When you’re finishing a quilt, one of the last steps is to join the ends of the binding. This can be a tricky task, but it’s important to do it correctly to ensure a professional-looking finish. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to join quilt binding ends perfectly. We’ll also provide tips on how to avoid common mistakes.
To start, you’ll need to cut two pieces of binding that are each twice the width of the quilt binding. Fold one piece of binding in half lengthwise and press it. Then, open up the binding and fold each raw edge in towards the center crease. Press again. Repeat with the second piece of binding. Now, you’re ready to join the ends of the binding.
To join the ends of the binding, overlap the raw edges by about 1 inch. Fold the top binding over the bottom binding and stitch together. Trim any excess binding. Turn the quilt over and fold the binding over the raw edge of the quilt. Stitch the binding in place. And that’s it! You’ve now successfully joined the ends of your quilt binding.
Gather the Ends and Trim Excess Seam
Measure and Mark the Binding Ends:
- Measure the length of the binding strips that are hanging off the quilt.
- Mark the excess seam allowance on each strip with a fabric marker, pen, or tailor’s chalk.
- The excess seam allowance typically ranges from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch.
Trim the Excess Seam Allowance:
- Fold the binding strip at the marked line and press it firmly to create a crease.
- Use sharp scissors to trim off the excess seam allowance.
- Be careful not to cut too close to the stitches, as this could weaken the binding.
Gather the Trimmed Binding Ends:
- Once the excess seam allowance has been trimmed, fold the binding strips back over the edge of the quilt and align them with the starting point of the binding.
- The trimmed binding ends should be overlapped slightly, typically by about 1/4 inch.
- Secure the gathered binding ends in place with a pin or clips.
Table: Binding Strip Overlap
| Overlap Distance |
|—|—|
| 1/4 inch |
| 1/2 inch |
| 3/4 inch |
Trim the Excess Binding
Once the binding strips are sewn onto the quilt, it’s time to trim the excess fabric. This will give the quilt a clean and finished look. Follow these steps to trim the excess binding:
- Fold the binding over the edge of the quilt. Press the fold to crease it.
- Trim the excess binding on the diagonal. Cut a 45-degree angle from the folded edge of the binding to the raw edge of the quilt. This will create a mitered corner when the binding is folded over.
- Unfold the binding and press it flat.
- Fold the binding over the raw edge of the quilt again. Press the fold to crease it.
- Trim the excess binding on the opposite diagonal. Cut another 45-degree angle, starting at the folded edge of the binding and ending at the raw edge of the quilt. This will create a second mitered corner.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fold the binding over the edge of the quilt and press the fold. |
| 2 | Trim the excess binding on the diagonal, creating a 45-degree angle. |
| 3 | Unfold the binding and press it flat. |
| 4 | Fold the binding over the raw edge of the quilt again and press the fold. |
| 5 | Trim the excess binding on the opposite diagonal, creating a second 45-degree angle. |
Fold Back the Binding Ends
Once you have sewn the binding around the quilt, you will need to fold back the ends and stitch them down securely. This will create a neat and professional finish to your quilt. Here are the steps on how to fold back the binding ends:
1. Align the Binding Ends
Align the raw edges of the binding ends so that they are even. Make sure that the right sides of the fabric are facing each other.
2. Fold Back the Binding
Fold the binding back over the raw edges of the quilt by about 1/2 inch. Press the fold down with a warm iron.
3. Stitch the Binding Ends
Topstitch the binding ends down using a small stitch. You can use a hand-sewing needle or a sewing machine. If you are using a sewing machine, use a blind hem stitch or a topstitch stitch.
4. Trim the Excess Binding
Trim any excess binding that extends beyond the edge of the quilt. You can use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to trim the binding.
5. Secure the Knot
Tie a knot in the thread to secure the stitches. You can also use a dab of fabric glue to help secure the knot.
6. Fold the Binding Ends Under
Fold the binding ends under the quilt by about 1/4 inch. This will help to hide the raw edges of the binding. You can use a warm iron to press the binding down.
Here is a table summarizing the steps on how to fold back the binding ends:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Align the binding ends so that they are even. |
| 2 | Fold the binding back over the raw edges of the quilt by about 1/2 inch. |
| 3 | Topstitch the binding ends down using a small stitch. |
| 4 | Trim any excess binding that extends beyond the edge of the quilt. |
| 5 | Secure the knot. |
| 6 | Fold the binding ends under the quilt by about 1/4 inch. |
Hand Sew the Binding Ends Together
1. Fold the binding straps over the quilt’s edge, as if you were hand-sewing the binding on.
2. At the first binding end, bring the needle up through the bottom layer of the binding, at the top of the quilt corner.
