How to make BINDING - mini tutorial

Instructions: How to make Bias Binding or Binding:

Bias binding forms a channel

Bias: Take your fashion fabric or a contrasting fabric for binding, and turning it diagonally, cut 2 ½” wide strips on the diagonal to create bias cut binding that overlaps on each side about 1/2" or so. Binding: Alternately you can cut your 2 ½” wide strips straight along the selvedge to create regular binding (cut on the straight grain). You can use the length or the width of the fabric for either bias or regular binding, or just leftover pieces and then seam them together. 

To continue: Iron the bias binding by turning over a seam (about 3/8”) and ironing it down an entire side, to the inside – the wrong side should be inside. Turn around 180 degrees and repeat this down the other side. This will form a channel with the right sides out. Now you have binding!
Alternately, there are some binding tools you can use, that are small metal, that can create it for you, then you simply iron it down.

Seaming bias binding together

Bias cut binding or binding can also be purchased (the stuff available in stores is generally poly or poly cotton blend), but binding is easy to make out of leftover yardage of fabric, and can be used for all sorts of purposes!

I use binding for my 18th/19th century hooded capes, for muff channels/binding, for my 18th century sewing kits or work bags. For trim on late 18th or early 19th century dresses. For hats, reticules and other accessories. You can also use binding to add a channel to the neckline of a gown, in order to gather up a neckline to fit. When you use binding as a gathering channel, you can have some real bulk based on the fabric used, so you may want to use a smaller seam allowance or make a channel that goes a bit away from the fashion fabric. Note: straight grain binding is said to be more HA and seen more often, but I use both and personally like the fabric give/hold of bias binding. 

For the 18th century 'housewife' or sewing kits: you will need enough bias binding to go all the way around the sewing kit. You will also want enough binding to go around the pin holder, the pocket, and to create the thread holder. You may also want a bit extra for decorating the pocket or alternate scissor holder.  Pictured below in bias binding used on an 18th century hooded cape.

And there you go, please leave a comment with any feedback or questions: I hope this mini tutorial was helpful!