Tips for Sewing Binding

Outlined below are two easy methods to sew bias binding onto your next sewing project to add detail to pockets, drawstrings, etc.

TOOLS: You can either use your general presser foot

or a edge seam foot like the 1/4" seam foot. Check your little kitty of machine feet. This one often comes with your sewing machine. 

BINDING: You can use your own custom binding or store-bought binding. If you wish to learn how to cut and make your own custom binding, click here for a short tutorial.

1. One Step Binding

This is the way I sew on binding. It's super fast & easy. You basically treat the garment  like a sandwich: the main part of your garment is the filler & your binding is the bread.

Here i've used 18mm single fold binding & a 1/4" seam foot.

1) Align the edge of the fabric with the side of the foot;

2) Move the needle over to the left so it sits perfectly in the little hole;

3) With right side facing up, sandwich the garment between the folds of the binding where you wish to sew the binding.

4) Straight stitch along the edge of the binding, making sure you have caught the underneath edge of the binding too (on the wrong side of the fabric).

Here I've used 18mm single fold binding & a normal presser foot. The same process applies. Align the edge of the binding & move the needle to the perfect position.

1. Two Step Binding

Here is the 2-Step method on a pocket.