Have you ever wonder how those store-bought drawstrings, spaghetti straps, and quilt binding always look so perfect? Well, I’m happy to help uncover the mystery and let you know it’s not endless years of experience and skill. Instead, it’s a little sewing accessory known as the Bias Binder foot.
Bias Binder Foot
presser foot
- A specialty presser foot allows the stitcher to fold and attach the binding to the edge of a project with one pass under the needle.
This foot is perfect to add little details to your projects and can accommodate all forward-moving decorative stitches.
Sewing Machine Settings
It is important that you set your sewing machine up for success. Here are a few tips to help out.
- Use the stitch width control to move your needle from the left position.
- Only use decorative stitches that exclusively move forward. Using anything else will cause the fabric under the foot to bunch up and nest.
- When using decorative stitches, the needle position should be in the center of the foot. If needed, you can use the screw on the right to slide the cone position.
- If using pre-folded bias, be sure it is pressed flat before inserting through the cone.
To show you just how easy it is to use, I created a little video. Let’s take a look at the Baby Lock bias binder foot in action:
Even though the bias binding foot looks like a monster piece of machinery being attached to your machine it is really simple to use. Let’s break it down and take a look at each part.
The bias binder foot can bind fabric edges with both single fold and flat bias narrow strips. The cone on the top front of the foot, guides and folds the edges of the flat bias strips while you sew. If using single-fold tape, the cone will help hold the strip in place to create the perfect edge while you sew.
Unlike the adjustable bias foot, the bias binding foot can only accommodate a 1 1/8″ bias strip to create a 1/4″ finished binding width. The finished sizing also makes the perfect drawstrings and straps for garments. Plus, you can even use it around gentle curves. Honestly, this little piece of steel is an amazing gadget that can help your sewing shine brighter than all the stars in the sky.
Bias Binder Foot Stats-
- What: A specialty presser foot that will attach binding directly to a project in one pass on the machine. No pre-pressing or pinning required.
- Where to use: Along the edge of a pocket, neckline, armhole, hem, and more.
- Bonus use: It will create the most amazing drawstrings.
- Where to buy: This specialty presser foot can be purchased at your local Baby Lock dealer/quilt shop or here on-line. Be sure to check your machine manual for any special shank requirements.
Now don’t stop there with this foot. You can also add decorative details like rick rack, lace, and more. Just tuck the trim inside the cone with the main fabric you are binding. If you are worried it will move around while sewing, baste it in place with a quick stitch.
Helpful Tips-
- Only use bias strips of fabric as the straight grain of the fabric is not as flexible.
- Trim the end of the bias strip to a 45-degree angle and use a pin to guide the fabric through the cone.
- Try not to pull or stretch the binding as it feeds into the cone.
- Both single fold and double fold prepackaged binding can be used with the bias binder foot. It is best to press the binding flat before feeding through the cone.
- If needed, loosen the screw located on the right side of the bias binder foot to slide the cone from right to left and align the needle position with the edge of the finished binding.
- Use the right-sided zigzag stitch instead of the centered zigzag stitch to attach the binding.
Now, for those of you that are still not convinced this little foot is a must-have in your sewing chest, take a look at my free drawstring jewelry bag pattern. With just a few simple supplies, I was able to make several bags in an afternoon. They are perfect for gift giving and a great way to use up a few of those leftover fabric pieces in your stash.
So the next time you see perfect stitching at the store and think you’ll never be able to achieve it, think again. The bias binder foot by Baby Lock is the perfect sewing accessory for the job and is extremely affordable.
