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How to Sew Binding

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Do you know how to sew binding on clothes? Everyone who makes DIY clothing understands the importance of features that make garments stand out. 

As it turns out, sewing binding is one factor that surely counts a lot and adds grace, style, and professional finish to any clothing. Thus, it needs to be done with any regular sewing machine for beginners to properly to enhance the overall look of the fabric. 

How to you sew binding? From neckline to armhole, there are many usage when it comes to using binding on clothes. No matter which fabric it is, sewing clean binding is of great importance and can be done by either pressing or rolling the edge before the stitching is done.

Prepare your machine with the right needle and thread the machine properly to create nice crisp straight stitching along the binding for professional finishes. 

bias binding to sew on sewing machine

What does binding mean in sewing?

In terms of sewing, binding means to finish a seam or hem of a garment. It uses a strip of fabric, usually folded around or pressed on the edge of seam, and then stitched to secure. 

For all those who are aware, there is never a disagreement with the fact that binding is vital when finishing DIY clothing. Whether it is your dress, skirt, or blouses, binding is going to make it look perfect with clean edges all around. It not only makes the garment look good, but also avoids the garment from weakening at the edges.

There are many ways to do it and there are different sewing machines available in the market for this purpose. Bindings can be cut either straight, down length of the fabric or on the bias, which is a 45-degree angle across the fabric. 

Let’s learn the correct way to cut and sew binding so you can enhance your garments to the fullest.

What do you use bias binding for?

Bias binding is also called bias tape. It is available in narrow strip tape form in different colors. Bias binding is used to make the fabric look decorative, and also increases the life of the garment by preventing the edges from fraying so quickly.

Most of the times, bias bindings are applied along armholes and necklines along the curved seams. Also, it is used in making piping, binding seams, finishing raw edges, and etc. 

One main reason to select bias instead of regular cut binding is that it gives flexible to sew around the curves for a smooth look without puckering. To completely change the appearance of your garment, you may use contrasting color or fabrication. 

If you cannot find the bias tape of your choice at the store, then you can also prepare it at home by cutting along the bias strips from any fabric of your choice. Cut a thin strip at a 45 degree angle from the fabric you are making the garment out of. 

After cutting, do not forget to iron it before using it. Ironing is an important step when sewing as it makes all seams come together smoothly.

What is the different between a facing and a binding?

There are two types of bias binding or tape, single form is often used for bias facing and double fold is mostly for bias binding. The bias facing and binding is not the same.

In bias facing, the bias tape is folded all the way in the fabric, while in bias binding the bias tape is only folded inside to halfway. In bias facing you will be able to see slight fabric on the neckline, but the tape in bias binding should match the initial line of stitching.

In contrast, facing in only on the inside of the garment and serves the purpose of doubling the fabric for more support and to disguise its the sheer nature of the fabric. You will not notice facing from the outside of the garment and in is not present along the fabric edge link binding.

Both facing and binding are used in sewing to provide:

  • Extra strength to the fabric.
  • Make the edges of the garment look great.

For the best finishing touches, it is always recommend that you use iron to press the seam on the tape to make it flat. Ironing the curve of the neckline will make it stay flat after it is sewn, which gives a polished look that adds style to the garment.

step by step tutorial how to sew binding on sewing machine

How to sew binding on clothes?

Whether you are finishing an armhole or neckline, choose quality fabric to make the binding as indicated in the instructions for how much fabric you need for a pattern. Depending on the type of fabric and design feature, you may need from ¼ yards to ½ yards to make binding yourself. 

Focus on selecting good quality fabric that you are going to make binding out of. If the quality is poor, then you will not be able to see good results after sewing the binding. Also, need to match the color of thread properly based on the color of fabric and bias binding.

Replace with the correct thread to work with the sewing machine when adding binding on the garment. It is important not only to match the color, but also create a cohesive look throughout the garment.

Lastly, stay with the same content of fabric to avoid any damage to the garment, fabric or the machine.

Bias Binding Tutorial

In this bias binding tutorial, you will learn how to sew bias binding easily with detailed instructions, step by step photos and how-to video. 

You can either fully turn inside method or visible binding method. Follow this basic guideline and utilize in every pattern you are working on.

Knowing how to sew binding makes the finishes along the neckline and armhole looks professional and enhance the quality of the garment. Follow this traditional method to sew binding easily and flawlessly. 

Due to the curved lines around the edges, this requires pressing with multiple steps. Take time and sew slow as you go to accomplish beautiful binding finishes.

Bias Binding Materials:

  • 1¼” wide Bias Binding
  • Sewing Machine
  • Iron
  • Iron Board

Bias Binding Step by Step Instructions:

  1. Press ¼” towards the wrong side along one edge of the bias binding.
  2. Unless indicated on the pattern cover, make sure to measure that you have enough length to go all around the neck or armhole. Try to position by pinning along the curve line to get the exact measurement.
  3. Use regular stitch and sew ⅛” away from the edge to make the stitch stay and secure the edges from stretching out when you add binding.
  4. Fold the end of the bias binding ¼” toward the wrong side and place it on one seam of the bodice as a starting point. 
  5. Sew right sides together with ¼” seam allowance all around the edge. 
  6. Overlap the ends and secure with backstitch about ¼”.
  7. Trim the ends and press binding away from the garment.
  8. Pin the binding to inside of garment and stitch from the right side of the garment. Continue with the stitch in the ditch method.
  9. Give the binding a final press inside and outside.

Expert Tip: Make sure to point the pins clockwise when viewed from the outside. By doing so, it will help you easily pull out pins as you sew. 

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