Binding is the final step in completing a quilt, and it can make or break the overall look of the quilt. In addition to providing practical durability, utilizing fabrics that go well with the quilt top can enhance the aesthetic appeal and make them a perfect finishing touch. Binding can also be a great way to add a personal touch to your quilt. If you’re looking for a way to add a professional-looking finish to your quilt, binding is the perfect solution. Binding can be done using variety of different fabrics, so you can customize the look of your quilt to match your personal style. Binding can also be done using a variety of different techniques, so you can find a method that works best for you.
French binding is a variation on traditional binding that results in a delicate, refined finish. The fabric is folded over the raw edge of the quilt and then stitched in place, creating a narrow, even border. This technique is often used on baby quilts and other small projects. Double binding is another option that provides a sturdy, durable finish. With double binding, two strips of fabric are used to bind the quilt, creating a thicker, more substantial border. This technique is often used on larger quilts or quilts that will be subjected to heavy use.
No matter which binding technique you choose, the process is relatively simple. First, you’ll need to cut strips of fabric for the binding. The width of the strips will vary depending on the technique you’re using, but they should be about 2 1/2 inches wide. Once you have the strips cut, you’ll need to sew them together to form a continuous strip. Then, you’ll need to attach the binding to the quilt. The method for attaching the binding will vary depending on the technique you’re using, but the general steps are the same. Once the binding is attached, you’ll need to trim the excess fabric and finish the edges. Binding a quilt is a simple process that can add a beautiful finishing touch to your quilt. With a little practice, you’ll be able to bind your quilts like a pro.
Selecting the Right Binding Fabric
When choosing a binding fabric for your quilt, there are several factors to consider to ensure a harmonious and durable finish.
Coordinating with the Quilt
The binding should complement the overall design and color scheme of your quilt. Consider using a fabric from the same collection or a coordinating print that enhances the quilt’s aesthetic appeal. Alternatively, you can opt for a contrasting fabric to create a bolder statement.
Fabric Type and Weight
The type and weight of the binding fabric will impact its durability and appearance. Cotton is a popular choice for its breathability, softness, and colorfastness. It comes in various weights, with lighter-weight cottons, such as quilting cotton, being suitable for smaller quilts, while heavier-weight cottons, such as canvas, provide more stability for larger quilts.
Bias vs. Straight-Grain
Bias binding creates a more flexible and curved edge than straight-grain binding. This makes it ideal for quilts with curved edges or intricate appliqué work. However, it requires more fabric and can be more challenging to handle. Straight-grain binding is more straightforward to work with and provides a sturdier finish, but it can result in a slightly less flexible edge.
Table: Binding Fabric Considerations
| Factor | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Coordinating with the Quilt | |
| Fabric Type and Weight | |
| Bias vs. Straight-Grain |
Preparing the Quilt for Binding
Selecting the Binding Fabric
Choose a fabric that complements the quilt’s design and colors. Consider the weight and drape of the binding fabric, ensuring it is compatible with the quilt’s weight.
Measuring and Cutting the Binding Strips
Step 1: Calculate the Total Binding Length
Measure the perimeter of the quilt. Multiply this measurement by 1.25 to account for overlapping and shrinkage.
Step 2: Determine the Width of the Binding Strips
The standard binding strip width is 2.5 inches. If you prefer a wider or narrower binding, adjust the measurements accordingly.
Step 3: Cut the Binding Strips
Cut the binding fabric into strips along the selvedge. The length of each strip should be equal to the total binding length divided by the number of strips required.
| Binding Strip Width | Number of Strips Needed |
|---|---|
| 2.5 inches | Total binding length / 40 inches |
| 3 inches | Total binding length / 36 inches |
| 3.5 inches | Total binding length / 32 inches |
Cutting and Joining the Binding Strips
To create your binding strips, you’ll need to cut fabric strips that are 2.5 inches wide and the length of the perimeter of your quilt plus 10-12 inches extra for joining and finishing.
Once your strips are cut, it’s time to join them together into a continuous bias strip. To do this, align the raw edges of two strips at a 45-degree angle, right sides together.
Sew a diagonal seam across the angled edges, starting 1/4 inch from the point where the fabrics meet and ending 1/4 inch before the other edge of the fabric. Trim the excess fabric at the seam allowance, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
Press the seam allowance open and trim any excess threads. Now, fold the bias strip in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing together. Press the folded edge well to create a sharp crease.
