Endings - Bias Binding and Edges Turned In

Bias Binding is used when binding an edge with curves.

For my small sample I have curved the corners and I am using single fold binding which has been cut across the fabric at a 45 degree angle.

Your quilting ruler will usually have a 45 degree angle marked on it which is meant to be aligned with the selvedge of your fabric and then the straight edge of your ruler can be used to cut the material on the bias.

While the fabric is folded at this angle press the fold and this will be a guideline for cutting your fabric on the bias.

For my sample I used a 2" wide binding but only a 1/4" seam as it has to go around corners and a narrower seam goes round more easily.  However, when I got to the point of turning the binding to the back to hand sew in place I found it was too wide and had to cut some off making it about one and a half inches wide in the end.

It needs to be pinned from the outside edges inwards if it is a curved edge.

My binding piece was long enough so did not have to be joined.  As there were no joining seams to be matched I finished the two endings with straight edges.  To do this leave a few inches not sewn as you get near to the end, lay the binding flat and let the beginning and end pieces overlap and trim so this overlap is half an inch, place right sides together and sew a half inch seam.  Test when you lay it flat that it fits the edge properly, sew this joining seam and then finish sewing the edges.

Turn the binding outwards and press, turn to the back, turn under 1/4" and hand sew in place.

With the magic of computer technology the colour of my binding seems to have changed!!
 

Next: an edging without binding.

Edges can be turned in without a binding.  Again using a top layer, a wadding and a backing.  Cut the two fabric layers a 1/4" wider than needed - mine measured 6 1/4".  Cut the wadding 3/8" smaller than the fabric.

Press the edges of both fabric layers in by 1/4"

Put the three layers together and pin in the centre so they don't move around.

Turn the top layer fabric over the edges of the wadding and also turn in the edges of the backing layer to meet the top.  Pin them neatly together so that the backing does not show.


Hand stitch all round the edges tucking any loose threads of fabric into the turning with your needle


A lovely neat finish!