How to Sew Binding Strips Together (when they're the same on both sides)

When using a fabric for binding that is the same on both sides -- a solid dyed fabric or a batik, for example -- have you ever accidentally sewed a seam and had it show up on on the outside instead of the inside of the binding?  It's easy to do with those long twisty strips, since you can't tell which side is the front and which is the back. Here's my trick for getting the seams all on the correct side.

[Note: the photos here show a fabric with a different front and back sides. At the time I toolt he photographs I was in a hotel room and didn't have any fabric with two sides the same.]

Before joining the strips, press each strip in half lengthwise.  (Photo 1)

Now, when you open the strips to sew them together, the fold will tell you which is the outside of the strip.  (Photo 2)



Place the strips together at a right angle with the outside of the folds facing each other. (Photo 3) If you let the ends of the strips extend a bit beyond the edges, it's easy to see the corners where the seam needs to begin and end.

Stitch diagonally across the strips. Check to make sure you sewed in the right direction, then trim the seam allowance to 1/4" and press the seam open. (Photo 4)  Re-press the lengthwise fold on the strips.

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