The Difference Between Binding and Pressing in Textiles

1. Binding: Covering the edge of fabric with binding tape to prevent fraying and enhance aesthetics. Common techniques include woven binding and bias binding, which require folding the edge before sewing.

2. Pressing: Typically involves applying pressure or sewing to the edge of fabric to prevent unraveling or fraying. For example, the locking hem technique on knitted and woven fabrics uses dense stitching to secure the edge.

Applications

1. Binding: Applicable to knitted and woven fabrics, such as curtains, bedding, and garment hems, where binding tape is used to reinforce the edge.

2. Pressing: Mostly used on mesh fabrics (such as knitted mesh fabrics), where dense stitching prevents unraveling.

End Results

1. Binding: Smooth and durable edges enhance overall aesthetics.

2. Pressing: Focuses on stability to prevent unraveling, but offers a less visually appealing effect than binding.