Continuous Bias

McQ U - Making Continuous BiasWatch the video...

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.

Diagram III
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USER COMMENTS

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Great video
I have watched 4 videos ,this is the best one .I have made continuous binding before ,just by luck 2 turned out right 2 went in the trash .
May 09, 2016 at 07:02 PM
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Best videa
I love this video!! I am fairly new to quilting and use it each time I make continuous bias. Thanks for such a clear and helpful video.
Jan 29, 2016 at 02:53 PM
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bias tape
learned something new today.. thank you..just started making quilts.. have sewn since i was 11... best video on making bias tape,,ty
Sep 21, 2015 at 04:47 PM
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continous bias binding
I have to agree with everyone this is the best binding video I have seen. You are a great teacher you have made it look alot easier. thank you
Feb 22, 2015 at 07:04 AM
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Continous Bias Binding
This is the best bias binding instructions I have ever seen! Thank you for the bonus on sizes!!
Feb 10, 2015 at 09:52 AM
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Cutting Bias Binding
This looks a lot easier than other methods I have tried. I appreciate the size squares for the length too.
Feb 10, 2015 at 09:22 AM
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Continuous bias binding
I have tried this before and have to watch a video each time before I do it. This video is very clear and will be my go to video. I also appreciate the chart for the size of square to cut to get the proper amount of binding.
Jan 31, 2015 at 09:15 AM
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Continuous line binding
Great video. Made it look a lot easier than other videos I've seen.
Jan 25, 2015 at 01:41 PM
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RE: BEST VIDEO
Thank-you very much for this information. You have just saved me from a very severe headache.
Nov 14, 2014 at 03:32 PM
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RE: BEST VIDEO
Mar2, if you're using 2 1/2" wide strips, you'll get about 500" or 13 3/4 yards of continuous bias from a 40" square of fabric.
Nov 14, 2014 at 07:43 AM
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BEST VIDEO
Thank-you for your reply Kathy. Would you be able to tell me how to calculate the amount of bias binding in inches that I would get from a 40" square?
Nov 12, 2014 at 05:26 PM
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RE: BEST VIDEO
Mar2, you can definitely do this with a fabric square up to 40". I've done it myself many times! -Kathy-
Nov 10, 2014 at 07:33 AM
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BEST VIDEO
Thank-you for your excellent video. Can I use this method with a 40 X 40" square of fabric or would it be too large to handle?
Nov 07, 2014 at 03:45 PM
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Fantastic video - thanks
Watching the video made this very easy. The only thing I did differently was to offset the last seam to the left, so that I could hold the strip with my left hand and cut with my right, as I am right-handed. I noticed that in the video, cutting with the right hand seemed awkward with the strip on the right. With the offset on the right, it seems better for a left-hander.
Nov 06, 2014 at 05:26 PM
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Thanks for the easy continuous bias video!
I needed to make a few pillow with cording. I usually get mixed up seeing the flat diagrams in my books. However, this step-by-step hands-on video is just what I needed. I don't make continuous bias too often, but I'll refer back to this video when needed. Thanks again.
Sep 28, 2014 at 01:30 PM
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video
Have already used this twice. Made bias tape for cording and bias double fold to act decoration. Great to use my own fabrics.
Sep 16, 2014 at 09:23 PM
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video
This took what looked so complicated elsewhere and turned it into something so simple even a youngster could do this. Thanks sooooo much! I will use this over and over, got it bookmarked.
Sep 16, 2014 at 06:39 PM
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RE: video
RhondaCrisp, we're not aware of a way to copy the video, but it's in our permanent library and should be available on an ongoing basis. Come back and watch again anytime!
Jul 23, 2014 at 07:42 AM
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video
Is there a way to copy this video?
Jul 21, 2014 at 09:38 PM
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Wonderful
It is so easy to understand. Thank you.
Jun 27, 2014 at 05:51 PM
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great video
OMG, this will be so much easier, I can't wait to go down and try it, thanks for the great easy instructions...
May 31, 2014 at 07:44 PM
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Easier way to cut strip of fabric
I loop the fabric overthe ironing board and cut with in on the ironing board. You can rotate the fabric much easier.
Apr 30, 2014 at 04:03 PM
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Thank you!
This was my third reference on my first attempt at continuous bias binding. I had a comprehensive sewing manual which had the basics but I got lost along the way and then found a YouTube video which had me confused as well. So I watched your video with pencil lines already on my fabric. I was prepared to throw the whole thing in the trash and purchase the binding at the craft store, but instead I now have the custom binding from the fabric I chose. Thank you so much for your excellent tutorial!
Feb 25, 2014 at 02:29 PM
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The best tutorial ever
I watched several other tutorials before I came across yours. You explained every step and now even I feel like I can give it a try and not fail - Thank you
Feb 20, 2014 at 06:10 PM
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Continuous Bias Binding
Wonderful video -- Beth did such a good job of explaining every aspect of making continuous bias binding. Marking each side with 1 and 2 makes it easier to know where to join for seams. Thank you so much!
Dec 03, 2013 at 10:48 AM
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Excellent teaching video
I appreciate the quiet, careful instruction. I'm cutting a binding to finish a quilt for a wedding gift and needed some help to do this quickly. Thank you.
Oct 11, 2013 at 06:43 PM
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wonderful!
this was a great tutorial! I usually have more questions when following a teacher, but this went so smoothly. I am so amazed with myself! I will definitely use this method again and again. Making "Summer at Mom"s and am using this for the vines. Thank you.
Sep 02, 2013 at 02:16 PM
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Perfect!
I'm not a quilter. I wanted to make a long strip of check fabric cut in the bias to use as a ruffle for the edge of some white sheer curtain panels. I used a 54 inch x 54 inch square of the raspberry check fabric. My curtains were to be 94 inches in length. My strips were 3.5 inches wide. I had more than enough to make the ruffle for the curtains. The main thing was writing the numbers on each side to match each side and then sew them together. It was the PERFECT directions for me! Great job Beth Hayes! The best directions on the internet! Thank You!!!
Jul 28, 2013 at 03:34 PM
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Great video!
After watching your video, I made bias binding for the first time and it turned out pretty well. I'll be using it for a scalloped-edge quilt. Hope it goes on smoothly; it's my first scalloped edge. Thanks for the great demo!!
Jun 19, 2013 at 10:44 PM
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2 1/4 inch binding
My post should read 360 inches of binding.
May 09, 2013 at 11:18 AM
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2 1/4 inch binding
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Continuous Bias Binding
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
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Continuous Bias Binding
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
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Continuous Bias Binding
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
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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
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Continous Bias Binding
great insttuctions!
May 03, 2011 at 11:11 AM
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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
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continuous bias video
Thank you. I will try.
Apr 26, 2011 at 11:14 AM
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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