How to Cut Long Bias Strips

This is a topic that interests many people - How to cut bias binding super easily! When I demonstrate this in class one of the comments I get frequently is "That was worth the price of the class right there." The trick is to fold the fabric on the bias. Below are illustrations and written instructions on how to fold the fabric and how to cut your long bias strips. This works no matter how long or wide your piece of fabric is. Thank you to Dee Degitz for teaching me this trick. The From Marti Michell Corner Trimmer makes sewing the strips together super easy!








Step 1. Lightly press fabric in half

selvage to selvage.

Step 2. Open fabric up to the full width with the wrong side of the fabric facing up.

Step 3. Take the top right hand corner and fold it toward the center fold line. This forms a 45° angle.

Step 4. Next take the bottom left corner and fold it toward the center fold line.

Step 5. Now take the bottom folded edge and line it up with the top folded edge. The fabric is folded on the bias now.

Step 6. Position your fabric on the mat the way you would cut strips. This illustration is for the QuiltCut2 but this technique works with a regular mat and ruler too.

Step 7. The first cut is a triangle that shows you are cutting on the bias. If you run short in your strips you can use this to get another one.

Step 8. Measure and cut the strips as if the fabric were pressed selvage to selvage.

See the post on How to Sew Binding to a Quilt if you need help with that step.

Happy Quilting!
Carol