size (Ex. 144/3 gives you 48 inches in a 3 inch width)

You will have the least waste if you start with a square divisible by the width you need (Ex 12, 15, 18, 21, 24 are all divisible by 3)

So if I need about 100 inches at 3 inches wide I know that I need a larger square than 12 inches so I'll try 18 inches (18 x 18 = 324  324/3 =  108 inches)

*The length is approximate so always make a little more than you need*

I like to make about double the length that I actually need.  Then I always have some on hand for finishing small projects or testing a new design.

Continuous Bias Binding How to from Whitney Sews

Next week I’ll have a new tutorial for a fun mini quilt that I used this bias binding to complete.  It incorporates the paper piecing technique shown in my Scrappy Chevron Quilt tutorial along with a feature panel of your favorite character printed fabric.

DIY Disney Princess Mini Doll Quilt How to from Whitney Sews

Make sure to check back next Wednesday for the full tutorial and subscribe to my newsletter so you get all my new posts sent directly to your email inbox.

Well, I guess that’s it for today.  If you have any questions about this or any other sewing/quilting techniques make sure to leave it on the comments below.  That way I know what type of sewing basics tutorials you all want to see.  Until next time, happy sewing!

-Whitney-

8 comments

  1. Chrissy says:

    Hi thank you for your chart. Im trying to work it out in mtrs & cm & mm.
    Half inch double folded bias is too wide & quarter inch bias is too narrow for my project (magazine folders made with clear pvc)
    My project needs 9mm double folded bias. And I need to make 7.5mtrs of bias binding. (I think that’s about 295 inches)
    My finished single folded bias will be 18mm (thats the size of the bias tape maker… (which is coming in the post)

    I have a couple of questions- if my bias is 18mm single folded, does my finished strip have to be double the width…at 36mm wide? Or can I make it slightly narrower to make it easier to sew, with a little bid of allowance?

    Also If I need 7.5mtrs of bias (or 295 inches) at 18mm single folded (36mm strip) how big does my material need to be?

    So please correct me if I’m wrong but, if my strip is 1.5 inches wide (to get 18mm single folded bias)
    & I need 295 inches: Is my calculation below correct?

    22×22=484÷1.5=322

    I would appreciate your help. Thanks so much.
    Regards Chrissy

  2. Sally Freshwater says:

    That all works if you have a perfect square. I have a quilt that is 48X81 in adding all four sides together I have 96×162 inches plus 12 inches. How would I know how much fabric I will need? I have done this about 5 times and still can\’t come up with anything that sounds right. This is my first quilt. Thank you for your help

    • Whitney says:

      If your quilt is 48 x 81 then the total outside edge is 258 inches. Plus you need enough for the seams, corners of the quilt, and joining the binding at the ends. So to be on the safe side you will need somewhere near 300 inches of binding. Since it is your first quilt I recommend going with 2.5 inch wide binding because it’s easier to work with. So you would need a 30 x 30 inch square of fabric and if you follow the tutorial that will give you 360 inches of bias binding which is more than enough. But all that being said…you don’t have to use bias binding on a quilt. Since there are no curves to go around you can simply use strips cut from selvage edge to selvage edge from fabric. It’s much quicker and easier. If would want to go that route you would need to cut 7-8 strips of fabric, sew them end to end, iron in half wrong sides together and use that for your binding. Hope that helps!

  3. Gloria says:

    As someone who has been deathly afraid of making bias tape, not to mention piping, Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! for making this such an easy task. The video was strait forward and the chart was invaluable since I only needed a little bit. You are very talented!

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