Embark on a meticulous journey of adding the final touches to your cherished quilt by mastering the art of quilt binding. This intricate process transforms a mere collection of fabric squares into a cohesive work of art, elevating its beauty and durability. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or an eager novice, this comprehensive guide will empower you with the knowledge and techniques to create an impeccable quilt binding that will withstand the test of time.
Quilt binding serves a dual purpose: it protects the quilt’s edges from fraying and enhances its visual appeal. By carefully selecting fabrics that complement the quilt’s design, you can create a harmonious and eye-catching border that complements the overall aesthetic. Additionally, the binding technique you choose can add a unique touch to your quilt, reflecting your personal style and creativity.
Before embarking on the binding process, gather your essential tools and materials. These include the quilt, quilt binding fabric, measuring tape, scissors, needle, thread, and an iron. Once prepared, you’ll embark on a step-by-step process that involves measuring, cutting, sewing, and pressing the binding strips to achieve a seamless and secure finish. The result will be a quilt that exudes both elegance and longevity, ready to be treasured for generations to come.
Gathering Necessary Materials
Before embarking on the task of binding your quilt, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials to ensure a smooth and successful process. Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need:
Fabric
- Binding fabric: Choose a fabric that complements the quilt top and batting. It should be durable and have a slight sheen for a professional finish.
- Backing fabric: This fabric will be attached to the back of the quilt, providing additional support and a finished edge. Select a fabric that matches the binding fabric or complements it harmoniously.
Notions
- Rotary cutter: A rotary cutter offers precision and ease when cutting fabric strips for the binding.
- Ruler: Use a quilting ruler to measure and cut the fabric accurately.
- Thread: Choose a thread that matches the color of the binding fabric for a seamless look.
- Needles: Use needles specifically designed for machine quilting, typically size 70/10 or 80/12.
- Iron: An iron is essential for pressing the binding fabric and seams to create a crisp and polished finish.
- Pins or clips: These are used to secure the binding fabric temporarily before stitching.
- Bias tape maker: An optional tool that can be used to create double-fold bias tape for the binding, eliminating the need for manual folding.
Tools
- Sewing machine: A sewing machine is indispensable for stitching the binding to the quilt.
- Walking foot: This presser foot helps to evenly feed the fabric layers through the machine, ensuring a consistent stitch.
- Measuring tape or yardstick: Use this tool to measure the quilt’s perimeter and cut the binding strips accurately.
- Scissors: Sharp scissors are essential for trimming excess fabric and shaping the binding corners.
Measuring and Cutting the Binding Strips
### Determining the Length of the Strips
To determine the length of the binding strips, measure around the entire perimeter of the quilt, including the corners. Add 10-12 inches to allow for overlap and joining the strips.
### Width of the Strips
The width of your binding strips depends on the desired finished size. A standard width is 2.5 inches. However, you can choose a wider or narrower width to suit your personal preference.
### Cutting the Strips
1. Fold your fabric in half lengthwise, selvage edges together.
2. Measure and cut the strips perpendicular to the fold. For a 2.5-inch wide binding, cut the strips 5 inches wide.
3. Cut enough strips to reach the total length you determined in step 1.
### Joining the Strips
1. Place the ends of two binding strips right sides together, overlapping the ends by 1 inch.
2. Sew the strips together using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Press the seam open.
3. Repeat this process until all of the strips are joined into one long strip.
Tips
* Use a rotary cutter and a quilting ruler for precise cutting.
* If you don’t have enough fabric to cut the binding strips in one piece, you can piece them together. Just be sure to match the seams carefully and press them open.
* If you want a double-faced binding, cut the strips twice the desired width and sew them together before cutting them into individual strips.
| Width of Binding | Finished Width |
|—|—|
| 2.5 inches | 1 inch |
| 3 inches | 1.5 inches |
| 3.5 inches | 2 inches |
Joining the Binding Strips
To join the binding strips, follow these steps:
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Strips
Determine the circumference of your quilt and add 10-15% for overlap and shrinkage. Cut strips of binding fabric that are 2.5 inches wide and long enough to reach the desired length.
Step 2: Square Up the Ends
Fold one end of a strip over itself by 1/2 inch and press. Unfold and fold the opposite end over the pressed edge by 1/2 inch, creating a square corner. Press and trim any excess fabric.
Step 3: Joining the Strips
Place the squared ends of two strips together, overlapping them by 1/2 inch. Use a mitered corner tool or ruler to guide you in aligning the strips perfectly.
Stitch across the seam, starting 1/4 inch from the edge and ending 1/4 inch from the opposite edge. Backstitch at both ends.
