Burda Style For people who sew

There are lots of great tutorials out there for working with bias binding. One of my favorite ways of using bias binding on a neckline or an armhole is doing the french bias binding method. In this method, the bias strip (usually 2" wide) is folded in half when attached and therefore a double thickness of fabric. There are two ways to attach the binding: 1) Topstitch or blind slip stitch from the front 2) Stitch in the Ditch from the front I'm going to show you how to do the topstitching method and then explain the stitch in the ditch method! This and other tutorials on my "blog":http://uglycutedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/07/french-bias-binding-tutorial.html

Technique Materials

raw edge of garment to bind like a neckline, armsyce, or even a hem 2" wide bias tape (purchased or made by hand) sewing machine iron hand sewing needle and thread

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8 Comments

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  Mar 12, 2012, 05.16 PMby cheesesandwich

  Tried to give a five rating but came out as 3! I tried this today to add some patterned binding to the sleeve edges of a child’s t-shirt. Really easy, and really pleased littley!
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  Jan 4, 2012, 11.02 PMby wardrobe-cat

  One of my prefered ways of attaching bias. Much more control. Thanks for your tutorial.
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  Aug 11, 2011, 02.25 PMby melanee

  Thank you for this tutorial it is easy to understand. I have used this method, but hate all the pinning. Thank you Karen also, for the idea of using washable glue!!
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  Aug 10, 2011, 07.51 AMby ttnora

  I’ve just written a similar post on my blog: http://fuszeres-szinek.blogspot.com/2011/07/ferdepant-bias-binding.html :-) Your version is very understandable, congratulations.
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  Aug 10, 2011, 03.53 AMby Karen Alexander

  One suggestion – ditch the pins! Simplify and make your sew down of the binding much more accurate. Use Washable Elmer’s School Glue (NOT ALL PURPOSE… must be the washable school variety). Put a tiny bead of glue along the neck edge (instead of pins). Iron the binding over the glue – it will dry instantly exactly where and how you want it! No PINS! This creats the best looking binding ever! I use it on all my quilts, and now, on a lot of clothing too. Great for summer’s sleeveless styles here in Texas! I learned the glue technique from award winning quilter Sharon Schamber at a workshop here earlier this year. It really freed me from hours of pinning long bindings, and the wonky, uneven bindings that causes!
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  Aug 10, 2011, 02.20 AMby desm88

  What a great method! Thank you so much for the tutorial :)
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  Aug 10, 2011, 12.21 AMby qml347

  great tutorial i am thinking of making a t shirt and this would help a lot when doing the neck binding thanks
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  Jul 14, 2011, 04.01 AMby loyl8

  thanks! going to give it a try