Calculating Continuous Bias

Now that you know how to create a continuous bias strip, let’s learn how to calculate yardage.  Now, I’m not just talking about determining the total amount of bias needed to bind your quilt.  I mean, how much material is actually needed to create that continuous bias strip used to finish your project.  This way, you are not left guessing.  You can head to the store with confidence and purchase that fabric! Or if your anything like me, you will be digging through stash!

Continuous Bias Formula

 

This project is for all levels.

Skill Level- 1 Button

Continuous Bias Cheat Sheet

 

To get everyone on their merry way of stitching, I have created this easy cheat sheet.  To make things easy for you, I have created this cheat sheet. First, I suggest knowing the total amount of bias needed for your project.  Refer to your pattern or measure the total area.  Then, using the chart above, match up the total bias length with the total width.  Find the cross point on the chart and this is the magic number of square inches needed to create your continuous strip of bias.  You will see that it really does not take that much fabric.  For example, less than 1 yard is needed to create 300″ of 4″ wide bias.  (That’s pretty wide bias in my book.)

 

Let me show you an example:

My project requires 72″ of bias 2″ wide along the outside edge. By finding those numbers on the chart, you can see that I will need a 13″ square of fabric to create the needed bias strip.    That means, that I need less than a fat quarter to create the bias strip.

 

Creating custom bias is a great way to give your project that personal touch and creative flair.  The key is not to be caught short on fabric.  With a few minutes of prep work and simple calculations, you can be stitching with bias in confidence and complete your project with little fabric leftovers.

 

 

 

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