Have you ever wanted to create your own unique and personal quilt? Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just starting your first project, mastering the art of binding your quilt can greatly enhance its overall appearance and durability. As one of the final steps in the quilting process, quilt binding ensures that the edges of your quilt are securely enclosed, giving it a finished and professional look. This practical guide will walk you through the essential steps of sewing quilt binding, empowering you to achieve a beautiful and long-lasting result for your quilted masterpiece.
Before embarking on the binding process, it’s crucial to gather the necessary materials and ensure that your quilt is prepared for binding. You will need straight-grain quilt binding strips cut slightly longer than the perimeter of your quilt, a sewing needle and thread, scissors, and an iron. Begin by joining the binding strips together using either a straight stitch or a diagonal seam technique, forming a continuous binding strip long enough to surround your quilt. Next, turn under one long edge of the binding strip by about 1/2 inch and press it to create a crease. This folded edge will serve as the inner edge of the binding, which will be attached to the back of your quilt.
With the inner edge of the binding prepared, it’s time to attach it to your quilt. Align the folded edge of the binding with the raw edge of the quilt and use a running stitch or a slip stitch to secure it in place. As you stitch around the perimeter of the quilt, ensure that the binding is evenly distributed and taut, preventing any wrinkles or puckering. When you reach the corners, miter the binding to create a neat and seamless finish. Once the binding is attached to the back of the quilt, fold the remaining edge over to the front and secure it with either a decorative stitch or a blind stitch. This step conceals the raw edge of the binding and adds a touch of style to your quilt. With patience and attention to detail, you can now enjoy a beautifully bound quilt that will be cherished for years to come.
Preparing the Binding
The initial step in sewing quilt binding is preparing the strips of fabric. Begin by selecting a fabric that complements the quilt and provides a visually appealing border. Ensure that the fabric is not too thick, as it will become bulky and difficult to sew when folded over. Cutting the binding strips requires precision to achieve a neat and even finish.
Determining Binding Strip Length
To determine the length of each binding strip, measure the perimeter of your quilt. Multiply the perimeter by 1.5 to account for overlap and shrinkage. For example, if your quilt has a perimeter of 100 inches, you will need 150 inches of binding fabric.
| Quilt Perimeter (inches) | Binding Fabric Length (inches) |
|---|---|
| 50 | 75 |
| 75 | 112.5 |
| 100 | 150 |
Cut the fabric into strips that are 2.5 inches wide. The width of the strips allows for a sufficient overlap when attaching them to the quilt.
Measuring the Quilt Edge
1. Start by trimming your quilt to the desired size.
Once you have pieced your quilt top and batting, it’s time to trim it to the desired size. This will help ensure that your quilt binding is even and secure. To trim your quilt, use a sharp rotary cutter and a quilting ruler. Start by squaring up one edge of the quilt. Then, measure and mark the desired width of the quilt on the other three sides. Finally, trim the quilt to the marked lines.
2. Determining the Length of Binding Required
To determine the length of binding required, measure the perimeter of your quilt. To do this, use a measuring tape or a piece of string. Start at one corner of the quilt and measure along the edge to the next corner. Continue measuring around the quilt until you reach the starting point. Once you have measured the perimeter, add 10-12 inches to allow for overlap and shrinkage.
| Quilt Size | Binding Length |
|---|---|
| 40″ x 40″ | 160-164″ |
| 50″ x 60″ | 220-224″ |
| 60″ x 80″ | 280-284″ |
The width of your binding will also affect the amount of fabric you need. A wider binding will require more fabric than a narrower binding. A good rule of thumb is to cut your binding strips 2 1/2 inches wide for a finished width of 1 1/4 inches.
3. Cutting the Binding Strips
Once you know the length of binding you need, it’s time to cut the binding strips. To do this, cut strips of fabric that are 2 1/2 inches wide and the length of your binding. If you are using multiple fabrics for your binding, be sure to cut strips from each fabric.
Attaching the Binding to the Quilt
Once you have the binding strips sewn together, it’s time to attach them to the quilt. This is a fairly straightforward process, but it does require some precision. Here are the steps:
1. Pin the binding to the quilt
Start by pinning the binding to the quilt, right sides together. The raw edge of the binding should be aligned with the raw edge of the quilt. Use plenty of pins to secure the binding, especially around the curves.
2. Sew the binding to the quilt
Once the binding is pinned, it’s time to sew it to the quilt. You can use a sewing machine or hand-sew the binding. If you’re using a sewing machine, use a small stitch length and a zigzag stitch. This will help to prevent the binding from fraying.
If you’re hand-sewing the binding, use a blind stitch. This stitch will be invisible from the right side of the quilt.
3. Trim the excess binding
Once the binding is sewn to the quilt, trim the excess binding. Be careful not to trim too much, or you’ll risk exposing the raw edge of the quilt.
