---
title: "Bias"
description: "The bias is the diagonal direction across a woven fabric, at 45 degrees to the warp and weft, where the cloth stretches most."
type: Glossary
url: https://teazle.art/glossary/bias
published: 2026-10-16
updated: 2026-10-16
author: "The Teazle editors"
---

# Bias

*The bias is the diagonal direction across a woven fabric, at 45 degrees to the warp and weft, where the cloth stretches most.*

Cut a woven fabric along the diagonal and it behaves almost like a knit: it stretches, curves and clings. That diagonal is the bias, and the “true bias” is exactly 45 degrees to the [grain](https://teazle.art/glossary/grain.md).

## How is it used?

Bias strips bind curved edges because they bend without puckering; garments cut on the bias drape over the body. See [bias cut](https://teazle.art/glossary/bias-cut.md).


## Sources

1. [Common sewing and pattern making terms defined](https://blog.fabrics-store.com/?p=32171). Fabrics-store.com

Canonical: https://teazle.art/glossary/bias