NEW Tutorial: Attaching and Joining Double Fold Bias Binding
Back in Jan 2013 we published this tutorial showing you how to sew and join together double fold bias binding. We use this binding a-plenty in our patterns and this method has served us (and hopefully you!) well for both armholes and necklines….until now! Here is our NEW tutorial showing a different and – we think – much, MUCH easier method on attaching and joining double fold binding. Are you ready?
IMPORTANT: Cut your bias binding strip ends at 45 degree angles and ensure that both ends are cut in the SAME direction. Note: bindings are cut longer so you will need to check measure bindings around armholes before cutting off any excess.
Press binding in half lengthways (wrong sides together), taking care not to stretch when pressing and making sure raw edges are flush. Note: when the binding is pressed in half the angled end will be shorter on one side (see image above).
Pin raw edges of folded binding to armhole edge and starting approx 2″ away from side seam towards the front garment. This will help to avoid adding bulk to the underarm seam. Place a pin 1/2″ in from from angled cut edge (see images above).
(Note: As you pin bias around armhole edge, stretch the binding (ever so slightly) on the curve of the front)
Continue pinning other side of binding end to overlap pin point (1) and place a pin (2) to correspond the position. Open up folded binding at point 2 and chalk mark position on straight grain of binding and at the same angle of bias end. Cut on chalk mark 2 only.
Place right sides of angled ends of bias binding together,
Very clear tutorial – thank you. Does anyone have any tips to help with the situation where the armscye edge looks flat but where the binding is sewn down looks tight causing the armscye to poke out a bit like a flange? Heck, was that as clear as mud? I'm having a lot of trouble getting a nice finish there and am about to abort future attempts!
I am having difficulty with the binding also. Seems the binding, once turned, has to cover a larger neckline area and will not lie flat. Help any suggestions.
Thanks so much for this tutorial – used it over the weekend twice and found it so much easier than my old method. VERY grateful!
This is wonderful, I have made two Eva dresses and used various YouTube sites to complete the bias binding (my first ever efforts at creating bias binding). So these steps even better. Thank you