Binding as a replacment for Facing

It’s easy to replace facings with binding. Trim off the full seam allowance around the neckline, and follow one of the two methods above to apply bias tape to the edge. This will result in a visible binding and is best used around the neckline or armholes.

When you sew hidden bias bindings in place of facings, the binding itself is invisible from the right side.

Press the bias binding flat. If you’re applying the binding to a closed opening, sew the seam in the binding to form a loop. Otherwise leave the binding as one long piece. Press the binding in half lengthwise, with the wrong sides together.

Pin the binding to the edge of the opening, with the right side of the fabric up, and sew with a 5⁄8″ (1.5cm) seam allowance.

Trim the seam allowance to ¼” (6mm) and clip curves. Press the folded binding all the way to the inside, so there is no binding showing on the right side. I like to press so there’s a tiny ridge of the garment fabric pressed to the inside. Edgestitch along the fold of the binding. Or slipstitch the folded edge of the binding to the garment for an invisible finish.