3. Take the needle down through the opposite binding strap, at the bottom of the quilt corner, about 1/4 inch from the edge.
4. Pull the thread tight, making sure not to pull so tightly that you pucker the fabric.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you reach the end of the quilt.
6. On the last stitch, come up through the binding fold and then down through the seam allowance of the binding.
7. Tie off the thread and trim any excess.
Here is a summary of the steps in a table:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fold the binding straps over the quilt’s edge. |
| 2 | Bring the needle up through the bottom layer of the binding, at the top of the quilt corner. |
| 3 | Take the needle down through the opposite binding strap, at the bottom of the quilt corner, about 1/4 inch from the edge. |
| 4 | Pull the thread tight, making sure not to pull so tightly that you pucker the fabric. |
| 5 | Repeat steps 2-4 until you reach the end of the quilt. |
| 6 | On the last stitch, come up through the binding fold and then down through the seam allowance of the binding. |
| 7 | Tie off the thread and trim any excess. |
Press the Binding Securely
Once the mitered corners have been sewn, it’s essential to press the binding securely to ensure a professional-looking finish. Here’s a detailed guide to pressing the binding securely:
1. Trim the Excess Binding
Trim the excess binding at the mitered corners to about 1/4 inch beyond the point where the stitches end.
2. Fold the Binding Over the Edge
Fold the binding over the raw edge of the quilt, ensuring it covers the raw edge completely.
3. Press the Binding
Use a warm iron and press the binding in place, starting from the center of the quilt and working outwards. Press firmly to crease the binding along the edge.
4. Set the Iron Temperature
Set the iron temperature to the appropriate setting for the fabric being used. Avoid using too high a temperature, as this can scorch the fabric.
5. Use a Pressing Cloth
Place a pressing cloth over the binding to protect the fabric from direct heat. This will also help prevent any shine or discoloration.
6. Press the Edges
Press the edges of the binding firmly to ensure they are secure. Use a small iron or a mini iron for fine details, such as around buttons or other embellishments.
7. Crease the Binding
Crease the binding around the corners to create a sharp and clean finish. Use a bone folder or a small ruler for precision.
8. Remove the Pressing Cloth
Once the binding is securely pressed, remove the pressing cloth and allow the quilt to cool slightly.
9. Top-stitch the Binding
For added durability and a decorative touch, top-stitch the binding in place. Use a contrasting thread color or a thread that matches the binding fabric. The following table provides guidelines for top-stitching different types of binding:
| Binding Type | Top-Stitching Technique |
|---|---|
| Machine-stitched binding | Top-stitch close to the edge of the binding, about 1/8 inch from the seam. |
| Hand-stitched binding | Use a blind stitch to top-stitch the binding, catching only a few threads of the quilt top. |
| Bias-bound binding | Top-stitch on the folded edge of the bias tape, about 1/4 inch from the edge. |
How To Join Quilt Binding Ends
To join the ends of your quilt binding, you will need to overlap the ends by about 2 inches. Fold one end of the binding over the other so that the raw edges are aligned. Stitch the edges together, starting about 1/2 inch from the end of the binding. Stitch all the way to the end of the binding, then backstitch to secure the seam.
Fold the joined ends of the binding over the edge of the quilt, so that the raw edges are hidden. Stitch the binding in place all the way around the quilt, using a blind stitch or other invisible stitch method.
People Also Ask
How do you join quilt binding ends without a miter?
To join quilt binding ends without a miter, simply overlap the ends by about 2 inches and stitch them together. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to secure it.
How do you make a mitered corner for quilt binding?
To make a mitered corner for quilt binding, follow these steps:
Step 1: Cut the binding
Cut two strips of binding that are the same length as the sides of the quilt. Fold one end of each strip over by 1/2 inch and press.
Step 2: Align the binding strips
Align the two binding strips so that the folded ends overlap by 1 inch. The raw edges of the binding should be aligned.
Step 3: Stitch the binding strips together
Stitch the binding strips together along the folded edges, starting about 1/2 inch from the end. Stitch all the way to the end of the binding, then backstitch to secure the seam.
Step 4: Fold the binding over the quilt
Fold the joined binding strips over the edge of the quilt, so that the raw edges are hidden. Stitch the binding in place all the way around the quilt, using a blind stitch or other invisible stitch method.
