I had never made or used bias binding before and was a little intimidated to try. Knowing I have to bind my DWR quilt with bias strips I thought I'd better practice the technique first on a smaller project. The Spoolin' Around table topper needed bias binding because it is a circle so it was the perfect test.
I used the continuous bias tube method to create one long strip of binding. There is a formula in my favourite reference book, Better Homes and Gardens Complete Guide to Quilting, for calculating the length of a continuous bias strip that can be cut from a square (the square area divided by the desired width of the bias strip) and I determined I needed a 12-1/2" square to get just over 60" of binding. Turned out I was a little short so I still ended up cutting a single bias strip and joining it on the diagonal (therefore, I inadvertently experienced both methods!).
It took me two tries to sew the second seam of the tube after lining up the drawn lines, offset by one. I used the McCall's video lesson and tried to copy what was demonstrated but it was quite awkward! I did manage to cut a continuous strip, which is nice so that you don't have to seam a bunch of strips together, but whether or not I got true bias binding, I don't know!
All the directions I've found for bias are not complete in that they tell you how to make the bias but offer no guidance to actually stitching it down. I did re-watch the Finishing School: Edges & Bindings, with Mimi Dietrich Craftsy class which was great for showing how to apply the bias binding to a scalloped edge - just what I need when it comes to binding the Double Wedding Ring quilt. (That class is amazing, by the way. There are so many great tips and tricks and I need them all!) However, I couldn't find any instruction for joining the two ends of the binding (if there is a special way to do that for bias) so I had to give it a try myself and I just did it the regular way. My binding was a bit long but I eased it in.
I am very happy with my first attempt and am pleased to say the table topper lies completely flat! The binding is fairly smooth and even and was not difficult to attach at all. I hand-stitched the binding down on the back which went very quickly. I am certainly more prepared now than I was but am open to any advice, experiences, hints, or links you may have regarding bias binding. Please let me know what your preferred method is for cutting bias as well: the tube method, strips, folded triangles, etc. Thanks!
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