Continue joining strips in this manner until you have one long strip that is long enough to bind the entire quilt.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Measure and cut the strips. |
| 2 | Square up the ends. |
| 3 | Join the strips using a mitered corner tool or ruler. |
Attaching the Binding to the Quilt Edge
1. Trim the Quilt
Using a sharp rotary cutter and ruler, trim any excess batting or backing from the edges of the quilt. This will ensure a clean, even finish when you attach the binding.
2. Fold the Binding in Half
Lay the binding strip flat and fold it in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Press the fold with an iron to create a sharp crease.
3. Align the Binding to the Quilt Edge
Open up the folded binding and align the raw edge of the binding strip with the trimmed edge of the quilt, right sides together. Pin the binding to the quilt, spacing the pins evenly along the edge.
4. Machine Stitch the Binding to the Quilt
Method 1: Single-Fold Binding
- Machine stitch along the folded edge of the binding, close to the crease.
- Use a stitch length of 2.5-3 mm and a needle position in the middle of the binding.
- Trim the excess binding at the corners to prevent bulk.
Method 2: Double-Fold Binding
- Fold the stitched binding over the raw edge of the quilt and pin in place.
- Machine stitch along the folded edge of the binding, close to the crease.
- Trim the excess binding at the corners to prevent bulk.
Method 3: Bias Binding
- Fold the binding over the raw edge of the quilt and pin in place.
- Machine stitch along the folded edge of the binding, close to the crease.
- Trim the excess binding at the corners to prevent bulk.
| Method | Needle Position | Stitch Length |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Fold Binding | Middle of binding | 2.5-3 mm |
| Double-Fold Binding | Fold line of binding | 2.5-3 mm |
| Bias Binding | Fold line of binding | 2.5-3 mm |
5. Miter the Corners
-
For Single-fold or Double-Fold Binding:
- Fold the binding at a 45-degree angle at the corner.
- Pin the folded binding to the quilt, aligning the edges.
- Stitch across the folded corner.
- Trim any excess binding and press the corner flat.
-
For Bias Binding:
- Fold the binding at a 45-degree angle at the corner.
- Pin the folded binding to the quilt, aligning the bias edge with the quilt edge.
- Stitch across the folded corner, making sure to catch both the quilt and the binding.
- Trim any excess binding and press the corner flat.
Mitering the Corners
Properly mitering the corners ensures a neat and professional-looking finish on your quilt binding. To achieve perfect miters, follow these detailed steps:
1. Measure and Mark the Fold Line
Measure 2 1/4 inches from the folded edge of the binding strip and mark a line perpendicular to the fold. This line will indicate where to cut the miter.
2. Fold the Binding in Half
Fold the binding strip in half, right sides together, aligning the marked fold line with the opposite raw edge. Press the fold to create a sharp crease.
3. Make Diagonal Cuts
Starting at the marked fold line, cut diagonally towards the raw edge of the binding, stopping about 1/4 inch from the edge. Repeat on the other side, creating two diagonal cuts.
4. Unfold the Binding
Unfold the binding and fold down the triangle formed by the diagonal cuts. Match the raw edges of the binding strips and pin them together at the point where the diagonal cuts intersect.
5. Reinforce the Mitered Corner
To ensure a secure and durable mitered corner, it’s essential to reinforce it. You can do this in several ways:
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Hand Sewing | Use a ladder stitch to carefully sew the mitered corner by hand, securing it firmly in place. |
| Machine Sewing | Use a small zigzag stitch to sew around the mitered corner, reinforcing it and preventing fraying. |
| Fabric Glue | Apply a small amount of fabric glue to the corner and press it firmly to secure it. |
Handstitching the Binding
Step 1: Prepare the Binding
Trim any excess batting or backing fabric from the edges of the quilt. Turn the binding to the wrong side of the quilt and align the raw edge of the binding with the raw edge of the quilt top. Pin the binding in place.
Step 2: Stitch the Binding
Start in the center of one side and backstitch about 1/2 inch. Stitch along the binding, catching the quilt top and back through all layers. Use a small stitch length, about 10-12 stitches per inch.
Step 3: Secure the Binding
When you reach the end of one side, fold the end of the binding under and stitch it down to the quilt. The following are different ways to secure the Binding:
| Method | Instructions |
|:———|:———|
| Blind Stitch | Use a small needle and thread to take tiny stitches through the binding and the quilt top, barely catching the quilt back. This creates a nearly invisible seam.|
| Ladder Stitch | Fold the binding over and stitch it down with small, even stitches that resemble a ladder. This method is more visible than the blind stitch but is also more secure.|
| Blanket Stitch | Fold the binding over and stitch it down with a series of small, decorative stitches. This method creates a decorative edge on the quilt.|
Step 4: Miter the Corners
To create a neat corner, fold the binding over at a 45-degree angle at the point where the two sides meet. Trim the excess binding, leaving about 1/2 inch overlap. Fold the overlapping binding over and stitch it down to the quilt.