4. Finishing the corners
The corners of the quilt are the most challenging part to bind. Here’s a step-by-step guide to finishing the corners:
- Fold the binding over the corner, mitering the corners as you go.
- Pin the binding in place.
- Sew the binding to the quilt, using a small stitch length and a zigzag stitch.
- Trim the excess binding.
- Repeat steps 1-4 for the remaining corners.
Finishing the Binding Edge
Once you’ve sewn the binding to the front of the quilt, it’s time to finish the edge. Here’s how:
1. Fold Back the Binding
Fold the binding back over the raw edge of the backing by about 1/4 inch. Press it in place.
2. Topstitch the Binding
Topstitch the binding down to the backing, about 1/8 inch from the folded edge. You can use a straight stitch or a decorative stitch, such as a zigzag stitch.
3. Miter the Corners
At the corners, you’ll need to miter the binding so that it lies flat. To do this, fold the binding back at a 45-degree angle, then fold it back again at a 45-degree angle in the opposite direction. Trim off the excess binding, then topstitch the mitered corner in place.
4. Trim the Binding
Trim the binding flush with the edge of the quilt.
5. Hand-Stitch the Binding
If desired, you can hand-stitch the binding to the quilt for extra security. To do this, use a small needle and thread to stitch through the binding and the backing, about 1/8 inch from the edge.
6. Additional Binding Options
In addition to the basic binding method, there are several other options you can consider:
| Binding Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Double Binding | Creates a thicker, more durable binding. |
| Bias Binding | Adds a decorative touch to your quilt. |
| French Binding | Creates a very neat and professional-looking finish. |
Pressing the Binding
Pressing the binding is an essential step in the quilt-making process, ensuring a crisp, professional finish. Here’s a detailed guide to help you press your binding perfectly:
1. Fold the Binding
Fold the binding strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press it flat.
2. Attach Binding to the Quilt
Using a quilt pin, temporarily attach the binding strip to the edge of the quilt, matching the raw edges.
3. Stitch the Binding
Stitch the binding to the quilt using a blind stitch or stitch-in-the-ditch technique.
4. Trim the Excess
Trim the excess binding to about 1/4 inch beyond the stitched line.
5. Fold the Binding Over
Fold the binding over the raw edge of the quilt and press it in place.
6. Secure the Binding
Stitch the binding down using a blind stitch or topstitch, close to the folded edge.
7. Mitre the Corners
For a crisp finish at the corners, fold the binding at a 45-degree angle on both sides and press it flat. Overlap the folded edges and stitch them together securely. Trim any excess binding and press it again to create a sharp corner.
| Blind Stitch | Stitch-in-the-Ditch |
|---|---|
| Stitches do not show on the quilt’s front | Stitches are hidden in the ditch between the binding and quilt layers |
| Use a matching thread | Use a thread that blends with the quilt fabric |
How to Sew Quilt Binding
Sewing quilt binding is a great way to finish off your quilt and give it a professional look. It’s not as difficult as it may seem, and with a little practice, you’ll be able to bind your quilts like a pro. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
- Cut your binding strips. The length of your binding strips will depend on the size of your quilt. A good rule of thumb is to cut strips that are 2 1/2 inches wide by the length of the quilt plus 10 inches.
- Join the binding strips. Sew the binding strips together end-to-end, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Press the seams open.
- Fold the binding in half. Fold the binding in half lengthwise, with the wrong sides together. Press the fold.
- Attach the binding to the quilt. Start by attaching the binding to the center of one side of the quilt, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Sew around the quilt, mitering the corners as you go. To miter a corner, fold the binding at a 45-degree angle and sew it to the quilt top. Trim the excess binding and fold the remaining binding over the raw edge of the quilt. Stitch the binding in place by hand or machine.
- Finish the binding. Once the binding is attached, you can finish it off by topstitching it in place. Topstitching is a decorative stitch that helps to secure the binding and give it a finished look. To topstitch the binding, use a 1/8-inch seam allowance and stitch around the quilt, close to the edge of the binding.
People Also Ask
How do you make quilt binding?
To make quilt binding, you will need to cut strips of fabric that are 2 1/2 inches wide by the length of the quilt plus 10 inches. Join the binding strips together end-to-end, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Press the seams open.
How do you sew quilt binding on by machine?
To sew quilt binding on by machine, start by attaching the binding to the center of one side of the quilt, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Sew around the quilt, mitering the corners as you go. To miter a corner, fold the binding at a 45-degree angle and sew it to the quilt top. Trim the excess binding and fold the remaining binding over the raw edge of the quilt. Stitch the binding in place by hand or machine.
How do you finish quilt binding?
Once the binding is attached, you can finish it off by topstitching it in place. Topstitching is a decorative stitch that helps to secure the binding and give it a finished look. To topstitch the binding, use a 1/8-inch seam allowance and stitch around the quilt, close to the edge of the binding.
