Binding vs. Bias Tape?
Before writing this post I didn’t realize there was that much of a difference between bias tape and binding. I thought that bias tape and binding were the same thing—their only difference being whether or not they were cut on a straight grain or on the bias. Well apparently there is a difference. Not only is there a difference between bias tape and binding, but there are “single fold” & “double fold” in both categories.
In this post, I will touch base on the difference between bias tape and binding. I will also include a tutorial on how to apply single fold bias tape and double fold binding to a project with mitered corners—and tell you which one I like best.
* The word binding is used interchangeably and can get really confusing.
Bias Tape
Bias Tape is made by cutting fabric on a 45 degree angle giving it a little stretch. There are several good tutorials out there that show you step by step how to cut on the bias. I make mostly straight edge projects so I don’t cut on the bias very often. I do however make my quilt binding with the same tool that is used to make bias tape. You can make it yourself or purchase a handy little tool like this one.
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. Thanks for your support.
I love my tool. It has four different sizes and it also included a presser foot for my machine. However, when finishing my quilts I don’t use the presser foot. I have used it on several other projects such as my pillow case dresses. I also really liked the binding clips it came with so I got a whole set as well.
Double fold bias is simple single fold bias that has been folded over.
Binding
Binding can be cut on the straight grain or on the bias. Double fold, like the picture above shows, is easily made at home. It is one strip of fabric folded over once. This is then sewn onto the project. It is then folded around the edge of the project and stitched in place.
I honestly thought the above was single fold binding not double. However, with a little research it turns out that single fold binding is actually an unfolded piece of fabric that is sewn to the edge of a project, which is then wrapped to the back, folded and stitched in place.
Sounds just like double fold? However, double fold binding actually sews two layers to the front before wrapping around to the back whereas single fold there is only one layer sewn to the front of the project.
How to Bind a Quilt using Single Fold Bias Tape
*If this is a mini quilt and you plan on hanging it, check out how I hang my own mini quilts before I attach the binding here.
Before I start sewing bias tape I fold back the edge shown below. I do this because of how I finish the binding.
Leaving a 3” or longer tail, begin sewing in the “ditch” of the bias fold. Make sure to leave a tail.
Sew till you get to a 1/4 away from the end. Place your needle down and turn your project on an angle and stitch to the corner.
You do not need to back stitch here. Pull your piece out.
Fold the bias tape as shown in the pictures above. Beginning at the top, stitch in the ditch and sew to the next corner. *Repeat for all four corners.
After doing the final corner, sew till you get close to your 3” tail that you left.
Layer your remaining bias binding on top of the beginning tail and stitch in the ditch till you reach your beginning stitches. Trim any excess bias tape.
Finally, fold over your bias binding to the back and stitch in place. I hand stitch mine. I start on the angled fold in the front and work towards the back of my piece, before going around the entire project. You can see that in the photos below.
How to Bind a Quilt using Double Fold Binding
I sew double fold binding very similar to how I sew single fold bias tape. Just as I fold back the edge of my bias tape before I begin, I also do that to my binding. I also follow the same steps as above. The only exception is that I don’t have a “ditch” to sew into. I sew this binding on at 1/4 inch.
The Results
After doing both single fold bias and double fold binding I have determined I like single fold bias better. UPDATE: I like double fold now. Below I explain why I used to prefer single fold but that was with my old sewing machine. I have since gotten a new machine that can take thicker seams and I have improved my skill overall. I also machine bind my quilts from start to finish now. No hand stitching here. (However, I saw a fun way to make large stitch binding that I am going to try)
- My machine is finicky when it comes to the thickness of my project. Single fold bias only added one layer of fabric whereas double fold binding added two
- I am blessed to have a bias tape maker and that made making the binding easy.
- I also like how I have a guide with the “ditch” to sew into.
- My mitered corners were better with the single fold bias vs. the double fold binding—I think it was due to the thickness of the material with the double fold binding.
So there you have it. My choice is single fold bias. What do you like to use?
Starting to Bloom by choosing JOY—Julia