Step 5: Finish the Binding
Continue stitching around the quilt, securing the binding as you go. When you reach the starting point, fold the end of the binding under and stitch it down to the quilt.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Use a needle and thread to stitch down any loose threads or corners. Trim any excess thread. Press the quilt to set the binding and give it a professional finish.
Machine Stitching the Binding
Once the binding has been folded and pressed, it’s time to stitch it in place. This can be done either by hand or machine. Machine stitching is a quick and easy way to secure the binding.
7. Stitch the Binding to the Quilt
To stitch the binding to the quilt, you will need a sewing machine with a walking foot. A walking foot helps to feed the fabric evenly through the machine, which prevents the binding from puckering.
- Place the quilt on a flat surface and unfold the binding so that it is even with the edge of the quilt.
- Start stitching at one corner of the quilt. Fold under the raw edge of the binding and stitch it down along the edge of the quilt. Make sure that the stitches are small and even.
- Continue stitching all the way around the quilt, mitering the corners as needed. To miter a corner, fold the binding in half and press it. Unfold the binding and align the raw edges with the edges of the quilt. Stitch along the fold to secure the miter.
- Once you have stitched all the way around the quilt, trim any excess binding. Fold the binding over to the back of the quilt and stitch it down by hand or machine.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for machine stitching the binding:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Place the quilt on a flat surface and unfold the binding so that it is even with the edge of the quilt. |
| 2 | Start stitching at one corner of the quilt. Fold under the raw edge of the binding and stitch it down along the edge of the quilt. Make sure that the stitches are small and even. |
| 3 | Continue stitching all the way around the quilt, mitering the corners as needed. |
| 4 | Once you have stitched all the way around the quilt, trim any excess binding. Fold the binding over to the back of the quilt and stitch it down by hand or machine. |
Pressing the Binding
Once you’ve sewn the binding to the quilt, it’s time to press it. This will help to set the stitch line and give the binding a nice, finished look. Here’s how to do it:
1. Set Your Iron
Set your iron to the temperature that is appropriate for the fabric of your binding. If you’re not sure, start with a low setting and gradually increase the heat until the fabric starts to smooth out.
2. Press the Binding
Press the binding flat against the quilt, using a light touch. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can distort the quilt. Press the binding all the way around the quilt, taking care to get into all the corners and curves.
3. Fold the Binding Over and Press
Once you’ve pressed the binding flat, fold it over to the back of the quilt and press it again. This will help to secure the binding and give it a finished look.
4. Fold the Binding Back Over and Press
Fold the binding back over to the front of the quilt and press it again. This is the final step in pressing the binding, and it will help to make it look nice and neat.
5. Topstitch the Binding
Before you topstitch the binding, make sure that it is lying flat against the quilt and that there are no wrinkles. Topstitch the binding around the quilt, using a small stitch length and a needle that is appropriate for the fabric of the binding.
6. Trim the Excess Threads
Once you’ve topstitched the binding, trim any excess threads. This will give the quilt a clean, finished look.
7. Enjoy Your Quilt
Now that you’ve pressed the binding, your quilt is finished! Enjoy your beautiful new work of art.
| Iron Setting | Fabric Type |
|---|---|
| Low | Delicate fabrics, such as silk or organza |
| Medium | Most cotton fabrics |
| High | Heavy fabrics, such as denim or canvas |
Adding Decorative Stitching
Once you’ve finished binding the quilt, you can add decorative stitching to give it a personal touch. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Choose a stitch pattern: There are many different stitch patterns you can choose from, such as a straight stitch, zigzag stitch, or decorative stitch. Select one that complements the quilt’s design and fabric.
- Adjust the stitch settings: On your sewing machine, adjust the stitch length and width to suit the size and fabric of the quilt. For a subtle effect, use a shorter stitch length and narrower width. For a bolder effect, use a longer stitch length and wider width.
- Test the stitching: Before stitching on the quilt, test the stitch pattern on a scrap of fabric to ensure it looks how you want it to.
- Start stitching: Begin stitching along the edge of the binding, close to the seam. Stitch around the entire quilt, taking care to follow the curve of the binding.
- Secure the stitching: Once you’ve stitched around the quilt, secure the stitching by backstitching for a few stitches.
- Trim the threads: Trim the excess threads from the beginning and end of the stitching.
- Press the binding: Use a warm iron to press the binding flat, including the decorative stitching.