To join the ends of the bias strip, overlap the raw ends by about 1 inch, with the folded edge extending beyond the raw edges. Align the folded edges and sew a straight line across the overlapping edges, 1/4 inch from the raw edges.
Trim the excess fabric at the seam allowance, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Press the seam allowance open and trim any excess threads. Your binding strip is now continuous.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cut fabric strips 2.5 inches wide and the length of the quilt perimeter plus 10-12 inches. |
| 2 | Join strips together at a 45-degree angle with a diagonal seam. |
| 3 | Fold bias strip in half lengthwise, press, and join ends with a straight seam, overlapping 1 inch. |
Attaching the Binding to the Quilt
1. Prepare the Binding Strips
Cut the binding strips to the desired width. Generally, 2.5 to 3 inches wide is suitable. Join the binding strips together with a diagonal seam, being careful to trim any excess fabric.
2. Sew the Binding to the Quilt Top
Align the raw edge of the binding with the edge of the quilt top, right sides together. Use a scant 1/4-inch seam allowance and sew all around the quilt, leaving a 6-inch tail at the beginning and end.
3. Miter the Corners
Once you reach a corner, fold the binding strips at a 45-degree angle, creating a mitered corner. Trim the excess fabric, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Fold the binding over the mitered corner and continue sewing.
4. Finishing the Binding
a) Fold and Press the Binding: Fold the binding over the edge of the quilt, enclosing the quilt top and the previous stitch line. Press the binding flat with an iron.
b) Topstitch the Binding: Stitch in the ditch along the inner edge of the binding, securing it to the quilt top. Ensure that your stitches are small and even, approximately 1/8-inch apart.
c) Hand Stitch the Binding: For a more secure and invisible finish, hand stitch the binding in place. Use a blind stitch or a ladder stitch to sew through the binding and the quilt top, hiding the stitches within the fabric.
d) Remove the Tail: Once the binding is sewn, trim the excess tail and tuck it under the binding at the starting point. Stitch the tail down by hand to secure it.
Mitering the Corners
Precisely mitered corners create a clean and professional finish for your quilt binding. Follow these steps to achieve perfect miters:
1. Mark the Quilt Edge
Use a ruler or measuring tape to mark the center point on each edge of the quilt, 45 degrees from the corner.
2. Fold the Binding
Fold the binding strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Align the center of the binding with the marked point on the quilt.
3. Pin the Binding
Pin the binding to the quilt edge, starting from the center and working towards the corner. Fold the corners of the binding at a 45-degree angle to form a triangle.
4. Stitch the Binding
Stitch the binding close to the edge of the quilt, using a small stitch length. When you reach the corner, leave a 1/4-inch gap before stitching across it.
5. Fold and Secure the Miter
| Instructions | Illustration |
|---|---|
| Fold the triangle of binding over the corner so that the raw edges are aligned. | [Image of folding the corner] |
| Press the folded binding flat. | [Image of pressing the corner] |
| Fold the raw edges of the binding under on both sides of the corner. | [Image of folding the edges under] |
| Stitch the folded edges together, securing the miter. | [Image of stitching the miter] |
Hand-Stitching the Binding
Hand-stitching the binding is a traditional and time-honored method for securing it to the quilt. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you achieve a perfect hand-stitched binding:
Materials:
- Quilt with unattached binding
- Needle and thimble
- Matching thread
Steps:
- Fold the binding over the quilt edge: Crease the binding strip in half lengthwise and unfold it. Place it around the quilt edge, aligning the raw edges. Fold the binding over the edge and tuck it under along the quilt back.
- Secure the binding: Using a needle and thread, begin hand-stitching the binding to the quilt back. Start at one corner and use small, even stitches.
- Stitch from the quilt back to front: Insert the needle from the quilt back, bringing it up through the folded binding. Take another stitch from the front, inserting the needle through the quilt and bringing it up through the binding.
- Secure the stitches: To secure each stitch, bring the needle back down through the binding and quilt back, close to the first stitch. Repeat this process along the entire quilt edge.
- Stitch depth: The stitches should be deep enough to secure the binding firmly to the quilt back but not so deep that they show through to the quilt top.
- Binding width: The width of the binding will determine the size of the stitches and how many stitches per inch are required. A wider binding will require longer stitches and fewer per inch, while a narrower binding will require shorter stitches and more per inch.
- Mitered corners: When binding the quilt corners, fold the binding at a 45-degree angle and miter its edges together. Secure the mitered corner with several stitches.
