Quilt Binding Notes

Your quilt top is finished. The three layers have been sandwiched together and you have spent countless hours quilting. Now it is time for the finishing touch, the binding. Of course, this involves more decisions and you may want to audition several choices before making the final selection. How about using one of the main fabrics in the quilt top to enhance a particular color or perhaps you would prefer to sew strips of several colors from the quilt together for an interesting affect? Maybe a plaid or a strip is just what is needed. A very safe choice is to use the same fabric as the last border. This is my common choice because if the quilt itself is very busy if will have a calming affect.

There are two types of binding that can be used to finish to quilt edge, bias or straight of grain. Bias binding is needed only for curved edges. Then it is absolutely necessary. Since I very seldom have a quilt with a curved edge I never use bias binding!!! There is one school of thought that bias binding will wear better then straight of grain but I dislike making bias binding so I don't do it. I cut the strips 2 1/2 inches wide for a large quilt and 2 1/4 inches wide for a walling hanging or smaller quilt, on the cross grain of the fabric as it has a slight stretch. The ends of the strips are cut on a 45 degree angle and joined together with the seams pressed open. Next press this long strip of fabric in half lengthwise to make a double fold binding.

Before starting to sew on the binding it is important for the quilt corners to be squared. Using a large square ruler trim away any extra quilt top, batting and backing. Squaring the corners is very important to prevent a "dogeared" look and to achieve a good miter. Then continue to trim around the quilt, lining the ruler up with the last border seam. One last step that is helpful is to stitch around the perimeter of the quilt 3/8 " from the outer edge. This will keep the layers from shifting while adding the binding.

Now you are finally ready to start sewing on the binding. Begin sewing along one side (not at a corner) and having the raw edges of the folded binding even with the quilt edge. When reaching a corner stop stitching 1/4" from the edge of the quilt. It will be necessary to take a few back stitches, cut the tread and remove the quilt from the machine to form a mitered corner. One little hint; if you are planning to hang this quilt it is a good idea to add a sleeve at the same time you are sewing on the binding. To do this, simply cut a strip of fabric about 4 inches wide and slightly shorter then the length of the top edge of the quilt. Again fold it in half lengthwise and lay the raw edges between the quilt and the binding and stitch everything at once.

Now comes the handiwork. Using thread that matches the binding you are ready to start stitching the binding down by hand taking small stitches which are pulled snugly and secure. Because I dislike flat, wimpy bindings, I cut strips of batting approximately 1 inch wide (the width will depend on the thickness of the batting) and lay this in the fold of the binding. I want the binding to be firm, full and nicely rounded. At times I use the closed edge of a scissors to press in the batting. When reaching a corner I trim the batting at an angle because there it enough bulk there without adding more. One last note, be sure to stitch the miter closed on both the top and under side. Now you are ready to stitch down the sleeve to the quilt backing being careful not to catch the quilt on the top side. Sign and date the quilt and GUESS WHAT... the masterpiece is DONE.

 Happy Quilting, Carol