French Bias Binding Tutorial!

A sample I had to make for my FIDM sewing binder that I thought I would share...

French Bias Binding!

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 double thickness of fabric.

There are two ways to attach the binding:

1) Topstitch 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!

1.  Above you see my neckline sample and a 2" wide bias strip.

2.  Fold bias tape in half, wrong sides together.  Match the raw edges of the folded bias tape to the raw edge of the wrong side of neckline.  Sew a 1/4" seam around the neckline.  

3.  Press the bias binding and the seam allowances up.  

4.  Fold the binding over to the right side just covering up the line of stitching.

5.  Pin in place (If you are real good, it's unnecessary).

6.  Edge stitch the binding from the right side and you are done!

 You can also hand stitch the binding down using a slip stitch (a blind stitch in which you stitch about 1/4" in the fold or tunnel of the binding, then take a small 1-2 thread "bite" of the main fabric, then continue back into the fold).


Okay so the other way you can do this is:

1)  Fold bias tape in half, wrong sides together.  Match the raw edges of the folded bias tape to the raw edge of the RIGHT side of neckline.  Sew a 1/4" seam around the neckline.

2) Press the bias binding and the seam allowances up.

3) Fold the binding over to the WRONG side just covering up the line of stitching.

4)   Pin in place.

5) Stitch in the ditch from the RIGHT side catching the folded over bias tape on the back.  

Hope this was helpful!  This is also a great way to bind quilts.  Very sturdy, and crisp.  

Also, thanks Nonissima for becoming the newest follower!