Binding is a quick and easy way to not only finish a raw edge, but add some contrasting color (or print, as the case may be!). It can be used to highlight a shaped edge, or subtly enclose it so it’s nearly invisible. I’ve highlighted some pretty examples of the former–binding that showcases rather than is a background element–both from vintage and modern sources. Why don’t you try binding on your next project?
Never made binding before? Here’s our popular tutorial on making bias binding.
Finish a dramatic collar with a binding, like this fetching 1950s example. Stripes work beautifully for binding (which is most often cut on the bias), but even a diminutive print would work equally well.
A high contrast color, like the black binding on this dress from the Alice McCall spring/summer 2012 collection, is a great way to highlight even typical shapes (like the round neckline) in a distinctive way. The black also give the sweet, springtime colors a modern edge.
Finally this charming 1940s house dress shows off some lovely details with binding. The neckline is bound, but the binding is repeated on the shoulders and pocket. The joining edges are highlighted with decorative stitches. Consider when using binding how it can be applied as an embellishment beyond the functionality of finishing a raw edge.
Images: 1950s dress, Alice McCall s/s 2012, 1940s dress.
I bought vintage McCalls 9223 off Etsy recently and I’m waiting for it to arrive. Thanks for this inspiring post I’ve just such a great idea bubbling away!
I love the blue collar! The stripy binding is super cool! Lovely!
Oh yes, binding! Usually when I see a small-scale floral print, binding is my first impulse. Perhaps important to note that you really need to cut it on the bias for curved edges. Straight-cut binding is fine on straight edges and sharp corners. I have a couple of little Clover binding-folding gadgets and they’re great.
Bias tape is featuring pretty heavily in a lot of the things coming off my sewig machine these days… It is very tempting to fix my poor drafting on a dress by using bias strips for straps instead of making it work properly. I’m actually binding a circle skirt with a solid contrast right now… Hoping to finish it up this week. What fun timing!
I love the look but I have not been able to successfully use binding on anything so far. Can anyone recommend some good resources for learning how to apply binding? I even have a special foot for my machine!
I’ve found it tricky to get it to look really good on the machine (although I don’t have the special foot for it). If I want it to look absolutely perfect, I sew one side on the machine – unfold one edge of the binding and pin that raw edge to the raw edge of the garment (or whatever), right sides together; machine stitch it along the fold line of the binding. Then fold it over and hand stitch (with an invisible slip-stitch) the other folded edge of the binding to the back of the garment. This is a good tutorial for matching the binding ends: http://completelyblocked.wordpress.com/2009/02/16/joining-binding-ends/ . Generally, quilters know how to handle binding!
I love that collar and would love to use it on my dress. thanks for all your inspiration
I love the big collar with striped binding. Thanks for the inspiration!
I only used binding once so far. It’s not something I usually think of doing. But for my wedding outfit I made a top that I thought would be too short (if I wanted to wear it later with regular clothes) if I did a regular hem, so I added a contrasting solid biding at the bottom instead.