Continuous Bias Binding Tutorial

I am posting this tutorial at the request of some of the women in my workshops.  I learned to make continuous bias binding during my first quilting class.  It was in 1992 and it was a 4 session class.  The wallhanging we made was hand pieced, hand appliqued and hand quilted.  Then we bound it with continuous bias binding.  Although I don't do any hand piecing or hand quilting anymore, I do a bit of hand applique (fusible, of course) and I still make bias binding.

 This is the Strip Ticket that I bought back then.  I keep it in my book case, peaking out a bit so I can always find it. On one side, there are diagrams for cutting and stitching the fabric.  On the other side are the cutting dimensions depending on the binding width and length.   I wasn't sure if it was still available, but it is.  Check your LQS, but if they don't have it you can find it on line HERE.

To make your own bias binding, start with the correct size square, according to the Strip ticket.

Cut the fabric square

in half diagonally.

Place one triangle on top of the other, right sides together.  Stitch them together with 1/4" seam.

Press open the seam and mark parallel lines as far apart as the width of the desired binding.  (I use
 2-1/4").

Also make a mark 1/4" from the angled edges.

Pin the  two edges together forming a tube, offsetting the marks by one row.

Sew with a 1/4" seam.
 Press open the seam and cut on the line to make a continuous strip of bias binding.

Fold the strip in half lengthwise and press.

Why use bias binding?
1.  It is more durable for a quilt that will be used a lot and washed.
2.  A striped fabric looks great when made on the bias.