What is Seam Binding and How to Use Seam Binding Ribbon

When sewing is involved, there are many rough edges that have to be cleaned before the garment is worn. It is a good thing that sewing has its advantages to make sure that those rough edges look nice.

How do you define seam-binding? If you consult the dictionary to comprehend the word seam binding you’ll find that the is a thin plain weave fabric that’s function is to strengthen seams, hems and cover the rough edges. Once you’re ready to sew, ensure that you press the seam flat prior to sewn into the desired position.

For more information concerning seam binding keep reading our article. The article provides the information that you require to use seam binding and apply it properly.

What is Seam Binding in Sewing?

The term “seam binding” is used in sewing to refer to the specific application you want to cover rough edges. It’s not a difficult procedure, but it does require some time and expertise to use correctly. Just make sure that you have the correct fabric for this small length of material.

One of the most important aspects of sewing seams is to ensure the procedure is done using an extremely thin soft and delicate fabric. This makes it possible to feel the rough edges of the fabric you’re trying to strengthen or look attractive.

You can hang your binding on the edges of the fabric to ensure that there are all rough edges covered, and also allow it to be stitched in the proper way. The most suitable fabric to accomplish this would be rayon.

Remember that seam binding isn’t an application for hem tape or bias tape or any other kind of application. It is unique and has its own features and uses.

What is Seam Binding Used For

The primary purpose for which seam binding is employed is to reinforce a seam. The seams in clothing are the weakest part and are among the first places that can be cut or torn. This vulnerability requires an extra small piece of fabric is put in place to safeguard the seams at all times.

The other purpose of seam binding is to complete the hems. The seam binding will hide ugly edges and make your clothes appear stunning even the smallest of details. Finally, the seam binding fabric ensures that your rough edges will not be noticed by anyone.

Seam binding can be a decorative tool to make your sewing appear as if an expert did it. Of course your dresses and skirts might not look professional, however, paying focus on this tiny aspect shows everyone that you’re an expert and that you know how to sew properly.

When to Use Seam Binding

The ideal time to apply seam binding is close to the finish line on your project. The application will not be required in most of your work since its function is precise and is clearly explained all over the web.

As you put the final touches to certain garments, you’ll have to apply sea binding if your seams sewn seem to be weak and require reinforcement. Stitches by themselves will not keep the seams in the place they need to be.

It is also necessary to sew seam binding if you’re dealing with rough spots or hems to complete. This small application can add a professional look to your sewing projects. Although it’s one of the few sewing programs you’ll use the seam binding process, it is one of the most important ones.

This program will ensure that your daughters attend school in a professional manner rather than looking like they’re wearing unfinished clothes.

What is Seam Binding Ribbon?

This sewing device is a thin, narrow piece of fabric, typically composed of rayon, which covers rough edges to stop fraying. It’s not a rigid fabric ribbon, but one that has a more delicate feel and is delicate. Its function is to add the strength of seams, assist in hemming, and, as stated it covers rough edges.

It’s not an item of fashion that draws all attention away from the gorgeous garment, skirt, or dress that the fabric it’s attached to. The good thing is the seam-binding ribbon can be found in a wide range of colors that will help you make your project’s colors match the scheme. It also helps to hide the seam binding ribbon.

Remember that this ribbon isn’t twill tape or polyester hem tape. It is the double or single folding bias tape. This is a special ribbon created to ease waves and help them last longer.

How to Use Seam Binding Ribbon

This is a more labor-intensive process than a difficult one. There are numerous applications to make use of to put seam binding ribbon to any sewing job. Here’s one example.

Then you must sew and pin the seam as you would normally do.

Second, iron your seams to ensure it is completely flat.

Third Make sure that all the fabric you are pushing toward the right side of the needle. This could result in the wrong part of the fabric that is pointed toward you. You can now pin the seam binding onto your fabric in this manner but it’s not essential.

Fourth put the delicate and transparent seam binding ribbon on top and leave approximately half of it hanging over the edge. The amount of time you can extend it depends on the size of the fabric.

Fifth Sew the ribbon for seam binding into place until you reach the edge that the material. Cut the ribbon approximately 1 inch beyond the edge that is on the material.

Then Fold the un-sewn portion of the ribbon to your hem. You might need pins to ensure that the ribbon remains in the place you’d like it to be. Once you’ve folded the ribbon, iron it to ensure it remains in its place.

Then it is time to go back on your machine to sew the last bit of seam binding into the appropriate place. You’re finished. You should now have a gorgeous-looking seam binding that doesn’t interfere with the overall appearance that your project.

