How to make bias binding

Cut strips at 45 degrees to the selvedge, join them with diagonal seams, then press the edges in, ideally with a bias tape maker.

Pinny's tip
A bias tape maker gadget makes pressing much easier; the width is printed on it.

What you'll need

• Fabric: lightweight cotton works well.
• Rotary cutter, ruler and mat: for straight strips.
• Bias tape maker (optional): to fold the edges.

Step by step

1. Fold the fabric so the crosswise edge lines up with the selvedge, making a 45-degree fold.
2. Cut strips parallel to the fold, at twice the finished width.
3. Join strips right sides together at right angles and sew diagonally.
4. Trim and press the seams open.
5. Feed through a bias tape maker and press, or fold both edges to the centre and press.

Common mistakes

• Joining strips straight. Diagonal seams are less bulky.
• Stretching while pressing. It narrows.
• Cutting off-bias. It won’t curve smoothly.

Watch it done

• Tutorial: How to Make Bias Tape for Garment Sewing by Seamwork on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• DIY Bias Tape / The Easiest Way by Jan Howell on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• DIY Continuous Bias Binding - Super Fast Sewing Tutorial! by SewCanShe on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.

Sources

All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Tilly and the Buttons: How to Make Your Own Bias Binding
2. The Sewing Directory: How to use a bias making tool
3. YouTube: Tutorial: How to Make Bias Tape for Garment Sewing (Seamwork)
4. YouTube: DIY Bias Tape / The Easiest Way (Jan Howell)
5. YouTube: DIY Continuous Bias Binding - Super Fast Sewing Tutorial! (SewCanShe)