Binding vs. Binding

Binding vs. Binding: How Bessie Pearl Bias Tape Stacks Up Against the Store Brand

AKA: The market research I should have done when I started my business...but never did. No one tell my business school professors!

The Long-Overdue Research Trip

After over eight years in the bias binding business, I finally decided it was time to do some market research and see what else is out there. Better late than never, right? Here’s what I discovered on my recent field trip to JoAnn’s.

Selection: The Good, The Bad, and The Lack of Patterns

The first thing I noticed at JoAnn’s was the selection. While there’s a rainbow of solid colors available, if you’re looking for patterns, the options are slim. I found only 4-5 basic prints, and that was it.

Comparing Prices: Store Brand vs. Bessie Pearl

Let’s talk numbers. The store brand bias tape at JoAnn’s cost me about $3 for three yards. In contrast, Bessie Pearl bindings are priced at $8.00 for ½" and $11.50 for 1” double fold. While price is a significant factor for some customers, there’s more to consider than just the cost.

Materials Matter: Polyester/Cotton Blend vs. 100% Premium Cotton

Wright’s bindings are made from 55% polyester and 45% cotton, while Bessie Pearl bindings are crafted from 100% premium quilting cotton. The difference in quality is immediately noticeable. Wright’s bindings feel rough and scratchy—definitely not something I’d want on the edge of my sewing project. On the other hand, Bessie Pearl bindings are soft, luxurious, and made from the same high-quality cotton as your sewing fabrics.

Shrinkage: A Factor You Can’t Ignore

Another crucial point: poly/cotton blends like Wright’s are prone to shrinkage, which can distort your sewing. Bessie Pearl bindings aren’t prewashed, but the quilting cotton we use has such minimal shrinkage that it won’t cause any issues when you wash your finished project.

Cut Size: Coverage and Durability

Bessie Pearl double-fold bindings are cut to leave only about a 1/8” gap where the sides meet, providing more fabric coverage on your seams. This means less wear and tear over time. In contrast, Wright’s bindings have a ½" space inside, offering less coverage and potentially wearing out faster.

Length: Generosity Counts

Ever needed exactly a yard of fabric, only to find it’s an inch or two short? I’ve been there! That’s why I always cut my bindings generously—I want to make sure my customers have enough. When I measured Wright’s bindings, I found they were short by 3-4 inches. That might not seem like much, but it can make a big difference in your project.

Conclusion: You Get What You Pay For

So, there you have it—my investigative findings! In summary, while Bessie Pearl bindings are more expensive, you’re investing in a product made with better materials, more attention to detail, and a longer-lasting, beautiful finish that complements your creations.