Bias Binding : Learn Seam Binding Guide

Sewing projects will never be completed if you don’t know how to seam bind. Binding a seam is necessary for a number of reasons. The main reason is that it will prevent fabric’s thread and composition from unraveling during washing activities and at the same time seam binding is also done for aesthetic purposes.

Seam binding may be done using one of these three methods: French binding, bias binding, and piping. In all three methods, the very first step in seam binding is to first do stay stitching, meaning loosely stitching the raw edges of the fabric by about 1.9cm. This is to give stability to the cloth. The following bias binding method is considered the most basic way of seam binding.

In bias binding, you have to cut a piece of cloth on the bias with the width four times greater than the width of the finished garment. Next you have to fold the edges inward in order to meet the crease and then press it flat for the second time. The binding strip is then used to cover the seams and is actually sewn in place. You may use a sewing machine to do this or just make a slip stitch manually to secure the binding strip.

Good seam binding is a must as a poorly bound seam is the symbol of a “homemade” garment. Usually tailors and seamstresses would like the finished product to be something that looks like it belongs to the display window of a boutique. This is because people also look for that kind of quality when shopping. That is why your seams and hems should be perfect. Believe it or not, an outdated piece of clothing can be turned into the in thing in fashion just by changing the type of seam or hem made.

Getting to Know Embroidery Thread

Selecting which machine embroidery thread to use is not that easy. This is because of the many options available. What you would need to do for you to choose the perfect embroidery thread is to get to know the kinds of embroidery thread there are and their uses.

• Rayon thread – is the most popular embroidery thread probably because of its availability and its nice sheen as well as its good performance or endurance. In fact, rayon thread is not prone to fraying/breaking even when high speed stitching is done.
• Polyester embroidery thread – is considered as really economical and also provides a nice effect that is similar to what rayon thread can give. It also comes in various colours just like rayon and it is the embroidery thread that is shrink-free as well as fade-free. Polyester embroidery thread is mostly used in children’s clothing.
• Cotton embroidery thread – is an embroidery thread characterised by its soft and lovely sheen. It is mostly used in automatic embroidery machines and is also said to perform well. It is a thread with finer texture but is said to be weaker as compared to polyester and rayon.
• Silk thread – it is an embroidery thread that is a great dye absorber and is said to be a special type of embroidery thread. It sews smoothly without the breakage that is why it is considered as one of the strongest embroidery threads available. Take note though that the silk thread is more expensive and is not that easy to find. That is why this type of thread is used in more luxurious sewing projects.

Knowing the different types of embroidery threads would give you an idea on which embroidery thread to choose for your sewing project. You may choose only one or may combine two or more embroidery thread types into your designs.