- Finish the binding: Once the binding is hand-stitched around the entire quilt edge, trim any excess binding and tie or weave in the thread ends to secure them.
| Binding Width | Stitches per Inch | Stitch Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 inch | 5-6 | 1/8 inch |
| 1/2 inch | 3-4 | 1/4 inch |
| 3/4 inch | 2-3 | 1/2 inch |
Machine-Sewing the Binding
Machine-sewing the binding is a quick and easy way to finish your quilt. Here are the steps:
1. Prepare the binding strips
Cut the binding strips into 2 1/2-inch-wide strips. Join the strips together with a diagonal seam, mitering the corners if desired.
2. Attach the binding to the quilt
Place the binding strip along the edge of the quilt, right sides together. Pin the binding in place, starting at the center of one side and working your way around the quilt. Machine-stitch the binding to the quilt, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
3. Fold the binding over the edge
Once the binding is sewn on, fold it over the edge of the quilt and press it in place. Topstitch the binding to the quilt, using a 1/8-inch seam allowance.
4. Miter the corners
When you come to a corner, miter the binding to create a neat, finished look. To do this, fold the binding over at a 45-degree angle and trim the excess fabric. Fold the binding back over and press it in place. Topstitch the binding in place.
5. Finishing the binding
Once the binding is sewn on, you can finish it by hand-sewing or machine-stitching. If you are hand-sewing the binding, use a blind stitch to attach it to the quilt. If you are machine-stitching the binding, use a 1/8-inch seam allowance.
6. Table of Machine Binding Tips
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a walking foot | This will help to prevent the fabric from shifting as you sew. |
| Stitch in the ditch | This will create a less visible seam. |
| Use a small stitch length | This will help to prevent the binding from puckering. |
| Trim the excess fabric close to the stitching | This will help to create a neat, finished look. |
| Press the binding as you go | This will help to keep the binding in place and prevent it from puckering. |
7. Troubleshooting Machine Binding Problems
If you are having problems with machine binding, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- If the binding is puckering, try using a smaller stitch length.
- If the binding is not staying in place, try pressing it as you go.
- If the binding is too loose, try using a wider seam allowance.
- If the binding is too tight, try using a narrower seam allowance.
- If the binding is not mitering correctly, try trimming the excess fabric closer to the stitching.
Finishing Touches: Pressing and Top-Stitching
Top-Stitching the Binding
Once your binding is sewn in place, it’s time to give it a professional look with top-stitching. This step adds a decorative touch while ensuring the binding stays securely in place.
Materials:
– Sewing machine
– Matching thread
– Optional: Presser foot with guide
Steps:
1. Set your sewing machine to a decorative stitch or a straight stitch with a stitch length of 2-2.5mm.
2. Fold the binding over by a scant 1/4 inch (6mm) to the back of the quilt.
3. Align the folded edge with the ditch between the binding and the backing fabric.
4. Starting at the center of one side, slowly stitch from one corner to the other.
5. Return to the center and stitch the other side in the same manner.
6. Remove the quilt from the machine and clip any loose threads.
7. If desired, use a presser foot with a guide to ensure even spacing between stitches.
8. To create a more elaborate look, consider using a decorative thread or a contrasting color thread for top-stitching. This can add a personal touch and enhance the overall appearance of your quilt.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Set sewing machine to desired stitch. |
| 2 | Fold binding over to back of quilt. |
| 3 | Align folded edge with ditch between binding and backing. |
| 4 | Stitch from center to corner on one side. |
| 5 | Return to center and stitch other side. |
| 6 | Remove quilt from machine and clip threads. |
| 7 | Use presser foot with guide for even spacing (optional). |
| 8 | Add personal touch with decorative thread or contrasting color (optional). |
Troubleshooting Common Binding Issues
Issue: Binding Is Too Wide or Too Narrow
**Cause:** Incorrect measurement of binding strips.
**Solution:** Recut binding strips to the correct width. For a quilt with a 1/2-inch seam allowance, the binding strips should measure:
| Binding Width | Binding Length |
|---|---|
| 2 1/4 inches | Quilt perimeter + 10 inches |
| 2 1/2 inches | Quilt perimeter + 12 inches |
| 3 inches | Quilt perimeter + 14 inches |
Issue: Binding Is Puckering or Rippling
**Cause:** Binding is too tight or too loose.
**Solution:** Adjust the tension on your sewing machine. If the binding is puckering, loosen the tension. If the binding is rippling, tighten the tension.
