Turning Corners With Bias Binding

Turning corners with bias binding.  How to get nice neat, sharp and even corners front and back.

Earlier we looked at making bias tape or bias binding (is there a difference?)

The terms bias tape and bias binding are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two. Both are quite useful and we use them in many of our projects.

Bias tape refers to a narrow strip of fabric that is cut on the bias, or diagonal, of the fabric. It is usually single-folded and used for a variety of purposes, including finishing raw edges, creating casings, or adding decorative accents.

On the other hand, bias binding also refers to a strip of fabric cut on the bias, but it is double-folded and used specifically for binding edges of a garment. Bias binding is sewn to the raw edge of the fabric with right sides together, then folded over the edge and sewn again to encase the raw edge and create a finished look.

This post builds on our previous guide on how to make continuous bias tape and use the Clover bias maker tool.

How to work out how much a square of fabric will make, or how to decide how big a square you need to start with for any given length – swanky calculator spreadsheet or handy table

Now it's time to start using it.  But oh dear, it's not as easy as you might think when you start out.  A straight line is fine, but corners – oh my!  I just assumed because it was on the bias and stretchy, that I just would bend it slightly round the corners and that would be fine.  You do not want to see my first attempt – its a sewing nightmare!

So after much research and trial and error, I am now much improved, although my accuracy could still improve to get the most neat finish. But take a look at these steps for how to turn a corner with your bias binding.  If you go on to join me in some of the projects later this month, you'll need to know how to do this.

Turning corners with bias binding

Sew along the fold in your bias tape, keeping the tape level with the raw edge of the project being bound.  As you approach the corner, stop sewing but leave the needle in place and the presser foot down.

Turning corners with bias binding.  How to get nice neat, sharp and even corners front and back.

Fold the bias tape up at a 90 degree angle lining it up with the point of the approaching corner.  This will give you a diagonal 45 degree angle at the corner.  Finger-press to leave a small crease then open it back out again.

Turning corners with bias binding.  How to get nice neat, sharp and even corners front and back.

Now continue sewing until you get to that diagonal crease.  Back stitch a few stitches and cut your thread.

Refold the tape on the diagonal.  Then fold the tape back down at a 90 degree angle so that the free end is now laying flat along the direction you'll be sewing next.  Pop in a pin, or just hold it in place as you take it back to the machine.

Turning corners with bias binding.  How to get nice neat, sharp and even corners front and back.

Start stitching in the fold line right at the edge of the fabric and sew to nearly the next corner.  Repeat the steps above to turn the next corner until you are completed.

This is how the corner will look when you turn it the right side out.

Turning corners with bias binding.  How to get nice neat, sharp and even corners front and back.

Phew – not so difficult when you know how.  But what about the back I hear you ask.  Let's take a look at what happens when you turn it to the other side.

Smooth out the front side you just sewed and turn the remaining bias tape over to the back of your project.  Turn under at the fold and pin neatly in place, making sure that you just cover the stitching line from the front side.  When it comes to the corners, fold in one side, then the other and if the sides are nice and even, you should get a nice neat 45 degree corner, like this one.  Pin in place.

Turning corners with bias binding.  How to get nice neat, sharp and even corners front and back.

Now its time to stitch around once more.  I like to stitch again from the original side, just inside the edge I stitched before, and this should catch the bias tape folded over to the back.  Just double check the fold on the corners as you get to it.

Here is the finished result, front and back.

Turning corners with bias binding.  How to get nice neat, sharp and even corners front and back.

And here is my finished over-sized mug rug, made from just a few scraps of fabric left-overs.  Room for a big mug of creamy cappuccino and a Chocolate Hob-Nob!  (That's a favorite dunk-able cookie from the UK.)

Turning corners with bias binding.  How to get nice neat, sharp and even corners front and back.

Working with bias binding, and making nice neat edges, turns and corners has given me an even greater appreciation for the skills of all the quilters out there, where accuracy in sewing and seam allowances in so important.


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Ada
Ada

For heaven’s sake – – – make your pictures with solid contrasting colors! Can’t tell a thing from these!

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[…] Sewing binding corners […]

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Pencil Holder Easel Pouch - free pattern - Orange Bettie

[…] in the ditch of the fold,raw edges touching. Ease the tape around curves and miter the corners (see how here). Sew all the way around and overlap the beginning by about […]

Sonja M
Sonja M

I have come to the conclusion I am just dumb. I can’t deem to make the last joint/ seam to save my life!!!! As a def taught quilter/sewer !! I end up doing the final end piece square.
I just doesn’t seem to matter how wonderful the tutorial. What the heck is wrong with me?!?!?

