tutorial: sew contrast bias binding

after stitching up yesterday’s shorts, I decided to use whipping up a second pair as an excuse to show you an alternate way to apply the contrast bias binding.

this method works well for shorts – shown are the fab free city gym shorts pattern by purl soho – but can also be used for finishing necklines, arms, and even hems on a wide variety of garments.

one.

cut 1-5/8″ strips of fabric on the bias. fold in half and press to mark crease.

two.

serge to finish one edge of bias strip. alternatively, you could cut with pinking shears or use strips of knit fabric because they won’t fray.

three.

pin unfinished edge of bias strip right sides together (RST) with raw edge of pattern piece.

four.

stitch with 3/8″ seam allowance.

five.

press bias strip and seam allowance away from garment.

six.

fold bias strip to wrong side of garment along creased line. pin and press, using steam to help any curved areas lay flat.

seven.

top-stitch close to seam line, taking care to catch trim on wrong side of garment.

and there you have it, easy peasy contrast bias binding!

Brenna picked out the fabrics, and these shorts are just perfect for these prints from Arizona by April Rhodes for Art Gallery Fabrics. the trim is shot cotton from Finch Sewing Studio… isn’t that color just fabulous?

The 2014 Shorts on the Line sewalong is sponsored by: Britex Fabrics, Hawthorne Threads, miss matatabi, and Soak Wash. Hosted by imagine gnats, small friendly, and Kollabora.

happy stitching!
xo, rachael

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