How to Attach Bias Binding for the Doable Duffel 

Perhaps you're reading this blog post because you are in the process of making your Doable Duffel and want to know how to attach the bias binding?

If so you're in the right place! 

What is bias binding?

If you're a quilter, you probably have a lot of experience cutting, joining, and attaching straight binding. Straight binding is cut from selvedge to selvedge, and is what most quilt patterns call for.

Bias binding is different. It's cut on the diagonal, which gives it a lot more stretch than regular (straight binding).

In the photo below, the bias binding is orange and can be seen attached to the perimeter on the dark fabric.

Why should you use it instead of regular binding?

The stretchiness of bias binding comes in really handy when you need to attach it around curves. Kind of like the curves you see around the edges of the components below. 

FYI, in the below photo, you can see the exterior of the bag front (the plaid fabric), and the interior of the bag back (the dark fabric).

How do you attach bias binding?

Attaching bias binding isn't *very* different than regular binding, but there are a few small changes that will make working with this type of binding easier for you.

For starters: don't press it in half. 

When I first started making bags, I read the instructions in my pattern to cut and assemble my bias binding into one long length. "Just like regular binding!", I thought. So I did what I would normally do next: I pressed the whole length of binding in half, wrong sides together. 

Then when I went to attach it, I was frustrated that the harsh crease I had created was coming out a bit warped. That's when I re-read the pattern and realized that I should not have pressed it.

Instead, I recommend that you pin your bias binding in half every 3 - 4 inches. It will make wrapping the binding around corners a much smoother process. 

Trust me!

What about joining the ends?

Ah, yes. Another difference compared to using regular (straight) binding!

Normally, when you're attaching binding to a quilt and you need to join the ends, you're dealing with nice straight lines that are perpendicular to the edge of the quilt. 

Not with bias binding! 

Instead, when it comes time to join the ends, you'll find yourself staring at a diagonal line. It's not very clear how to figure out where to cut your long tail and join it to the short end.

Can you just show me how to attach the bias binding?

I definitely can!

Sometimes, it's MUCH easier to show someone a new technique rather than try to explain it with words alone. 

Click on the image below to check out my tutorial for attaching your bias binding and joining the ends in a pain-free way!

Did you check out the video? 

Let me know in the comments below if it was helpful for you!

And if you liked this tutorial, you might also like to watch my video on making a carrying strap for the Doable Duffel!