Continuous Bias
Quilt Binding Instructions

Part 2:  Make the Continuous Bias Binding Strip

Our quilt binding instructions for making continuous bias binding continue with marking and cutting your fabric rectangle.

Determine Bias Strip Width and Length

In Part 1 of our quilt binding instructions we calculated the total length of continuous bias binding and the strip width to cut for a quilt. Then we used the Bias Binding Yields chart to find the size rectangle of binding fabric needed.

Cut and Mark Your Fabric Rectangle

The rectangles in our binding charts are for a 40" width of usable fabric or fat quarters. For clearer illustrations, we've used a fabric rectangle that is a 22" width of usable fabric by 3/8 yard or 13-1/2". That way you can see the whole piece as it lays on the cutting mat.

Let's begin!

Step 1: Cut the rectangle of binding fabric the size determined from the Bias Binding Charts. Remove the selvedges. The opposite sides of your rectangle should be parallel.

Step 2: Lay the rectangle on the cutting mat, back side facing up. All marking will be made on the back or wrong side of the fabric.

Line up the 45 degree line of your ruler with the non-selvedge edge and the corner of your fabric as shown. Cut along this line. (Photo 1)

Photo 1
 

Move the triangle you created to the opposite side. After cutting and moving, your fabric looks like this...

Photo 2
 

Notice that we've marked an "X" on the edges where the selvedges used to be. (Photo 2) This helps to keep our fabric oriented properly. The two long edges are straight of grain. The two short, diagonal edges are true bias.

Step 3: Match the edges marked with the "X's" together. Pin and sew a standard quarter inch seam.

Press the sewn seam closed to set it. Then open the seam allowance and give it a final press. All the seams in this method are pressed open to reduce bulk.

Step 4: For the next steps in our quilt binding instructions, we've used a black Sharpie to make it easier to see the markings.

For your continuous binding strip, use a less noticeable marker like a Bohin Mechanical Chalk pencil or graphite pencil. The mark needs to last through the marking, pinning and sewing that follows. Mark just dark enough that you can see it.

Use a ruler to mark the quarter inch seam line on the two long straight grain edges. (Photo 3)

Photo 3
 

Step 5: Starting from one bias cut edge, mark parallel lines a bias strip width apart across the width of your binding fabric. Make sure that the intersection of these lines with the marked seam allowance are quite visible. (Photo 3)

In our example, these lines are 2-1/2" apart.

Step 6: On one long straight grain edge, mark the intersections of the cutting and sewing lines starting with "1". On the opposite side, mark the intersections but start with "0". (Photo 4)

This helps us keep track of the offset we need to make this method work properly.

Photo 4
 

Step 7: With right sides together (the side without Sharpie markings) pin match the chalk line intersections matching "1" to "1", "2" to "2", etc. (Photo 5)

Once all the intersections are pinned, you'll have a 'wonky' tube. (Shown below) If it lays flat then something is wrong. You may need to ease a bit between pinned intersections, but if you measured parallel lines, the easing should be minimal.

Photo 5
 

Step 8: Because we'll be cutting through these next stitches, shorten your stitch length a bit to 1.5 (15 to 18 stitches per inch). Sew on the quarter inch seam line marked in Step 6. Press the seam closed first to set the seam. Open the seam allowance and give it a final press and this is how it looks...

Photo 6
 

And now for the final steps in these continuous bias quilt binding instructions...

Step 9: With your scissors, cut along the marked lines your drew in Step 5. (Photo 7) If you've pinned correctly, you will cut one long continuous strip of binding. If the tube is wide enough, you may be able to put a small cutting mat inside the tube and cut with a ruler and rotary cutter.

In our example, we will discard the portion of the binding strip we marked with "X's" (remember it wasn't wide enough).

Photo 7
 

Let's Finish It Up!

To get our quilt binding ready to attach to our quilt, meet the lengthwise cut edges and press. Roll the binding and store until you are ready to attach it to your quilt.

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