Sewing bias binding

[Linda H.]

I have made some Xmas Stockings but am very disgusted with the way my double bias binding has turned out.
I try to be careful when sewing - Machine the binding to one side and hand stitch the other side - this is when it shows a wrinkles,

What am I doing wrong???

Irene 1

[Linda H.]

It is possibly getting over stretched (lengthways) when machining it on. Or not stretched enough, or is being pulled in the wrong direction ( and too much) when hand sewing. On consideration I think most likely pulled too tight and also it has rotated slightly on the second line of sewing - the hand stitching, this can be very easy to do, just pushing the fabric along a bit too far with each stitch so it ends up twisting the whole thing. Try unpicking the hand stitching and then re stitching but going in the opposite direction for a few inches to see if this helps.

Most of this is musing out aloud, it can be tricky to work out a problem without seeing it, but I hope my musings help you analyse where/how it is going wrong.

[Marianne G.]

Adding to Rosemary's musing I will put my tuppence worth in here. You say you have used a double bias binding. Do you mean you have taken a bias strip and folded it then sewn on? If this is the case then I have had the same problem and it happens because the two raw edges does not necessarily follow each other when sewn down so you get a twist. Ways to avoid this is to heavily starch the fabric before cutting the strips, use a walking foot on the machine when sewing the strip onto the sandwich, pre-stitch the edge of the sandwich with a zig-zag stitch so the sandwich layers do not shift and finally you could use a basting tape when pressing the bias strip in half. That will keep the two layers together. It has taken me a long time to get this right and now I try to avoid bias strips unless I really, really need them.
Marianne

[Susan B.]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLWfH8o49Ws

There are many more Youtube videos on bias binding. Additionally, Show 1312 has a section on applying bias binding. Bias is only necessary on curves. Otherwise, use binding strips cut on grain. You are not alone, it is a challenge to get it right.

[Susan B.]

Thankyou Marianne, Sue and Posy for your helpful replies to the above .
The Xmas stocking does have a nasty round corner on the ankle part of the front stocking and the foot - so bias it has to be -
I cut 2and half inches - fold and sew on the machine the raw edges first to the front of the stocking, and hand stitch to the back and try to be careful - as you mention I have unpicked and tried the other way, but perseverance is in my soul and I will try again.
These stockings are for under privileged children but they should still have the best even though sewing may not be on their agenda.
Thankyou all

[Susan B.]

Video instructions were very helpful so will unpick and try Debbie,s way
irene1

[Susan B.]

Have you tried tube cutting the binding? It's great. no sewing on the bias end. It only takes two cuts and one seam to make oodles of bias. I also prefer the french fold method. I think it lays flatter better without the twisting problem people seem to have.

[Susan B.]

Thankyou Kay not sure I know about the tube method - could I see that on utube?
Irene1