This blog post isn't about the techniques to create binding or how to attach it to a quilt... I'll be talking about why I use bias binding for some projects and why it doesn’t matter for others!
The purpose of binding a quilt is to protect the edges from damage. For example, if it lays on a bed and hits the ground, or if it is washed a lot. Edges can take also take a beating when quilts are folded and handled. My rule of thumb is to always use double fold, bias binding on bed quilts.
Almost all shirt cuffs are cut on the straight of grain and have a strong stabilizer in them. After a lot of wear and washing, the edges start to fray like - this shirt cuff below. This is because as the edges get weaker and break because they are all along the same strand of thread. If bindings on these items were sewn on the bias, the edges would not become weaker and weaker and eventually fray.
I use bias to enhance my wall hangings. Since it’ll never be dragged, hit the floor, handled or washed frequently, I know it will not fray. It’s only there to frame the piece, and can be any width I choose. Here are some examples:
Below is my quilt “Where are Your Boys” - see how I extended the road out into the binding, so give a little interest out in the binding? Have a look at the other quilts on my website for more inspiration, about how to add interest to your quilts!
If you have any other questions, email me at sandysimmelink@hotmail.com!