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Add Binding Icon

Add Binding

What it Does​

Drafts a binding strip for an edge such as a neckline or armhole. Binding is a strip of fabric folded around a raw edge to finish it. You select the lines and curves to be bound, and the tool measures them and draws the strip.

Use this when you want a folded strip to finish an edge. The strip is drawn at full length with a fold line down the middle.

How to Use​

Start by telling the tool how long the bound edge is.

  1. Activate the tool by selecting the Add Binding icon
  2. Select the lines and curves to bind
  3. If the items you selected are only part of the full length, change the Multiplier. For example, if you selected half of a neckline, enter 2 to measure the whole neckline. The Multiplier starts at 1
  4. Select Measure. A list shows the name of each selected item, with its multiplier if it is above 1
  5. To add more items, repeat the last three steps. Each group of items can have its own Multiplier
  6. Select Done when the list is complete
  7. Enter the Finished Width of the binding in the unit shown. This is how wide the binding looks when sewn. Do not add the fold or seam allowance. The tool doubles the width for you. It must be greater than 0
  8. Enter the Seam Allowance. This is the seam allowance for the edges that will be sewn to the lines and curves you selected. It starts at your draft's standard seam allowance
  9. Enter the Percent. This is the percent of the edge length that the binding covers. It can be 10 to 100 and starts at 100. Stretchy knit binding is cut shorter than the edge so it pulls in. It can be as small as 66%. Woven binding is 100%
  10. Select Continue
  11. Click in the workspace where the upper left corner of the binding should go. You can click again to move it
  12. Select Continue. The binding is drawn with a dashed fold line down the middle
  13. Select Save to keep the binding, or Cancel to discard it
info

The seam allowance is added to the long edges of the binding. It will not show until you apply the seam allowance to the pattern.

tip

You can type a number or a formula in the Finished Width and Seam Allowance boxes. See Entering Values.

🧠Memorization

When you memorize a draft, the binding is remembered along with the items you measured and the width, seam allowance and percent you entered.