Quilting is a beautiful and rewarding craft, but it can be daunting to think about how to finish a quilt binding. The binding is the final step in the quilting process, and it’s what will give your quilt its finished look. There are many different ways to finish a quilt binding, so it’s important to choose the method that’s right for you. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common methods for finishing a quilt binding, and we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for each method.
One of the most popular methods for finishing a quilt binding is the machine-stitched method. This method is quick and easy, and it can be used on any type of quilt. To machine-stitch a quilt binding, you’ll need a sewing machine, a quilting needle, and thread. You’ll also need to choose a stitch that you like. Some popular stitches for quilt binding include the straight stitch, the zigzag stitch, and the blind stitch. Once you’ve chosen a stitch, you can simply sew around the edge of the quilt, making sure to catch the binding in your stitches. When you’re finished, you’ll have a beautiful, finished quilt binding.
Another popular method for finishing a quilt binding is the hand-stitched method. This method is a bit more time-consuming than the machine-stitched method, but it can give your quilt a more personal touch. To hand-stitch a quilt binding, you’ll need a needle and thread. You’ll also need to choose a stitch that you like. Some popular stitches for hand-stitched quilt binding include the whip stitch, the blanket stitch, and the ladder stitch. Once you’ve chosen a stitch, you can simply sew around the edge of the quilt, making sure to catch the binding in your stitches. When you’re finished, you’ll have a beautiful, hand-stitched quilt binding.
Sewing the Binding to the Quilt Top
The first step in securing the binding to the quilt top is to sew it in place using a sewing machine. To ensure a secure and even stitch, follow these steps:
- Set your sewing machine to a straight stitch and use a thread that matches the color of the binding fabric.
- Align the raw edges of the binding with the raw edges of the quilt top, ensuring that the binding fabric is slightly narrower than the quilt top.
- Start sewing from the center of one side of the quilt, carefully guiding the fabric under the presser foot. Maintain a consistent stitch length of approximately 1/4 inch (0.6 cm).
Securing the Corners
When sewing around the corners of the quilt, special care must be taken to ensure a neat and seamless transition. Here’s a detailed guide to securing the binding at the corners:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Stop sewing when the binding fabric reaches the inner corner of the quilt top. |
| 2 | Fold the binding fabric back over itself at a 45-degree angle, towards the center of the quilt top. |
| 3 | Align the folded edge of the binding with the raw edge of the quilt top at the corner. |
| 4 | Start sewing again, continuing the binding stitch around the next side of the quilt. |
Repeat this process at each remaining corner to secure the binding evenly.
How To Finish A Quilt Binding
The final step in quilting, binding, gives the quilt a polished look, protecting the raw edges of the fabric from fraying. You can bind a quilt by hand or machine; the technique described here is for machine binding.
To bind a quilt by machine, you will need:
- Quilt
- Binding fabric
- Bias tape maker (optional)
- Coordinating thread
- Sewing machine
1. Cut strips of binding fabric. The strips should be 2 1/2 inches wide and long enough to go around the entire quilt plus an extra 12 inches.
2. If you are using a bias tape maker, feed the strips of fabric through the maker to create bias tape. If you are not using a bias tape maker, fold the strips of fabric in half lengthwise and press. Then, fold the edges of the fabric in to the center crease and press again.
3. Pin the binding to the quilt, starting at the center of one side. The raw edge of the binding should be even with the raw edge of the quilt, and the folded edge of the binding should extend over the quilt by 1/4 inch.
4. Sew the binding to the quilt using a blind stitch. A blind stitch is a type of stitch that is sewn on the back of the fabric and is almost invisible from the front.
5.When you reach the end of one side of the quilt, overlap the binding by 1 inch and miter the corners. To miter a corner, fold the binding at a 45-degree angle and trim off the excess fabric. Then, unfold the binding and sew it to the quilt as before.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 for the remaining sides of the quilt.
7. Hand-stitch the binding to the back of the quilt. This will help to secure the binding and give the quilt a more finished look.
People Also Ask About How To Finish A Quilt Binding
What is the best way to finish a quilt binding?
The best way to finish a quilt binding is by machine as it is quicker and gives a more precise finish.
How do you bind a quilt by hand?
Place the binding around the edge of the quilt, folding the raw edges under. Use a needle and thread to sew the binding down, catching only the top layer of the quilt.
How do you miter a quilt binding?
To miter a corner, fold the binding at a 45-degree angle and trim off the excess fabric. Then, unfold the binding and sew it to the quilt as before.
