Continuous Bias

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Turn a square of fabric into yards of continuous bias quilt binding the fast and easy way! Beth Hayes takes the mystery out of this near-magical technique with her step-by-step demonstration. If you have problems running the video, click here for troubleshooting tips.

Step-by-Step Instructions.

Step 1 - Measure the quilt to determine how many inches of binding you need. Allow 10" extra for turning corners and the closure. The equation is: [(height of quilt + width of quilt) x 2] + 10. Refer to chart to find the size square needed.

Size square to Cut
Length Needed	1½˝-Wide Bias Strip	2˝-Wide Bias Strip	2½˝-Wide Bias Strip	3˝-Wide Bias Strip
110˝	14˝ square	16˝ square	18˝ square	20˝ square
220˝	19˝ square	23˝ square	26˝ square	28˝ square
340˝	23˝ square	28˝ square	32˝ square	35˝ square
480˝	28˝ square	33" square	37˝ square	40˝ square

Step 2. Cut the square in half diagonally (Diagram I).

Diagram I

Step 3. With right sides together, sew the triangles together with a 1/4" seam and press open.

Step 4. On fabric wrong side long edges, draw lines to make strips of your chosen binding width (Diagram II). Use a clear acrylic rotary ruler and a pencil or fine-point permanent pen to draw the lines.

Diagram II

Step 5. Bring the short diagonal edges together, forming a tube (Diagram III). Offset the drawn lines by one strip. With right sides together, match lines with pins at the 1/4" seamline and stitch seam; press open.

step 6. With scissors, cut along continuously drawn line.

USER COMMENTS

khalas

Report This User

2 1/4 inch binding

My post should read 360 inches of binding.

May 09, 2013 at 11:18 AM

I also like to use the 2 1/4 inch binding but it is not on the chart. How big should the square be for 360' of binding. Or how do you figure it yourself without the chart? Thanks.

May 09, 2013 at 11:13 AM

embellishbyandrea

Thank you!!

I am so grateful you shared this video. The numbering was the key!! I have tried this over and over and for some reason, it wouldn't work. I know it will now after your detailed video demo. Thank you!!

Apr 24, 2013 at 10:26 AM

Margaret_53

Thank You!

Beth--thanks for making this video. I know how to make continuous binding but it is always confusing. I did not know about numbering the sides. This clears up everything. Thanks!

Mar 03, 2013 at 01:35 PM

foucher

continuous bias video

Thanks Beth, I really appreciate your video. I keep forgetting the part where you put your 2 numbers and the part where you draw lines. I think I'll remember now. You are wonderful!

Dec 16, 2012 at 06:34 PM

flwestrn

Helpful video

I had a neighbor help me make a continuous bias almost 30 years ago and I forgot how to do it. This video was like sitting in my neighbor's sewing room getting a personal lesson!

Oct 21, 2012 at 12:21 PM

missyt1153

Continuous Bias Binding

The absolute BEST site for the most accurate and detailed instructions. Would have saved much time and frustration if I had found this first. Thank You Beth!

Jul 20, 2012 at 09:43 AM

mamamia

I have searched and searched for a site that shows every step for this procedure and this one was extremely helpful!! The others did not explain it all like Kathy does!! Thank you!!

May 19, 2012 at 08:58 PM

mjmuellner

I stumbled on this article and want to share with you...I made a pattern of this years ago and misplaced it. If you make the pattern and mark the straight grain of fabric you can lay this out on fabric without the center seam. I love this shortcut!

Aug 13, 2011 at 11:26 AM

dunlapquilter

This is great for utility quilts but I would not use it for show or "good" quilts because the seams go both directions. I was taught the mark of a good binding is all seams go the same direction.

Jul 15, 2011 at 08:52 AM

mcollshawshaw

Continuous bias video

Awesome! Finally I know how to do this - books just don't explain it well. Including the chart was very thoughtful. Thank you

May 07, 2011 at 03:57 PM

goodee

Continous Bias Binding

great insttuctions!

May 03, 2011 at 11:11 AM

aebevilockway

Continuous binding video

Have made this for many years. However, marking each side 1 or 2 makes this process so much easier. Thank you Beth.

Apr 29, 2011 at 06:52 PM

sewseitz

Thank you. I will try.

Apr 26, 2011 at 11:14 AM

lorquiltdiva

Your continuous bias video

I learned to do this 20 years ago, but chose not to use the process. You added one step that we did not do. You marked the cutting line before the last stitching of seams. KUDOS I may use it again.

Apr 26, 2011 at 09:39 AM

AnnT

Cool!

I like this but wish the video was close captioned. I had pause the video to check the directions tomake sure I knew what she was doing when.

Apr 26, 2011 at 09:23 AM

charbroiled

Thanks Kathy

"Good things come to those who wait!" I haven't visited this site in quite some time - and Voila! - Kathy has provided me with some valuable info. Thanks for the update!

Mar 30, 2011 at 04:19 PM

Kathy_Hannah

1 1/2˝ Strips

Hi charbroiled, we've added a column for 1 1/2˝. Thanks for the suggestion! - Kathy

Mar 14, 2011 at 02:42 PM

Thank you, thank you !

I have recently been adding bias binding, piping and corded piping to most of my sewing projects (quilted and non-quilted). I am familiar with this method of producing lots of bias but have never seen info for the amount of fabric required to produce particular lengths. (I only wish you had included info for 1 1/2" strips - which is the standard width for plain and corded piping) Anyway - thanks tons!!

Jan 27, 2011 at 04:23 PM


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