Finishing Work- Binding Your Project

This tutorial is going to walk you through an important part of garment making: finishing your neck and armholes. Getting this part right can make or break your outfit!

When sewing for your little person, it is easier and quicker to use a
binding for the armhole and neck edges, as well as for the hemline.

This finishing method will enclose all of your edges without adding the bulk of facings. It is our preferred method for play clothes. These clothes will see many play dates and undergo numerous washings, so they need to be finished in a way that can stand up to rough wear and tear.

There are different methods for binding. You can use bias tape, ribbon (gross grain is our personal choice), or you can make your own matching or contrasting binding by simply cutting your fabric on the bias.

Here is the first method using single fold bias tape as a contrast trim.

Cut the binding tape 1″ longer than your arm or neckhole.

Pin like crazy. It will keep your stitching line smooth along the curves.

Begin stitching at the underarm and ease the binding as you go to get a smooth finish.

In this example the binding is on the outside of the garment providing contrast.

Want a more uniform look? Make your own bias tape. Here’s how:

Bias means cutting on a 45-degree angle to the salvage of your fabric. Cutting in this fashion will give you the stretch needed to go around curves easily.