How to sew bias binding around corners?

Sewing bias binding around corners, especially sharp 90-degree corners, requires specific techniques to create a neat, flat finish. A common and professional method is the mitered corner.

Here's how to sew bias binding around corners using the mitered technique, based on the visual guidance of creating a neat mitered corner and the sewing tip "Don't try to sew too close to the folded Edge" as seen in the reference:

Preparing and Attaching Bias Binding

Bias binding is cut on the bias (45-degree angle) of the fabric, allowing it to stretch and curve smoothly, which is essential for navigating corners.

1. Prepare Your Binding: Ensure your bias binding is folded and pressed correctly, usually with raw edges meeting in the middle and then folded again. You can use single-fold or double-fold bias binding. Double-fold binding is typically easier for finishing edges.
2. Start Sewing: Begin sewing the bias binding onto the raw edge of your fabric item. If using double-fold binding, align the raw edge of your fabric with the inner fold line of the binding. Start sewing about 1/4 inch or 6mm from the beginning of your binding strip, leaving a tail for joining later. Stitch along the crease closest to the raw edge of your fabric.

Creating the Mitered Corner

The corner technique is crucial for a crisp finish.

1. Sew to the Corner: Stitch the bias binding along the edge until you reach the point where you want the corner to be. Stop exactly at the corner point (or just before, depending on your desired seam allowance) and backstitch slightly. Cut your thread.
2. Fold Up: Take the bias binding strip and fold it up at a 45-degree angle away from the corner edge you were just sewing along. The raw edge of the binding should align with the next raw edge of your fabric. This creates a diagonal fold.
3. Fold Down: Now, fold the bias binding down along the next edge of your fabric. The folded edge of the binding should align perfectly with the raw edge of your fabric along the second side of the corner. The previous fold (the 45-degree one) is now tucked neatly underneath, creating a triangular shape at the corner.
4. Start Sewing Again: Begin sewing the binding onto the second side of the corner, starting your stitches right at the very top edge where the binding meets the corner. Sew downwards along this edge, securing the folded binding.

Sewing the Miter

After stitching the first side of the binding down all the way around the project, you will flip the binding over to the other side of the fabric and stitch it down again to enclose the raw edge. When you get to the corner:

1. Fold the Corner: As you fold the binding over to the other side, the excess fabric at the corner should naturally form a diagonal fold – this is your miter. Fold this excess fabric inward neatly to create a sharp 45-degree angle at the corner. Pin or clip it in place.
2. Stitch the Miter: When sewing this second pass (often called "stitching in the ditch" or edge stitching) to secure the binding on the reverse side, stitch carefully around the corner. The reference highlights the importance of making a neat mitered corner. As you sew over the folded mitered section, follow the tip: "Don't try to sew too close to the folded Edge." Sewing slightly away from the very edge of the miter will help prevent stitches from slipping off and will make the miter lay flatter and look cleaner. Stitch along the edge of the binding, capturing the mitered corner neatly as you go.

Repeat these steps for each corner around your project.

Table: Corner Sewing Summary

By following these steps, you can achieve professional-looking mitered corners when applying bias binding, enhancing the finish of your sewing projects.