What’s the difference between Quilt Binding and Bias Tape?

Quilt binding and Bias tape. Are they the same or different? Which one is better to use? The simple answer is it depends on your project! Let’s look at the main differences so we’ll know which one to use when it comes to finishing the raw edges of your next project.
 
Bias tape is made from fabric strips (or tape) that have been cut on the bias or diagonal of the fabric. The bias of the fabric has more stretch to it and by cutting it on the diagonal, it will give you an end product with more flexibility which comes in handy when using it around curved edges. If it is cut on the straight grain of the fabric, it would be a bit too stiff when used around a curve like for instance a neck line or baby bib’s round edges. It is usually pressed in single fold or double fold.
 
Store bought bias tape comes in a variety of colors, single or double fold, various widths and lengths and is relatively cheap which makes it convenient. On the other hand it is easy and fun to make your own bias tape out of the exact fabric of choice you want for your project.
 
Quilt binding is used to bind a quilt or in other words cover the raw edges of the whole “quilt sandwich”. Fabric strips for the binding are cut on the straight grain of the fabric. As mentioned earlier, it will be less flexible, but since quilt edges are usually straight, it would not be a problem as with curves. Quilters usually make this themselves and most of the time choosing the fabric for the binding is as much part of picking fabrics for the rest of the quilt.
 
Let’s take a look at how to make the two types of binding:

Bias Tape

You will need:
Cotton fabric - your specific project will determine the amount
Clear ruler
Fabric marker
Rotary cutter or scissors
Pins
Iron
Bias tape maker (optional) - they come in different sizes
 
Bias tape is cut on the bias which means it is cut at a 45° angle or on the diagonal of the fabric. Find the true bias by folding the fabric diagonally so that the straight edge of the crosswise grain is parallel to the lengthwise grain (the selvedge edge).

Press the diagonal fold. The fold will be your guide for cutting diagonal strips.

Method 1
Open the fabric. On the wrong side of the fabric, measure 1 inch from the fold on both sides, draw a line and cut a strip. The amount of strips you’ll need will depend on the project.
 
Note: the width and type of bias binding (single or double fold) will determine the width of the strips you cut. For instance, for 0.25 inch double fold bias tape, you will need to cut 1 inch wide strips: 0.25 x 4 = 1 inch.

To join the strips, pin two binding strips right sides together, with little triangles extending on each side. It will look like an upside down V. Use a ¼ inch seam allowance, stitch and press open. The seam will sit at a 45° angle.

Use a bias tape maker and press the long edges of the binding towards the middle. This can be done by hand too if you don’t have a bias tape maker. Pin the beginning of the binding in place so it doesn’t shift.

You can keep the binding like this for single fold bias tape or fold it again lengthwise for double fold bias tape.

Method 2
If joining bias strips individually sounds too time consuming to you, with this method you can join the bias strips all at the same time.
 
Find the bias of the fabric as described earlier. Cut off the opposite corner triangles so your fabric resembles a parallelogram.

Use a fabric marker and on the wrong side of the fabric, mark strips in the desired width. Do not cut them apart.

Mark a ¼ inch seam allowance along the lengthwise grain (the top and bottom edges).

Fold the bottom edge (lengthwise grain edge) across to the top edge, right sides together. Once the edges are lined up, move the top fabric layer one strip marking over so it will match the second strip marking on the bottom fabric layer. Pin in place. Make sure the marked seam allowance and strips are lined up. It will form a sort of tube.

Stitch on the marked seam line. Press seam open.

Start at one end and cut along the marked line all the way to the opposite end. This will give you one long continuous bias strip. 

Use a bias tape maker or by hand and press the tape as described earlier.

Quilt Binding

You will need:
Cotton fabric - the size of your quilt will determine the amount
Clear ruler
Fabric marker
Pins
Rotary cutter or scissors
Iron
 
Quilt binding is usually cut on the straight grain, although bias tape could be used too. Horizontal or vertical cuts will work, but the design on the fabric will have to be kept in mind and might determine the direction.
 
To calculate the amount of fabric, the perimeter of the quilt plus 10 inches, the width of the strips and the width of the fabric will need to be taken in consideration.
 
Cut strips in the width of your choice. Personally I like to cut my binding strips anywhere between 2 and 2½ inches wide.

The strips will then be joined at a 45° angle. Take two strips, place them perpendicular to each other, draw a diagonal line as pictured. Stitch.

Trim the excess (I leave a ¼ inch seam allowance) and press seam open.

Fold in half lengthwise and press. This is now ready for binding your quilt.

For a more in depth post on how to bind a quilt, check out my previous tutorial here.
 
Note: there are numerous online binding calculators to help you calculate the amount of fabric needed for a project.