I make my binding on the straight, using the vertical rather than from selvage to selvage when I can. The only advantage of bias binding that I can see is for curved edges.

I use straight grain, except for my one and only curved edge which got bias. Whenever possible I use length wise cut, not selvage to selvage.

beverly

Mostly I use selvage to selvage...It just requires less thinking than bias, and less planning/yardage/waste then length of grain.

Bias cut binding provides a lot more flexbility and ease when sewing...this can be very helpful to avoid puckers which I sometimes get, but it's not usually worth my brain cells trying to get the tube right. :)

I'm with Jennifer. However, I want to try a scalloped edge someday...we'll see. I'm betting I'll try 'birthing' just to get out of using bias binding! I'm so pathetic.....

Sharon

I'm an old school quilter & was taught that bias was the
only way to go. I've been slowly getting away from it & think I still have only done a couple on grain. I always seem to find some reason to use the bias such as the pattern of the fabric looking better. I'll admit it's a pain to cut but I have a laminated chart with all the measurements on it.
I do think bias is more forgiving & can correct some of the wobbly edges. I still think it's stronger for a high use quilt like for kids.
I still look forward to putting the bias on a quilt, guess because I still enjoy hand work(unless it's a King!)
Jill

I use straight mostly. But the bias cut will provide lots more strength, as Jill says, and provide many more years of good use. It's because you aren't making the fold all along one fiber in the weave - with bias binding the threads are only being folded at one spot along their length.

As a rule I use the st. cut from lengtwise gr. Sometimes if I am binding with the same fabric as the backing I use the trimmed fabric from the backing for my binding. I use bias if I am binding with stripes or on a curved edge. As I tear when I can length wise works best. Jayne

I am with Jill. I was taught there was only mitered corners and bias binding. Thanks to this forum I have learned other ways that are just as effective. It takes a very special quilt to get both of the above.

I agree the double bias binding is the strongest for wear and mitered corners are real pretty. I have tried selvage to selvage binding but not straight of grain. Is straight of grain stronger?
Jean

Yes, straight of grain is thought to be stronger. (I went to textile school in college & had learned to weave as a child.) Traditionally, in a plainweave cotton fabric, there are more threads vertically (in the warp) then crosswise or horizontally (the weft or filling); more threads per inch makes for stronger fabric.

I generally cut my borders & bindings parallel to the selvages (lengthwise) for strength.

I've never done the bias binding, been curious, but no more.

Straight of grain is certainly stronger if you're pulling on the fabric, but that's not what is happening to the binding on a quilt.

The binding on a quilt takes gets more wear on a quilt, especially if it's a "lovey" baby quilt. As the fabric ages and threads begin to break, a straight of grain binding may split along the edge. With a bias binding you have the threads crisscrossing along the edge, so this doesn't happen.

I use both sorts of binding, depending on the intended use for the quilt - and I always miter the corners.

Until I began quilting with a group of friends, I thought the ONLY binding was bias. I have those little metal guides to make binding in various widths and have gotten quite proficient at it over the years.

One of the more experienced quilters mentioned straight grain binding and I tried it. It sure uses a lot less fabric and is easier to calculate the amount needed.

Mary_c's rationale for bias vs straight is something I'll consider when planning binding from now on.

Good question, Vikki,
Dianne