Bias Bound Seam - Binding Seams in 3 Steps

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 sewer intrigued.

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 and will not fray. 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 unlined 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 to Sew a Bias Bound Seam Tutorial

Here are the step-by-step instructions in order to bind a seam:

Step 1 - Sew the Seam

Put right sides together and sew the seam with a wide seam allowance. The stitching line should be at least ½ inch (12mm) from the edge.

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

Then select the binding strips 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.

Step 3 - Stitch the Bias Tape

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

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 vs Hong Kong Finish

These types of bias seams are 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 seam tends to look neater.

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 as 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 - Binding Seams in 3 Steps

What is a Bias Bound Seam?