How To Sew A Binded Edge with Mitered Corners

When creating flat projects, such as placemats, quilts... even roman shades... you may want to bind the raw edges of the fabric instead of hemming them.

Multiple layers of fabric can become quite thick. And to hem the edges, you would have to fold the edges over... creating a super thick piece on your project. Then you have to try to squeeze this thick folded material under your presser foot... and it will be stiff because of all that bulk.

So, if hemming the edges is not an option, what do you instead?

You bind the edges. This is a simple process of folding fabric strips around the raw edges and sewing the strips to the project. Thus creating a finished edge that adds to the overall look of the design.

It's easy and I'm going to show you how!

Make the Binding-------------------
You can buy binding tape in a store, or you can make your own. Making your own is ideal if you want to bind your project with a specific fabric or color. And if you want to have wider binding than you can find in stores.

Step 1. Cut long strips of fabric

For a trim that is 1/2" wide, you will cut strips that are 2 1/2" wide. You will need enough for all raw edges of your project plus 2"

If you decided that you are binding the edge of a roman shade, you will want a wide trim. The thinner the trim, the stiffer the edge... and for a roman shade, you want those edges to me on the looser side. Choose a trim that will end up being about 4" wide. You will need strips of fabric that are 17" wide.

The rule of thumb is, you want strips that are 4 times the final width of the trim PLUS twice the seam allowance.

For a thin trim around a quilt or placemat you only need 1/4" of seam allowance. For something larger like a roman shade or large blanket, you should sew with a 1/2" seam allowance.

Now if this is a lot of info to absorb, just read through the rest of this lesson, and it will make more sense.

Step 2. Piece your strips of fabric together with 1/4" seams to achieve the length of binding strips you will need to bind all raw edges.

Step 3. Press the seams open

Step 4. Fold in one side edge 1" and press

Step 5. Fold the strip lengthwise in half and press well.


Bind the Edges-------------------
Step 1. Lay your project right side up

Click here to read the rest of this article with photos and diagrams...