- Enjoy your finished quilt: Your quilt is now complete with a beautiful decorative stitching that adds a unique touch.
| Stitch Pattern | Description |
|---|---|
| Straight stitch | A simple, straight line stitch that can be used for a subtle effect. |
| Zigzag stitch | A stitch that creates a zigzag pattern, adding a bit of texture to the binding. |
| Decorative stitch | A pattern that adds a more elaborate design to the binding, such as a wave or flower pattern. |
Finishing the Quilt
Sewing on the Binding
Fold the binding strip in half lengthwise and press. Open the binding strip and fold each raw edge into the center crease. Press again. Starting at the center of one side of the quilt, pin the binding to the raw edge of the quilt, matching the raw edges. Sew the binding to the quilt using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
Mitering the Corners
To miter the corners, sew the binding to the quilt until you reach the corner. Stop sewing and leave a 2-inch tail. Fold the binding strip back on itself at a 45-degree angle, aligning the raw edge of the binding strip with the raw edge of the quilt. Trim the excess binding strip. Unfold the binding strip and press the miter. Continue sewing the binding to the quilt, starting from the point where you left off.
Finishing the Binding
Once you have sewn the binding all the way around the quilt, fold the raw edge of the binding to the back of the quilt and press. Topstitch the binding to the quilt, close to the edge, using a blind hem stitch or a small zigzag stitch. Trim any excess binding strip.
Hand-Sewn Binding
If you prefer, you can hand-sew the binding to the quilt. Use a small, sharp needle and thread that matches the color of the binding. Stitch the binding to the quilt using a whip stitch or a blind stitch.
Table: Binding Stitches
| Stitch | Description |
|---|---|
| Blind hem stitch | A stitch that creates a nearly invisible seam on the right side of the fabric. |
| Small zigzag stitch | A stitch that creates a strong, durable seam that is slightly visible on the right side of the fabric. |
| Whip stitch | A stitch that is used to sew two pieces of fabric together by hand. |
| Blind stitch | A stitch that is used to sew two pieces of fabric together by hand, creating a nearly invisible seam. |
How To Put On A Quilt Binding
Putting on a quilt binding is a great way to finish off your quilt and give it a polished look. It can also help to protect the edges of your quilt from fraying. There are a few different ways to put on a quilt binding, but the most common method is to use a machine. Here are the steps on how to put on a quilt binding by machine:
- Cut your binding strips to the desired width. The width of your binding strips will depend on the size of your quilt and the look you want.
- Sew the binding strips together end to end to create one long strip.
- Fold the binding strip in half lengthwise and press it. This will help to create a crease that will make it easier to sew the binding to the quilt.
- Pin the binding to the edge of the quilt, right sides together. Start at the center of one side and work your way around the quilt.
- Sew the binding to the quilt using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Be sure to catch the folded edge of the binding in your stitches.
- Fold the binding to the back of the quilt and miter the corners. To miter a corner, fold the binding at a 45-degree angle and trim the excess fabric. Then, unfold the binding and fold it back over the corner. Sew the binding down, catching the mitered corner in your stitches.
- Continue sewing the binding around the quilt, mitering the corners as you go.
- Once you have sewn the binding all the way around the quilt, fold the ends of the binding together and sew them together to create a mitered corner. This will complete the binding.
Here are some tips for putting on a quilt binding:
- Use a sharp needle and thread that matches the color of your binding fabric.
- Sew slowly and carefully, taking care to catch the folded edge of the binding in your stitches.
- Miter the corners accurately to create a professional-looking finish.
- Press the binding as you go to help it lay flat.
People Also Ask About How To Put On A Quilt Binding
How do you bind a quilt by hand?
To bind a quilt by hand, you will need a needle, thread, and quilt binding. Cut the binding strips to the desired width and sew them together end to end to create one long strip. Fold the binding strip in half lengthwise and press it. Pin the binding to the edge of the quilt, right sides together. Start at the center of one side and work your way around the quilt. Sew the binding to the quilt using a small, even stitch. Fold the binding to the back of the quilt and miter the corners. To miter a corner, fold the binding at a 45-degree angle and trim the excess fabric. Then, unfold the binding and fold it back over the corner. Sew the binding down, catching the mitered corner in your stitches.
What is the best way to put on quilt binding?
The best way to put on quilt binding is to use a machine. This will help to ensure that the binding is sewn on evenly and securely. However, you can also bind a quilt by hand if you prefer.
How do you miter quilt binding corners?
To miter quilt binding corners, fold the binding at a 45-degree angle and trim the excess fabric. Then, unfold the binding and fold it back over the corner. Sew the binding down, catching the mitered corner in your stitches.
What is the best type of fabric for quilt binding?
The best type of fabric for quilt binding is a lightweight fabric that is easy to work with. Some popular choices include cotton, cotton blends, and voile.
