Pattern Gal Express

 Bias or Continuous Binding Instructions

by Melanie Capener

Items needed: ¾ yard 45” wide fabric for queen size quilt binding , scissors, 2 ½” wide plexiglass or cardboard pattern and fabric marking pencil. 

Square Fabric

Rectangle Fabric

1.   Lay fabric out flat on a hard surface open folds so you have a square or rectangle, place the selvage edges on the top and bottom of square so it is closest to you.

2.   Fold fabric corner to corner if fabric is square, folding bottom right corner onto top left corner. (Corner D to Corner A). If fabric is rectangle fold side 2 to side 1 along line making a 45° angle, (fold side C-D to side A-C). Match  the bottom selvage edge to the cut side of  the fabric. 

  3.   Cut gently along the folded bias edge (the line in diagrams).  Pulling the bias edge causes stretching, and fabric will ripple.

4.   Lay the two selvage edges together with the front sides together.  Sew a 5/8” seam and cut off the selvage edge to make it ¼” seam.

  5.   Open fabric with the seam facing you. Place the seam vertical and then rotate the fabric ¼ of a turn so the bias edges you cut are on the top and bottom, (closest to you).   Draw lines 2 ½” apart from edge of fabric. Mark wrong side of fabric parallel to bias edge, starting at the top and working to bottom. (Last row might not be a 2 ½” strip if fabric runs out, it is least likely  to be used).

6.   Turn away from you, corner 1 to corner 2 offsetting the lines by 1 row with  fronts together.  Pin down the row if needed and sew ¼” seam, matching the lines at the crossing points.  (When you pull the bias in any direction it will stretch and cause ripples).   After the seam is sewn you have created your barrel and then you can begin cutting at the top (corners 1& 2).   

7.   Fold binding strip in half with wrong sides together and press.  Sew this to quilt through all layers and whip stitch the folded edge to the back of quilt to finish. 

Copyright © 1997 RaMel Enterprises Inc. for M. Capener  All rights reserved.  You may print this for limited personal use.  No part of this publication may be reproduced for commercial use without prior written permission.  Altered for Website 2003

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