Issue: Binding Is Not Mitred Evenly
**Cause:** Inaccurate mitering or uneven pressure when pressing or sewing.
**Solution:** Practice mitering on scrap fabric until you get the hang of it. Ensure even pressure when pressing and sewing the mitered corners.
Issue: Binding Is Curling or Fraying
**Cause:** Improper pressing techniques or incorrect sewing method.
**Solution:** Press the binding strips flat before attaching them to the quilt. Use a blind stitch or a narrow zigzag stitch to secure the binding, ensuring the stitches catch the binding and the quilt top.
Issue: Binding Is Bulky
**Cause:** Excessive seam allowance or too many layers of fabric.
**Solution:** Trim the seam allowance to 1/4 inch before attaching the binding. Avoid using multiple layers of fabric, such as batting or other interfacing, under the binding.
Issue: Binding Is Loose or Falling Off
**Cause:** Insufficient securing of the binding or incorrect sewing method.
**Solution:** Use a strong thread and stitch the binding securely. Consider using a double-row stitch for added reinforcement. Ensure the stitches catch through all layers of the binding and the quilt top.
Hand-Sewing vs. Machine-Sewing
Hand-sewing gives a more traditional look, while machine-sewing is quicker and easier.
Binding Width
The binding should be 2 1/2″ wide for quilts up to 50″ square, 3″ wide for quilts 50″ to 90″ square, and 3 1/2″ wide for quilts over 90″ square.
Bias Binding vs. Straight-Grain Binding
Bias binding drapes better and is less likely to pucker, but straight-grain binding is easier to sew.
Mitering Corners
Mitering corners gives a more polished look. To miter a corner, fold the binding in half diagonally and press. Align the folded edge with the raw edge of the quilt and sew at a 45-degree angle.
Joining Binding Ends
To join binding ends, overlap them by 1 1/2″ and sew them together at a 45-degree angle. Trim the excess fabric and press the seam open.
Attaching the Binding
Use a blind stitch to attach the binding to the quilt top. Start sewing in the middle of one side and work your way around the quilt.
Tips for Professional-Looking Quilt Binding
Use a matching thread color to the quilt top.
Stitch the binding close to the edge of the quilt, but not so close that the stitches show through to the top.
Press the binding as you go to help it lay flat.
If you are hand-sewing the binding, use a thimble to protect your fingers.
If you are machine-sewing the binding, use a quilting presser foot to help feed the fabric through evenly.
If you are using bias binding, be sure to stretch the binding slightly as you sew it to prevent puckering.
If you are using straight-grain binding, be sure to trim the dog ears at the corners to prevent bulkiness.
Mitering the corners gives a more polished look, but it is not necessary.
When joining binding ends, be sure to overlap them by at least 1 1/2″ to ensure a strong seam.
Attach the binding with a blind stitch to give it a professional finish.
How To Do Binding On Quilt
Quilt binding is a type of fabric trim that is sewn around the edges of a quilt to finish it off. It can be made from a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and silk. Binding also helps to protect the quilt from fraying and wear. Here are the steps on how to do binding on a quilt:
- Cut the binding strips. The width of the binding strips will vary depending on the size of your quilt. You can use a rotary cutter or a scissors to cut the strips.
- Sew the binding strips together. Sew the binding strips together end-to-end to create one long strip.
- Attach the binding to the quilt. Start by pinning the binding to the quilt, right sides together. Sew the binding to the quilt using a blind stitch or a whip stitch.
- Fold the binding over and sew it down. Once the binding is sewn to the quilt, fold it over to the back of the quilt and sew it down using a blind stitch or a whip stitch.
- Trim the excess binding. Trim any excess binding from the corners of the quilt.
People Also Ask About How To Do Binding On Quilt
How do I choose the right binding fabric?
The best binding fabric for your quilt will depend on the overall style of the quilt. Consider the color, pattern, and texture of the quilt fabric when choosing a binding fabric.
What is the best stitch to use for binding a quilt?
The best stitch to use for binding a quilt is a blind stitch or a whip stitch. These stitches are both invisible and will help to keep the binding secure.
How do I miter the corners of a quilt binding?
To miter the corners of a quilt binding, you will need to cut the binding at a 45-degree angle. Once the binding is cut, fold it in half and sew it to the quilt. Trim any excess binding from the corners.
