• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
TREASURIE
  • FREE PATTERNS
  • Sewing
    • Techniques
    • How to Sew
    • Embroidery
    • Quilting
    • Face Mask
    • Fashion Types
    • Fabric Care
    • Fabric Types
    • Sewing Tools
  • Crochet
  • Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Tie Dye
    • Paper Crafts
    • Paper Mache
    • Cricut
    • Christmas
  • SHOP
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Pattern Shop
  • Sewing
  • Sewing Projects
  • Crochet
  • Knitting
  • Crafts
×

Home » Sewing » Sewing Techniques

Bias Bound Seam - Binding Seams in 3 Steps

Sharing is caring!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Print

The bias bound seam is just the right trim to add a splash of color and energy to a jacket without lining. Binding seams is a simple, stylish kind of finish used on thicker fabrics and quality garments. This classic seam finish also offers a practical seam neatening that is lasting and bound to keep the adventurous seamstress intrigued.

Bias Bound Seam, binding seams
Bias Bound Seam | Binding Seams

Contents

  • What is a bias bound seam?
  • How do you sew a bias bound seam?
    • Step 1 - Sew the Seam
    • Step 2 - Encase the Raw Edge
    • Step 3 - Stitch
  • Bias Bound Seam vs Hong Kong Finish
  • Bias Bound Seam - The End result
  • More Articles On Bias Tape

What is a bias bound seam?

A bias bound seam is a seam that is finished with bias binding so the raw edges are covered. 

The binding can cover both edges of the normal seam together in one operation or the bias can be sewn to each side of a pressed open seam.  The choice depends on the thickness of the material and the desired overall effect for the inside of the garment.

This bias bound seam technique is well suited to jackets, skirts and garments that could have been lined. The bound seam does the trick of finishing the seams and adding interesting colors and patterns to the inside of the garment.

Imagine spots, stripes or even pretty flowers on the inside of your garment. It is generally more economical than using double the fabric to sew a full lining.

How do you sew a bias bound seam?

Step 1 - Sew the Seam

Decide if you want to bind the seam allowances open or sew them together with one binding.

Then select the binding you plan to use. The most common type of binding used to bind seams is ¼ inch (6mm) double-fold bias tape. If you have some ½ inch (12mm) single-fold bias in your sewing room, you can save money by pressing it in half. But don't forget to press with the bottom edge slightly wider than the top.

If you are adventurous then making your own bias binding provides endless possibilities for choosing contrast colors and patterns to finish off your seams.  Measure up and make sure you cut enough to finish the job.

Step 2 - Encase the Raw Edge

Open your bias tape and encase the raw edge making sure to put the slightly narrower side of the tape on the top of the seam.  This means that when you sew through the tape, the underside, being the wider side, will automatically be caught in.

Bias Bound Seam Pinning Method
Bias Bound Seam Pinning Method

Step 3 - Stitch

Stitch the edges of the bias. Note that you are only sewing the seam allowances. The main fabric underneath is not caught in.

Bias Bound Seam Stitching
Bias Bound Seam Stitching

Don’t forget to press when you have finished, as the tailored look of the bias bound seam depends on creating neat and clean edges.

If you have bound your seam allowances together rather than separately, then press it to one side when you are finished.

Bias Bound Seam - Seams Together
Bias Bound Seam - Seams Together

Bias Bound Seam vs Hong Kong Finish

Similar but not the same!!  The Hong Kong finish binding is stitched slightly differently and the end result after stitching into the ‘ditch’ of the seam is that no stitching is actually visible on the right side of the seam in the garment.  See how in the photo below, there is no stitching visible on the bias edges.

Play around with both types of seam finishes and then if you are happy with the bias bound seam and its stitched effect go ahead and use that for your flashy jacket. I find the bias bound edge to be the faster of the 2 methods but the Hong Kong finish tends to look neater.

Further Reading: Hong Kong Finish

bias bound seam vs hong kong finish
Bias Bound Seam vs Hong Kong Finish

Bias Bound Seam - The End result

This is a really trendy way to add a finishing touch to any seam and garment where the inside of the work is just a stylish as the outside. You will not be bound by tradition but will be happily showing off your trendy bias bound seam with a flash of color and a perfectly neatened edge.

A signature touch, a binding agreement, between yourself and a professionally finished garment.

bias bound seam
Bias Bound Seam - Seams Together

More Articles On Bias Tape

  1. How to Make Bias Tape with a Bias Maker
  2. How to Make Bias Tape with no Special Tools
  3. How to Sew Single Fold Bias Tape
  4. How to Sew Double Fold Bias Tape
  5. How to Make Continuous Bias Tape
  6. How to Sew Mitred Square Corners with Bias Tape
  7. Types of Bias Tape
  8. Bias Bound Seam
  9. Hong Kong Finish
  10. Sewing Bias Tape
  11. How to Sew a V Neck with Bias Tape
  12. Types of Bias Tape
5/5 - (8 votes)

More Sewing Techniques

  • Sewing Basics & Skills for Beginners - Start Sewing Now!
  • What is Stitching? Hand & Machine Stitching Crafts
  • SEAM ALLOWANCE | How to Add & Sew
  • What is Sewing, What Should I Sew, Hand Sewing Meaning & Inspiration

Bestselling Sewing Patterns

  • Girls Dress Pattern
  • Dress Pattern
  • Bodysuit Pattern
  • Skirt Pattern
  • Bloomers Pattern
  • Hat Pattern
  • Girls Dress Pattern
  • Dress Pattern
  • Bodysuit Pattern
  • Skirt Pattern
  • Bloomers Pattern
  • Hat Pattern

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Pattern Shop

Newsletter

loader

Popular

  • Face Mask Pattern 
  • How to Make Cushion Covers 
  • Burp Cloth Pattern – 3 Styles
  • How to Make a Scrunchie {2 sizes}
  • How to Make a Pillowcase
  • 6 Best Seam Finishes for Fabric
  • How to Gather
  • How to Make Curtains
  • How to Make a Quilt
  • How to Tie Dye
  • Sewing Machine Brands
  • How to Make a Scrunchie
  • How to Sew a Rip
  • How to Make Tassels
  • Types of Skirts
  • Sewing Projects for Beginners
  • Fabric Names

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy/Copyright
  • Sewing Pattern Shop
  • Printing Help
  • Disclaimers/Affiliate/Advertising
  • Site Map

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Popular

  • How to Sew
  • How to Embroider
  • How to Crochet
  • Fashion Styles
  • How to Macrame
  • How to Knit
  • How to Tie Dye

Copyright © 2022 Treasurie. All rights reserved.