1 Mark a series of parallel lines across your chosen fabric at 45º to the selvedge and 5cm apart. Cut along the lines and trim the ends at right angles. Mark a downwards sloping line at one end of each strip, 1cm down from the short edge. Pin the strips together with right sides facing, overlapping the ends by 1cm.

2 Machine stitch along each of the marked lines and cut the seam allowance back to 1cm. Trim the side edges in line with the strips. Press the seams open.

3 With the wrong side inwards, press the completed strip in half lengthways and open it up. Fold one side edge in so that it lies just outside the crease line and press it down. Turn and press the other edge in the same way, then iron the binding in half and wind it onto a reel.