How to Mitre Corners using Bias Binding

Binding is a useful and decorative way to finish an edge, whether you are using it instead of a seam to join layers, or simply binding the edge of a single layer. You can either buy ready made bias binding or make your own, see 'How to cut & sew bias strips' and 'how make bias binding using a binding maker'.

In this weeks sewing technique we tackle mitred corners. They look complicated but fear not, they are relatively simple. In this tutorial I will show you how to mitre corners using the double stitched application of bias binding.

Using this tutorial, you can put bias tape on table mats, cushions, potholders, pockets, aprons and so much more!

How-to step by step

Step 1

To sew the bias strips you will need a sewing machine, sewing pins and iron and ironing board.

Step 2

Open out one side of the bias tape (the narrower side if there is an off-center fold) and turn in 5mm at the starting end. Pin the right side of the tape to the front of the fabric, the tape seam line (the fold near the edge) aligning with the fabric seam line. 

Step 3

Sew your first row of stitching to the corner, stop at the end leaving about a seam allowance width before the edge. Backstitch to secure.

Step 4

Fold your bias tape up to form a 90 degree angle, which will form a 45 degree angle fold. Use your fingers to press into shape and pin to secure.

Step 5

Start sewing , leaving a seam allowance width from the edge, back stitch to secure. Sew along the crease as before, treating each corner as before.

Step 6

Flip the bias tape up and press it away from the seam line. 

Step 7

Now take it over the raw edge to the back of the fabric. Fold the binding over the corner so it creates a little triangle. 

Step 8

Pin the other folded edge of the tape to the back so that it just covers the stitching.

Step 9

As you fold the other edge in the corners should meet diagonally covering the triangle you made. Pin to secure.

Step 10

Topstitch the bias binding in place from the front, making sure the stitching goes through the folded edge of the tape on the back, pivoting at the corners.

Step 11

If you prefer no stitching to be visible from the front, ‘stitch in the ditch’ machine stitch in the groove just alongside the binding.