Cutting Bias Strips

Strips for curved appliqué pattern pieces and for binding curved edges should be cut on the bias (diagonally across the grain of a woven fabric), which runs at a 45 degree angle to the selvage and has the most stretch.

To cut bias strips, begin with a fabric square or rectangle: use an acrylic ruler to square up the left edge.  Make a cut at a 45 degree angle to the left edge.

45 degree angle à
Bias Strip Diagram

Handle the diagonal edges carefully to avoid distorting the desired width from the 45 degree cut edge; cut parallel to the edge.  Cut enough strips to total the length needed.