Always!!!!! cut binding for especially "round" or circular. apllication as in armholes etc. on the bias, because it gives a little more stretch, and the application will look a whole lot neater. You will also find it much easier to attach. Goodluck with your venture

definetly has to be cut on the bias, especially if you are going around armholes

Hi Tracey, Binding to go around curves is much easier to stitch if cut on the bias.
Hugs n roses, Meganne

I would agree with all the other answers. Unfortunately you will use more material but the finish will be well worth it. Sarah.

I see you have your answer.

I found this really neat tutorial for making bias tape. You get lots and lots of yards out of one yard doing it this way. I want to give this a try.... Has anyone else tried this method, but maybe not so much fabric?

http://modernquiltlove.wordpress.com/2009/04/30/how-to-make-continuous-bias-binding/

You don't need to cut alot, but it absolutely needs to be on the bias! You will be trying to put a round peg in a square hole if you cut it on the straight! They do sell packaged bias tape with about 2 1/2yds in a pack, lots of colors to choose from. I keep a supply for aprons, etc. as it is less trouble than making it.

Bias means bias!

Bias and nothing but bias will do. the job correctly.

An easy rule of thumb. If you need the binding to curve, then it needs to be stretchy fabric or cut on the bias. If it is just straight binding, then you can either use bias or straight fabric, personal choice. Good luck with your project.

Well, I guess bias means bias, doesn't it, hee hee hee. Yeah, it does, truly. But unless this child's dress is for something like a wedding, pageant, something truly important, I would use the packaged bias tape in a coordinating color and not fuss with making my own. Best of luck, hugs, Marji

Thank you for asking and thank Hightechgrammy for the link with the instructions. Perfect!
A good week for all of you

Well that is exactly what I thought you all would say. LOL… I knew I was going to have to cut it on the bias. Yes for arm holes it will be curved. I am making a bib for the front of the dress and I want the binding to match the bib and the arms are going to cover the seams and come up to tie. I bought a mis-cut from the scrap pile that turned out to be bigger that the tag said so I guess I will do the bias. Thank you sweet cuties, for all your help and the video will keep me from having to dig out my quilt book.

Tthank you for this demonstration. I have always wanted to make some bias tape for projects and you came through for me.
Thanks again,

Hugs not on the bias, Bonnie

I remember years ago making petticoats and bibs with plenty of bias binding and I used to fold the bias tape down the middle, matching the long outer edges and iron the bias binding in an arc, holding the end down with the iron and then gently stretching the tape around as I ironed it. I applied the tape so that the centre fold, now shorter than the cut edges, sat at the edge of the armhole. This little trick made for very neat-lying bias edging.
AlmaG.

I measure the area that I will be attaching the bias and just cut bias strips from the scrap left from cutting the garment. With childrens clothing I have never had a problem finding a spot to cut the short lengths needed.

I have done it both ways over the years but cutting the bias way always lays better BUT SOMETIME YOU JUST DON'T HAVE ENOUGH FABRIC RIGHT ??HUGS CAROLYN

My solution is to cut proper facings or even a double yoke. They don't show and could be made of a different fabric.
Also narrow strips of ribbing for t shirt have worked for me in the past. Just overlock then top stitch so it peeps out,nice and easy. Using colour could make them unique.
Happy Stitching!