Sewing on Binding - Part 3

Now that we've sewn on 2 different bias bindings that you use for armholes, necklines and anything that has a curved edge we are now going to do a binding edge that is more just for decorative reasons.  It's a contrast binding around a hem of a dress, top, sleeve, collar etc.  If you missed out on Part 1 and 2 from the last two weeks click here:  Part 1 and Part 2.

This is how I've done the binding edges on my dress hems for  Audrey Lane dresses.  It's quick, easy and finishes the hem off just nicely.

Ok, let's get started!

Cut your binding piece the width of the fabric x 3.2cm/1 1/4" 

DON'T CUT ON THE BIAS THIS TIME.

With the right side of the binding place it onto the wrong side of your garment.  Pin and sew 6mm/1/4" in from the edge.

Turn your garment over to the right side and fold the binding in to meet the edge of the garment.  Iron the binding flat.

Fold over again and pin.  

Make sure you cover up the stitching underneath.

Stitch the binding down on the inside edge.

Here's the finished project......or you can take it one step further...

Make another row of stitching on the outside edge of the binding.  

I always do this with my sewing projects as it gives the binding a crisper finish and looks great!

And that's it EASY, PEASY...... bindings are a great way to introduce contrast and interest to your garment.

Next week we are tackling another type of binding that is great for armholes and necklines!

Sewing on Binding - Part 5

Today I'm going to show you how to sew your bias binding around curves.  This is really great if you have a scalloped hemline on a top, skirt, sleeves or want a decorative edge on tea towels, cushions and other craft items.

This is the last sewing tip in my 5 Part series on sewing bindings.  If you want to view the other 4 posts please click on the links below:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

So let's get started!

Cut your binding on the bias (the same way I demonstrated in Parts 1 and 2) 3.2cm /1 1/4"wide.

Sew your bias pieces together.  Cut away the corners and then iron.

Get your scalloped piece of fabric ready....

With the right side of the bias piece next to the wrong side of the scalloped piece sew a seam 6mm/1/4" in from the edge.

Continue sewing till you get to the inner curve point of the scalloped edge.  With the needle still in the fabric lift the foot up and pivot the foot to be in line with the outer curve.  Continue sewing like this to the end.

This is how the first stage of sewing on your bias piece will look.  

Turn the scalloped piece of fabric over to the right side and fold the bias piece over twice and pin down making sure you are covering the previous stitching.

Stitch the bias piece down sewing on the inside edge.  When you get to the inner curve point make sure the needle is in the fabric before you lift the foot and turn to be in line with the outer curve. Continue sewing like this to the end. 

Voila! you are done!  You've just finished adding a bias binding trim to a curved edge.  Now go and create some more!

I hope you enjoyed this 5 Part series on attaching different bias bindings.  If you have any questions please don't hesitate to email me and I can help you out.

I'll be putting more tutorials together in the future but if there is something you would like to know 'how to do' please let me know in the comments below or by email and I'll put together a tutorial for you.

Sewing on Binding - Part 2

Ok, so this week I'm going to show you a binding that I use for lightweight fabric such as voile, knits, silks etc.  It is still a beautifully finished binding but it will be a lot quicker than the binding I showed you in Part 1 last week.

This dress is part of my Audrey Lane range of dresses for beautiful women.  It is made from the softest voile and to keep the light look and feel I made the binding the same as what I'm going to show you below.  The binding has been done around the neck and the sleeve hem. 

Let's get started!

Cut your binding on the bias (the same way I demonstrated in Part 1) 3.2cm/1 1/4" wide.  

Fold bias binding in half and iron.  

Attach your binding to the right side of your garment and sew together .6cm/1/4" stretching the binding ever so slightly.

Overlock/serve/zigzag stitch the edge.

Then top stitch close to the edge of the garment and binding on the right side and iron flat.

And here's what it looks like from the underside.

And that's it.  Easy Peasy!

Next week I'll show you how to do a binding that doesn't require it to be cut on the bias.