Continuous bias binding tutorial

Sometimes I think I am a "self-taught" quilter... but the reality is I'm a tutorial-taught quilter!

I first learned this method from this tutorial, and it is now pretty much all I use for binding.  I love it! :)

(I apologize for the unedited nature of these photos -- I wanted to get them up)

• Trim selvages.  Fold one selvage down so it is along the bottom edge.  Cut along fold.

• Turn the triangle you just cut off over, and line up your selvage edges.  Sew together to make a large parallelogram.

• Press seam open

• Starting at one side, draw lines 2.25' from edge.

• Draw a bunch of lines, all across the length of fabric, trimming excess at the end.

• It's hard to see, but that's a "0" next to the first line there.  Start your numbering on top at "0" and number each line.

• Start your bottom numbering at 1, and count up from there.

• Right-sides together, pin at the intersection of each number (the 1's together, the 2's etc.)  There will be an off-set (this is what you want).

• The fabric kind of twists

• Sew the seam you just pinned, and press open.  Here's what your off-set will look like.

• You now have a twisty-tube of fabric.  Starting on one end, use scissors to cut on the lines.  I usually put the fabric on my arm like a sleeve.

The result!  Lots and lots of bias binding!  (see the link at the top for measurement information). :)

*Fabric is Nicey Jane by Heather Bailey.

I used the binding on this quilt

Notes for newbies - hand quilting tutorial

The center appliqué section of my (soon to be coming) modabakeshop tutorial calls for hand quilting. 

It was the first time I'd ever tried it.  I hope this helps save you some trial and error!


Anna Maria Horner recently posted a tutorial on hand-quilting.  I wish this had been done before I started; her tutorial is excellent, and also a great resource.


(Click on the pictures to read the text)

Hiding the knot:

Quilting along:

Hiding the ending knot:

When you fail to hide the knot:

So pretty at the end. :)

A few final thoughts:

- You need an embroidery needle, but it will save your fingers if you use a smaller, rather than larger one.  I'd use the smallest size you can find that will fit the thread.

- A thimble helps

- Most quilters would tell you to use a hoop; I didn't.

- The thread here is Perle cotton No. 8 in assorted coordinating colors.  I found mine here.

- Hand quilting is great to have on hand when the baby falls asleep in the car and you don't want to wake him, or you want to sit in front of the TV and still do something.

Notes for newbies - Oz bricks appliqué tutorial

As mentioned in my (soon to be coming) modabakeshop tutorial, Natalia has a great tutorial on starch appliqué.

If you prefer to use fusible, these notes might be helpful to you.  I used this tutorial by Elizabeth Hartman (from Oh Fransson!) to learn initially.

I use freezer paper to stabilize the back, Heat 'n Bond lite as my fusible webbing, and a fabric pencil to trace when necessary.

I hope you find these helpful!

Click on the pictures to read the text.

Fusible method:

Starch method:

After placing a towel on your ironing board, starch the heck out of the base and pieces to appliqué.

Pin or glue your piece pieces down, and straight, blanket, or free-motion stitch down.  

For the name, I like to use the blanket stitch.  

Adding letters is simple if you're using the starch method.

Simply print and cut out, trace on to solid fabric (don't forget to check right vs. wrong side if you're using a non-solid fabric)

Cut out, and sew on.

Really not as scary as it seems.