This week, we are going to make some bias binding for the Muslin Wraps that we started last week. I like the way bias binding creates sharp lines and finishes off projects so nicely! Making your own binding is simple and it is so versatile. It looks great on bibs and on the arms in sleeveless garments.
Firstly, what is bias binding? It is basically a long strip of fabric that's been cut on the bias of the fabric. But what is the bias I hear you ask? It is the diagonal line that runs through the cross and length wise grains in your fabric. Because the binding is cut on the bias, it is stretchy, making it really easy to sew around curves and such. The strips are folded to produce a neatly enclosed seam when sewed.
Steps
1. Fold your square of fabric in half on the diagonal and lightly press.
2. The pressed centre line will be used to base all other bias strips and it will be the centre of the first and longest strip. Before going further you need to decided how wide you want your finished binding to be. The rule is, if you want 1cm showing at the end, multiple this by 4 and this is the width to mark. Measure our the widths with a ruler, using the pressed line to base the measurements from.
3. Draw in the lines that you have marked. No need to leave gaps between strips. Then cut along lines.
4. Once cut, square the ends of each strip to make it easier to sew together
6. Fold the length of fabric in half, wrong sides together and iron. Fold in outer edges to meet centre crease and iron.
7. Finally, fold in half once more and iron flat. Ta da! Home made bias binding!!
Making bias binding is a great skill to have. You can co-ordinate your fabrics better and save money! Handy hint; the guys at Clover Products Australia have a little gadget available, the Clover Bias Tape Maker, which makes creating bias binding even quicker and easier!! For $26.00, this is a great investment.
Next post we will cover how to attach and finish off your binding.
Have a nice day!!
Phoebe xo
No comments:
Post a Comment