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bias binding

How to Make Continuous Bias Binding from a Fabric Square

Turn a fabric square into one continuous bias-binding strip by joining triangles, marking strip-width lines and cutting the offset tube in a spiral.

By ThatPainter Team 3 min read
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To make one continuous length of bias binding from a square of fabric, cut the square diagonally into two triangles, sew them into a parallelogram, mark parallel strip-width lines, join the edges into an offset tube, then cut along the marks in a spiral. This method is especially useful for curved or scalloped quilt edges, where bias binding’s stretch helps it follow the shape.

Why choose bias binding?

Bias binding is cut diagonally across the fabric, so it has more give than binding cut along the straight grain. That stretch helps it fit curved and scalloped edges. It can also draw attention to a fabric design, such as a stripe. Bias binding uses more yardage than other binding approaches, but this continuous-strip method turns a square into one long strip. The tutorial describes it as a way to prevent fabric waste; it does not provide a measured fabric-savings figure. AllPeopleQuilt’s tutorial, updated June 8, 2021, demonstrates the technique.

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Estimate the square size

Use the tutorial’s calculation to estimate the square: multiply the total binding length you want by the desired strip width, take the square root, round up to the next whole number, then add 3 inches for seaming. The 3-inch allowance is part of the tutorial’s formula, not a guarantee for every fabric or seam plan.

For its example, the tutorial calculates 135 inches of binding at 2½ inches wide:

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  1. Multiply 135 by 2½ to get 337.5.
  2. Take the square root: approximately 18.37.
  3. Round up to 19, then add 3 inches for seaming.
  4. Use a 22-inch square.

This is the tutorial’s worked example; treat it as an estimate for planning rather than an independently verified result for every fabric.

What you’ll need

  • A square of fabric sized for your binding plan
  • A fabric marker or pencil
  • A ruler to mark the strip width
  • Pins
  • A sewing machine for the ¼-inch seams

A quilting ruler can make it convenient to mark parallel lines at a consistent width, but no particular brand or specialty model is required. The technique uses fabric you already have; it does not require buying new yardage.

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Make continuous bias binding

1. Cut the square into triangles

Cut the fabric square in half diagonally to create two triangles.

2. Sew the triangles into a parallelogram

Place the triangles right sides together, aligning two short edges. Sew with a ¼-inch seam allowance, then press the seam allowances open.

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3. Mark the strip-width lines

Using a ruler and fabric marker or pencil, draw lines parallel to the long bias edges. Space the lines by the width you want for your binding; the tutorial uses 2½ inches as an example.

4. Join the fabric into an offset tube

With right sides together, bring the straight-grain edges together and align the raw edges. Shift the fabric so the top edge meets the first marked line on the opposite edge, rather than lining up the corners. Pin the layers in place.

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5. Sew and press the second seam

Sew the aligned bias edges together with a ¼-inch seam allowance, then press the seam allowances open.

6. Cut the strip in a spiral

Begin at the top marked line and cut continuously. When the cut reaches a seam, move down to the next marked line and continue around the tube. The offset alignment lets the cut carry on across the seams as one strip.

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7. Attach the binding

Prepare the finished strip as you would ordinary quilt binding and sew it to the quilt. Ease the bias binding gently around curves instead of stretching it tight; as Lindsay says in the tutorial’s video, “since bias binding is stretchy, avoid pulling it too tightly when you’re sewing it to the quilt.”

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