Bias or Straight binding?

[Diane O.]

I usually do straight bindings, with mitered corners, on basic rectangular quilts. But one of my current quilts is trying to go "out of the box"... There are points mid-way on each side of the square, and I'm thinking of leaving them hanging out there.
(See my show & tell in my profile, I finally posted pics of the twins' graduation quilts. This question concerns Scott's, the red one.)
So this will mean a 135-degree angle, followed by 90-degree, then another 135-degree to get back to straight.
So the question is, would this be best with straight, and the 2 obtuse angles get a sort of reverse miter, or is there any reason to use bias?
Thanks, Florence

[karen f.]

Florence those two quilts are astounding! Both of them have so much work in them and are really beautiful. Sorry I have no real advice on the bias, just compliments. It seems to me there would be no need for bias binding since you would be mitering and not going around a curve.

Karen

[karen f.]

thanks for the kind words... this is why I haven't been on the board much this spring, they've been ALL-consuming... and now I'm actually taking next week off from work to get them basted & hopefully well on their way to quilted. Deadline June 12... maybe I should put that on the prayer list!!

[Lynn K.]

What absolutely beautiful quilts! You must be patting yourself on the back-vigorously!!!!!

My understanding of the reason for bias is that if the edge begins to wear in a spot, it won't run the whole length of the quilt because it will simply run the length of that particular bias section of the binding.

Having said that, I would use bias, vs. straight because I make my quilts for use - not display. Don't know what your boys intend to do with them..... I think Ricky often uses straight grain ... and like all of quilting there is probably no RIGHT and WRONG!

Your quilts are breathtaking! Good work Florence!
Lynn

[Lynn K.]

Both those quilts are truly beautiful.

I'd use a straight grain binding - with the fiddly "sticky out bits" (which I like) it could be easy to strech the binding out of shape with the bias. I'd want the straight grain to give me more control.

Another alternative, is to add one more border, probably in the red fabric, that is a bit wider than the points that "stick out" - so that that the on-point square floats on the quilt -background. You will then have a square quilt to bind.

Karen

[Lynn K.]

Florence...Your quilts are absolutely beautiful...I can see why you were kept busy. You should have no trouble with the new BOM quilt, as you have already done a lot of piecing and it really looks great. Keep up the wonderful quilting. Nan

[Lynn K.]

Florence......WOW! :shock: :!: I don't have an answer for your question, just accolades to you!

Maggie in E. Central Illinois

[Sherry B.]

Wow! Those two quilts are absolutely fantastic!!! True masterpieces!

[Sherry B.]

I tend to use straight for most quilts that are made for use and abuse (such as baby quilts), however for something more of what I would consider "heirloom" ,that I have hand quilted ,I have used bias binding because the wear on it is much less over time. threads on bias binding wear down at different rates as opposed to threads on straight because on straight it is usually one or two threads exposed constantly and consistantly.

Florence, I hope this helps!
Jeanine

[Eileen K.]

Florence,
I love it!! It is so cool and bold at the same time. Honestly, I'd use the bias binding just to be safe. Why take the chance?
eileenkny

[Eileen K.]

thanks for the compliments, and for the replies. I'd never considered that the different kinds of bindings would wear differently, only that bias would work best on curves, so I've learned something today! Still undecided, but I've still got to baste & quilt before I'm ready for binding anyway! Piecing backings today, I'm a glutton for punishment!!
Thanks, Florence

[Sue R.]

Florence,

Just stupendous !! You've done an amazing amount of work for these. It's great that they are related quilts, but each very individual---guess that's what it's like with twins, too.

Looking forward to hearing how it all works out. Wishing you thread speed :wink: !

Sue

[Wanda M.]

Florence, your quilts for the twins are amazing! Truly beautiful! Good luck with the deadline.

Wanda

[Robin G.]

Florence,
I love the quilts. It is clear how much love and time you have put into them.
I usually use straight-cut bindings because most of my quilts are wall hangings that will not take much (any) wear and tear. However, I have made one Double Wedding Ring with a curved outer edge and the bias binding was the only way to go - it worked out just fine. Not difficult to work with at all.
My current quilt is a crib quilt and I think that even though it is rectangular, I will use the bias binding for its added durability just in case.
Robin

[Robin G.]

I'm not yet ready to bind, but I did make bias bindings for both quilts Saturday, and began to quilt last night! I feel much more relaxed now (hopefully not TOO relaxed) as the deadline approaches. Heck, even if I don't get the bindings whipstitched I can glue them in place for presentation! Luckily, unlike most of my quilts, these aren't leaving town the day after

Florence