Adding That Professional Edge!
I’ve written and produced this video tutorial post in response to one of my reader requests.
In today’s fashion sewing demonstration, we will look at the sewing of bias binding onto seams.
Bias binding in itself is a great little fashion sewing notion and can be used to complete decorative finishes or give that much needed ‘professional‘ look to the inside of garments.
The sewing of bias binding onto a seams raw edges, really can add that ‘WOW‘ factor to any garment.
The fashion sewing technique I’m about to show you really is quick, easy and impressive to achieve.
Let me show you!
Sewing Bias Binding onto Seams
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A Few Points To Remember
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When using bias binding, I’d always recommend that you staystich the seams within the seam allowance. This adds more stability when stitching the bias binding.
Be careful with the bias binding whilst sewing, as it can stretch. Try to keep an eye on variations in width and tension as these can lead to irregularities.
Sewing Bias Binding onto Seams – Written Instruction
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1 – Staystitch the seam allowance.
2 – Cut the bias binding to the required length.
3 – Open out the bias binding, placing the right side of the bias onto the right side of the seam. Unfold one edge of the bias binding, placing it onto the edge of the seam, ensuring a ‘lip‘ of around 2-3mm’s above the raw edge of the seam is visible.
4 – Pin or baste the bias binding into position and then machine stitch along the crease line.
5 – Press the bias binding away from the seam allowance.
6 – Encase the raw edge of the seam with the bias binding and pin or baste into place.
7 – The other side of the ‘bias fold‘ should now be 3-4mm’s longer on the wrong side of the seam.
8 – Sew on the right side of the seam, using the edge of the first stitch as a guide.
Have you used bias binding on seams in your sewing projects?
If so, upload a photo to Sewingista Gallery and share your knowledge, experience and skill with the fashion sewing community.
Happy fashion sewing
Colleen G Lea
Thank you. Never thought of using this method to tidy up seams – I do overlock, but, sometimes even this appears to be messy!!! I was thinkng of buying the hand tool that you can use to make bias binding – now my mind have been made up! Thank you.
My pleasure Carla. Happy to help with new idea’s.
Very helpful video. Thank you!
Beth
No problem Beth, my pleasure.
would you call this second round of stitching “understitch”? im making my first skirt and for the yoke it asks to do something similar as i can notice in the pictures on the instructions. i just have the hardest time stitching straight on the ditch or groove of seam =( its one of those frustrating things that make you want to cut corners.
Hi Lily
You’re quite correct, the stitch would be an understitch.
You don’t have to stitch into the ditch but stitch 1-2mm’s away as this helps the fabric lay in place.
Try to trim and grade the seam also.
Thank you, Colleen – like that you show everything without rushing through.
I have a silly question –
* there are different types of bias bindings (double fold, single fold…) on the market.
What is the difference?
* I looked at the small tool to make it from bias cut strip. What the size indicates – the finished width of it?
Thank you,
~ Iryna
Hi Iryna,
I only ever use single folded bias binding. Double folded is simply single folded and then folded in half and pressed.
You can buy many tools that make bias binding. Sizes can vary from 1/8inch up to 1 1/4inch and can create single folded, double folded and quilt tape.
Thanks
Colleen