Quick and Easy Bias Cut Binding Tip

I’m finally getting around to posting on my bias-cut binding technique. We’ve been very busy around here, finishing up on the new book and 4 patterns that I’m trying to have ready for market.  I thought I had everything for the books figured out.  Tuesday night I just decided that a couple of the designs just weren’t right and I started over.  I’ve already finished and quilted 3 quilts for one of the designs, along with writing all the instructions.  So, I’m starting over completely and that’s putting me behind.  I was hoping to be shooting photos today, but that will have to wait.  I have ended up feeling further behind, instead of finishing up.  Such is life as a pattern designer.  I told Joel I feel like a tax accountant that has two tax seasons per year (spring and fall market being my April 15th tax quilt deadlines).  Anyways, I feel much better about the new designs and can’t wait to show you.  In the meantime, I have to share one of my favorite quilting techniques with you – my technique for cutting bias binding.  I know so many people are scared of trying bias-cut binding, but it’s so much easier than it sounds.  With this method, you can literally cut binding for a queen size quilt in 1o minutes.  It’s that quick!  For those of you who have tried the tube method – that’s so much harder and takes much longer.  This is definitely the way to go.  You can click on the link below and print out my instructions.  Stash the printout in your quilting folder and refer back to it whenever you want to add bias-cut binding to your quilt.

Bias-Cut Binding Handout

If you were to look through my quilts, about 95% of them would have bias cut binding.  Why? -Cutting plaids and strips on the bias is just such an interesting way to finish up the quilt.  There are other reasons too –  You need to cut binding on the bias if you are going around curves.  Another reason to cut binding on the bias, is for extra durability.  Cross-cut binding ends up with one or two threads on the edge that take all the wear-n-tear.  Bias binding has many threads wrapping around that outside edge and this helps it wear better.

One other thing about stripes and plaids – not all stripes and plaids need to be cut on  the bias.  The following picture shows two stripes.

I would cut the one on the left on the bias.  The one on the right is printed on the bias and doesn’t need to be cut on the bias to achieve the look I’m after.  Check out this great print – It’s from Heather Bailey’s new line – Pop Garden.

It’s a great twist on a stripe – don’t ya think?  This is another one that doesn’t need to be cut on the bias.  This is the quilt I’m adding it to.  As you can see, sometimes I move my sewing machine out onto the deck while I’m working.

Here’s a close up of how that stripe cuts up.

I just love it!  These fabrics are available from Mary at Quilted Treasures and Kimberly at Fat Quarter Shop.  Check them out – they are beautiful!