Mayra Cecilia
Admin
Noble Member
Reply to  Sonja M

Firsts of all Sonja, kudos because of despite of you being de def you are trying. Please don’t give up. Do not start applying the bias at the corner but rather do it around the middle of the square. This is a common mistake that new sewers make, I have made this mistake, is that what is happening here?

Rebecca
Rebecca
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

I really think a short video would be much better than photos for explaining something like this.

Mayra Cecilia
Admin
Noble Member
Reply to  Rebecca

Indeed! thank you for your suggestion.

Janis
Janis
Reply to  Sonja M

You are like the rest of us that can’t seem to get it.

Marilyn
Marilyn

Where do you start and finish when applying bias binding?

Mayra Cecilia
Admin
Noble Member
Reply to  Marilyn

You need to start away from the corners.

Elena
Elena
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

Away from the corner at least the same distance as the tape is wide. Also, start sewing with a 5 inch tail of bias tape/binding so that you will have sufficient excess to join the seam at the end for a perfect fit

Stella Boyd
Stella Boyd

I love making fleecy blankets for my grandchildren but I hate the binding part ,I have tried several methods but have never really been pleased with the outcome . I will try yours as it looks so simple. Thanx for the tutorial.

Sue
Sue

As a tutorial, it would be much easier to see if you used contrasting material. As it is it is very difficult to see.

jennifer
jennifer

Great tutorial – thanks so much! My first time using bias tape around corners and it came out almost perfect.

VivC
VivC

Hi Deby. I’ve just purchased your travel wallet pattern and can’t wait to make one. I’ve had a look at your hints and tips and am delighted with the support you are giving us sewers. I hope to make a successful item which I’ll be proud to use.
Many thanks

Anna McCoy

Thanks so much for this tutorial. I used to use my grandma as my go to knowledge base for all things sewing, but I lost her a few years ago. But I remember her doing exactly this. Thanks again.

Jack
Jack

Hi Deby, This is my very first time I have ever tried to sew. I am (trying) to make some gifts for my daughter for Christmas. I ran into a problem on the last corner. HELP.

Deby at So Sew Easy
Active Member
Reply to  Jack

What is the problem Jack? Why is your last corner different to the others? You just do it the same way.

Barbie
Barbie

You make it look so easy! It turned out beautifully, I can’t wait to try it 🙂

Marti

Thanks for sharing this helpful tip! Pinned! 🙂

Marti
Reply to  Marti

Congratulations! It was the most viewed last week! http://sewlicioushomedecor.com/saturday-showlicious-craft-recipe-showcase-5. Sorry I’m just now getting over here, I had family in town and we had so much fun.

Karen M
Karen M

Again you make it look so easy, always look forward for your post on Sunday mornings. Thanks Deby

Julie
Julie

I love your super easy to follow hints and tips – thanks!

katiasafia
katiasafia

je vous remercie pour tous ces trucs de couture

Deby at So Sew Easy
Active Member
Reply to  katiasafia

Vous êtes les bienvenus. Merci de laisser un commentaire.

Pauline
Pauline

thank you deby I am just about to border my picture quilt, this will be very helpful

freckledots

You know, I’ve been making and sewing on bias binding for the last few years and it is my most dreaded part of any project or quilt, but a necessary evil. I had never, in all the time doing it, thought to turn up the 45 degree angle BEFORE I got to the freaking edge. I had always just tried to guess where my seam would need to end. Sometimes it’s the simplest things. I also always try to stitch in the ditch on the return, but this looks really nice done on just the inside of the ditch. Think I’ll try that on this next quilt I’m supposed to bind.

Deby at So Sew Easy
Active Member
Reply to  freckledots

Thanks for being so kind! I know a lot of tutorials will tell you to stitch in the ditch to hide the stitches, but in all honesty, by sewing isn’t accurate enough to get every stitch in the right place, and wiggling about here and there only seems to end up looking worse. So I like to follow the edge of the binding and not try to hide the stitches. I think it turns out all right for most projects, but of course for the most precious of quilts etc, invisibly stitching down with hand would be the way to go to get the perfect finish. My time is too short to aim for perfect!

Danice

Thank you for this tutorial. I found you on SHOW-Licious’ Link Party 🙂

Vivien Levermore
Vivien Levermore

if you were a quilter you would be doing this all the time. Also it looks nice stitched down with a blanket/buttonhole stitch or one of the fancy embroidery stitches if your machine has them.

Misha
Misha

I hate bias binding because mine always comes out skew so I’ve signed up for a craftsy course on bias binding and edges. I’ve done lesson one and two and have already picked up some tips.

heather harris

You made that look so easy!

Deby at So Sew Easy
Active Member
Reply to  heather harris

It was a disaster my first time, but I just kept on trying until I got the hang of it. Then i wrote an article so that I could refer back later to how I did it!