25 July 2012

DIY: double fold binding tape

I know, TWO tutorials in one day.  Amazing!!  They went together so I felt it only made sense to post them together...right!?   :)

This is a great binding for home decor projects because it is made with raw edges tucked into the binding center.  This is not the type of binding I use for my quilts.  

Keep in mind, this is NOT bias tape.  "Bias" suggests it was cut from the fabric at an angle.  This tape was simply cut straight across the fabric.

Here is a tutorial for making 1/2" double fold binding tape. 

What you'll need:
2 1/4" x WOF strip (if you need more then one WOF, stitch multiple lengths together to get your desired length)
iron and ironing board

Here is an image to show where the finished pressed edges will be.


1.  Begin by pressing your strip in half lengthwise.


2.  Open your seam and fold one long raw edge toward the pressed line you just made (the center of the strip).  You want the raw edge to be just shy of the binding center to reduce bulk when it is finished.


3.  Repeat with the other long raw edge.  Be sure to press it just shy of the center as you did with the other edge.


4.  Now fold in half along your first press line.  If you want to press that fold again, go for it!


That's it!  Like I said, it's great as binding for home decor projects (like this and this) because the raw edges are folded into the binding.