How to Sew Seam Binding Around Corners

This is a tough job as corners are extremely difficult to create a pleasing appearance when trying to join them. It takes a long time to make sure these corners are done correctly so that they don’t cause damage to your work or appear awful.

The first thing you should take is to lay out your seam binding ribbon, and determine where seams on it lie. You don’t want the seams on the seam binding ribbon to be at the corner. If they fall be sure to take them off.

Then you’ll stitch the seam-binding ribbon until you reach just 1/4 inch away from the corner. Then, backstitch for a couple of stitches and then stop. Then fold the edges of the ribbon upwards to the corner until you have an angle of 45 degrees.

You then fold the following rows of seam-binding ribbon over the edge you have folded and stitch them together. Then, you trim the binding ribbon a little bit, but not over or in the stitches. Fold the ribbon over.

And then stitch it all in the desired position. A small piece of seam binding could occur during this process however you can cut it off quickly. The newly cut ribbon is to be folded over the sewing project, put in place, and finally stitched.

Seam Binding vs Bias Tape

One of the major differences in the sewing tools is that bias tape is cut at the 45-degree angle, or what is known as the bias. The tape is made to stretch slightly making it very helpful for curves that you must sew.

Bias tape is best used with necklines, armholes, and seams that finish. A seam-binder ribbon simply its name, an elastic ribbon. It can add strength but isn’t a great choice in its application and should only be utilized to hide seams and rough edges. It also helps in holding seams.

Twill Tape vs Bias Tape

Twill tape is similar in design to seam binding as it is an edging piece of ribbon, but it is stronger. While bias tape is great to sew around the edge of a garment in order to make a crate for a finished hem it is a better choice for twill tape.

In addition to reinforcing seams, the Twill tape can be used for strengthening buttonholes for example. While bias tape is intended to be noticed but twill tape isn’t. Twill tape’s purpose is to act as the strength factor, while bias tape acts as an accent piece.

Seam and Bias Binding Difference

One of the major differences between these two applications is that the seam-binding ribbon is not stretchy. It’s used to stabilize seams that break easily. Bias tape is generally placed on the visible portions of your sew-in project.

Furthermore, it can be used in areas that require some stretch during use. This is typically a single piece of fabric, whereas bias tape can contain multiple layers.

Additionally, bias tape is best on areas of the fabric which require stretching across all directions. Seam binding ribbon can only be used both lengthwise and crosswise. It is brittle and is generally not a suitable material to use for rounding portions of your sewing.

It is important to avoid curving sew binding ribbons. It’s not a good idea to be used around armholes or necklines, buttons waistbands, and so on.

What is Seam Binding Look Like?

Seam binding is a basic appearance. It’s a piece of ribbon usually made of rayon. It is available in a range of colors to choose the right colors for your sewing projects with ease.

Additionally, the seam binding ribbon is usually thin and delicate. Its attractive appearance makes it easy to work with and doesn’t add weight. The slim design is ideal for lengthwise seams and crossways as well as rough edges and hems you’ll need to strengthen or conceal.

It is unrolled from its spool with ease and can be placed in many different places and is always in reach whenever you require it. The disadvantage of the ribbon seam is it can be difficult to handle when you get to corners. Do not think about rounded areas of your fabric because it was not made to be used in these areas.

How to Sew Seam Binding on a Quilt

The best aspect about quilts is that they’re rectangular or square, or at the very least, most the quilts are. This makes the seam binding ribbon simple to apply to quilts. As mentioned earlier the seam binding ribbon is designed for quilts with such patterns.

When you adhere to the directions for how to create corners using strip binding, you’ll be able to see that the instructions are appropriate for quilts and other fabrics.

The important thing is to ensure that the ribbon’s seams do not touch the edges of your quilt. If they do, you will re-align the ribbon in order to bring those seams to that middle area of the quilt. Additionally, you must ensure you’re covering the rough edges of the quilt prior to sewing.

Pinning makes it easier to do all that. Follow the directions and you shouldn’t have any issues sewing seam binding ribbons on your quilts.

Some Final Words

Seam binding ribbons are not difficult to work with. It could be more laborious and time-consuming sometimes, but it will accomplish the task. It is important to utilize it in areas where it can use its strengths, for example, aiding seems to be more durable, completing hems, and concealing rough edges.

This ribbon is not as wide and comes in handy when you want to add a professional look to your sewing project. Your children may be grateful for your effort after they get back from school.