Binding Tape

Learn All About Bias Binding And How To Use It

One of the most common types of binding tape is bias binding. Evidently, this particular accessory can be used for many things in crafting projects. Using bias binding provides your garments with the professional finish you want to achieve, this includes finishes on the neckline and the armholes. But how do you use bias binding? And how do you choose the best bias binding for your project? Here is everything you need to know!

Do I Have To Use Bias Binding In Garment Construction?

Beginners often do not realise the important of bias binding in garment construction. However, there are numerous reasons why you should use bias binding, and these reasons go beyond clean aesthetics.

While it is true that bias binding completes your garment and gives it a lovely finish, they also prevent stretching in certain areas of the garment. For example, curved areas of a garment such as armholes and neckline can start to stretch, and this can damage them prematurely. By adding bias binding to your garment, you can prevent this common problem and increase the lifespan of your constructed garments.

What Is Bias Binding?

Bias binding can be described as a simple strip of fabric. Obviously, this fabric can be made with different fabric fibres to give the bias binding different properties.

When you make your own bias binding with fabric from Spotlight, it is recommended to cut the fabric at a 45-degree angle. You will find that most premade bias binding in our range is also cut in this manner, this ensures some additional flexibility and ensures it easily fits the curves on garments.

Why Choose Premade Bias Binding?

As a beginner, making your own bias binding can be quite complicated. There are lots of things involved, from matching the binding to your fabric to cutting it meticulously to form around the curves perfectly. As a result, it is usually better to purchase premade bias binding.

Premade bias binding usually comes in different widths, enabling you to cater to your garment's requirements. They are also made in different materials, mainly cotton and polyester cotton combinations.

When looking at premade bias binding, it is important to distinguish between single folded and double folded. While it does not matter much where application is concerned, it is good to mention here anyway. Just remember that the double folded bias binding has been folded one more time.

Please note that measurements of bias binding usually does not refer to the overall width of the bias binding when the fold are removed. Instead, it refers to the distance between the different folds of the bias binding. This often causes crafters to purchase bias binding that is too large for their needs. Of course, this does not apply to all suppliers. So, make sure you check how the measurements are displayed.

How Do I Make My Own Bias Binding?

As we mentioned before, it is not recommended to make your own bias binding if you are a beginner. There is much involved in this process and it does require some skill and precision. However, most intermediate crafters have no problem making their own, so it is something you can try yourself quite quickly.

When you make your own bias binding, it is important to choose the most suitable fabric for your needs. Overall, you should look for a lightweight fabric that has the ability to provide some structure and strength. Obviously, the material should also have some flexibility to ensure it goes around the curves of your garments without problems.

There are different methods to create bias binding, so it all depends on the techniques that feel most natural or effective for your project. It is worth buying some affordable fabric and testing different methods when you start making bias binding. By doing so, you can determine what works best for you and your particular style of dressmaking.

Premade Binding Tape And Bias Binding At Spotlight

When you do not want to tackle your own bias binding and interfacing materials just yet, you can take advantage of Spotlight's range of binding tape and bias binding. Our interfacing options come in various materials, ranging from cotton to polyester. We even have some fun reflective options for novelty garments. Discover all the options in the range today and benefit from sharp deals on each of our interfacing products.