How To Make Continuous Bias Binding From A Rectangle

There are several ways to go about cutting and sewing bias binding tape. They've all got their pro's and con's. I'm going to show you my favourite method, but first I'll discuss the strip-by-strip method and the continuous method using a square of fabric.

Whichever method you use you'll start with deciding how wide you want your finished binding to be and multiply that by four. For example if you want a 1/4 inch wide finish on your hem you want to cut 1 inch wide strips. (unless you want double fold bias binding in which case you multiply by six).

Strip-by-Strip Method
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Death Head Buttons


These buttons are the result of my first attempt at making Death Head Buttons. They aren't perfect but they are quite satisfactory for my needs.



I haven't tried them in the past because I don't have the proper button molds with a single hole in the centre. Instead I used wooden craft buttons and angled my needle through the holes and toward the centre threads to finish off the buttons.


I'm sure my death head buttons will improve with practice and it also wouldn't hurt if I made them under better lighting conditions and didn't watch TV at the same time. I used Wonderfil thread which may not be ideal for this purpose but it sure is pretty.

If you would like to have a go at making them yourself I used this video to get the hang of them.

Comments

  1. john adams27 March 2016 at 13:41

    Death Head buttons? My word. They look impressive, but I really do need an explanation as to how they get the name! #MySUndayPhoto

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    1. Purfylle27 March 2016 at 17:23

      I guess I had better go and do some research! I believe the name origin goes back to the 18th century.

      Delete
  2. Debbie Roberts - Debs Random Writings27 March 2016 at 14:29

    Hi Stella, as strange as this may sound, but as children me and my sister loved sorting through my Mums button tin and these type of button were sort of the posh ones.I am very impressed that you managed to make them yourself and they look so neat and tidy.

    xx

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    1. Purfylle27 March 2016 at 17:36

      Sounds perfectly normal to me. My Nanna would give me her button tin to play with I it would keep me happy for hours. I must say I'm pretty pleased they turned out alright. It took all evening to make just the four though. What sort of tin did your Mum use? Here's my Nan's tin. http://www.purfylle.com/2014/11/nannas-button-tin.html

      Delete
  3. Anne Stone27 March 2016 at 17:18

    They look amazing but I'd love to know why they are called Death Head buttons? They must have taken you ages to do.

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    1. Purfylle27 March 2016 at 17:59

      I have not yet been able to determine why they are called that. One source suggests the that the name is a mystery and another suggests it is due to the cross shape of the starter threads. If I find out more I will definitely share!

      Delete
  4. OneDad3Girls27 March 2016 at 17:21

    Wow the work that has gone into these is incredible.

    Happy Easter

    Thank you for linking up

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    1. Purfylle6 April 2016 at 10:31

      They are rather labour intensive just for a button.

      Delete
  5. Coombe Mill27 March 2016 at 22:45

    How clever it must take practice and patience

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    1. Purfylle6 April 2016 at 10:36

      It took me a few a goes to get the hang of it.

      Delete
  6. TwoPlusCute27 March 2016 at 23:44

    That name took me by surprise. Morbid!
    You mention they are not "perfect" but every button in your photos, is. Great job making them. :)

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    1. Purfylle6 April 2016 at 10:44

      It is rather morbid isn't it? We are rather shy of death these days but in the past it was far more a part of our day to day existence and less in poor taste.

      Delete
  7. Victoria Welton28 March 2016 at 01:12

    Oh well done! These look fantastic! #MySundayPhoto

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    1. Purfylle6 April 2016 at 10:52

      Thank you :o) I am rather pleased with the results if I do say so myself.

      Delete
  8. Sarah Wood28 March 2016 at 01:53

    They look amazing - love a good button!

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    1. Purfylle6 April 2016 at 10:54

      With a bit more practice I'm going to try some of the more complicated variations and hopefully some metallics too.

      Delete
  9. PurpleSlob InRecovery28 March 2016 at 10:56

    Happy Resurrection Sunday, Stella!
    I was gonna ask about the name, but everyone else already took care of that for me!

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    1. Purfylle6 April 2016 at 10:57

      It's a crazy name for a button isn't it?

      Delete
  10. soha fatima28 March 2016 at 12:52

    They are just perfect!

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    1. Purfylle6 April 2016 at 11:03

      I'm glad you think so! I just see all the little things I didn't get quite right.

      Delete
  11. Bear and Cardigan28 March 2016 at 23:21

    Oh I've never heard of them but they are lovely

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    1. Purfylle6 April 2016 at 11:13

      The first time I stumbled across them I was in awe. I'm really thrilled to have made my own.

      Delete
  12. Anonymous29 March 2016 at 13:07

    Awesome name and awesome you! You made that?! Looks really intricate =)

    #mysundayphoto

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    1. Purfylle6 April 2016 at 11:14

      It took me all evening just to make four but now that I've got the hang of it I think they would be faster to make.

      Delete
  13. Laura1 April 2016 at 01:09

    Wow these look amazing and so neat!! I love my crafts but I'm not a beat crafter, it always impresses me!

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    1. Purfylle6 April 2016 at 11:23

      I have never heard the term 'beat crafter' before and when I googled it all I found was something about music. I guess I'm showing my age :o)

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  14. Anna3 June 2016 at 16:19

    nice

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  15. Darlene Nemeth6 June 2016 at 23:02

    My mom also had a nice collection of buttons that my sister and spent hours playing with.

    Your buttons look awesome. I checked out the video. Wow! A lot of work goes into those little puppies. Well done. Thanks for sharing. Now I'm off sharing your post. Have a great day, Darlene

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle16 June 2016 at 11:54

      They are a lot of work but I think the end result justify the effort. Thanks for sharing =D

      Delete

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