1. Determine the width of the strips needed.(Usually 2¼"-2½").
2. Measure the perimeter of the quilt. (Measure all four sides.) Add
6" -10" for turning
corners and seams. This is the length.
3. Multiply the width needed for the binding and times the length.
This gives you square inches.
4. Find the square root of the square inches either by math or by
calculator. If the number is uneven,
round it out to the larger whole.
For instance, if the number is 18.2, cut a square 19".
After you have determined how much fabric you need for your bias tube, cut square in half.
Putting right sides together, (pieces look like a pair of trousers), sew edges in ¼" seam. and press open.
With ruler, mark 6" strip, the width of your bias. In this case 2¼". Right sides together, match A's and B's. Sew in ¼" seam.Press seam open. You now have a bias tube. Cutting hint: If you have a small or distorted olfa mat cut to your ironing board shape, place the tube on the mat and ironing board and continue the 2¼" cut with your cutter turning the tube until you have it all cut. You might wind up with an uneven end, discard that part.
Fold bias in half lengthwise. Letting a few inches of bias hang,and keeping raw edges together, stitch to within ¼". Turn with needle in fabric and backstitch off edge.
Make fold in bias by folding upward,then down and letting bias follow raw edge. Stitch to within ¼". Continue all around to within few inches of finishing.
To finish off, mark dots on one edge of start of bias ¼" away from end, (you might have to trim the loose
flap, read hint) overlap opposite end and mark corresponding dots where the ends would meet.
CAUTION: The illustration does not show the overlap. Add ¼" SA and stitch matching dots.
An alternative and easier method (You might have to trim both edges to fit) would be to turn the beginning
bias under ¼" and place the end of bias over the start and complete the stitching down along the edge.
HINT: To facilitate bias corners do not have seam too close to the corners.
Turn bias to the back and hand stitch being careful not to catch stitches in the front of the quilt.