Quilting enthusiasts, rejoice! The time has come to add the finishing touch to your labor of love—binding. Binding not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your quilt but also secures the edges and protects them from fraying. It’s a crucial step that deserves attention to detail and precision. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or embarking on your first binding adventure, this comprehensive guide will empower you to create a quilt that exudes both beauty and durability. Let’s dive into the art of quilt binding and discover the secrets to a flawless finish.
Before embarking on the binding process, it’s essential to gather the necessary materials. You’ll need a length of binding fabric, which can be either store-bought or cut from your own fabric. Additionally, you’ll require matching thread, a sewing machine, and sharp scissors. Once you’ve assembled your materials, it’s time to prepare the quilt for binding. This involves trimming any excess batting or fabric from the edges and pressing the seams open. By taking these preparatory steps, you’ll ensure a smooth and professional-looking finished product.
Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for—attaching the binding! Start by folding the binding fabric in half lengthwise and pressing it. Next, align the raw edge of the binding with the raw edge of the quilt and stitch it down using a blind stitch. Continue stitching around the entire perimeter of the quilt, taking care to miter the corners for a seamless finish. Once the binding is attached, fold it over to the back of the quilt and stitch it down securely. With patience and precision, you’ll soon have a beautifully bound quilt that will bring joy for years to come.
Preparing the Quilt Edges
Before attaching the quilt binding, it is crucial to prepare the quilt edges to ensure a flawless finish. This process involves trimming excess fabric, evening out the edges, and laying a foundation for the binding to adhere to.
**Trimming Excess Fabric:** Inspect the quilt edges and remove any loose threads or uneven fabric. For precise trimming, use a rotary cutter and a self-healing cutting mat. Align the cutter blade parallel to the edge and carefully cut away any excess fabric, leaving a consistent width of approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) from the intended binding line.
Squaring the Quilt Edges
After trimming, it is essential to square the quilt edges for a neat and professional appearance. Use a quilting ruler or a large square to measure and mark straight lines along the edges. Position the ruler or square at the bottom edge and align the zero mark with the edge of the quilt.
Measure the desired width of the binding (typically 2-3 inches) and use a pencil or fabric marker to draw a line parallel to the edge. Repeat the process for the remaining three edges, ensuring that the lines are parallel to each other. Once marked, use a rotary cutter or scissors to trim the quilt edges along these lines.
Pressing the Quilt Edges
Lastly, press the quilt edges using a warm iron and a pressing cloth. This step will flatten the fabric, create a crisp edge, and help the binding adhere smoothly to the quilt.
Choosing the Binding Fabric
The binding fabric is the finishing touch to your quilt, so it’s important to choose one that complements the quilt top and batting. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting your binding fabric:
Types of Binding Fabric:
There are many different types of fabric that can be used for binding, including cotton, linen, silk, and velvet. The type of fabric you choose will depend on the overall style of your quilt. For example, a cotton binding would be a good choice for a casual quilt, while a silk binding would be more appropriate for a formal quilt.
Color and Pattern:
The color and pattern of your binding fabric should complement the quilt top. You can choose a solid color that matches or coordinates with the quilt top, or you can choose a patterned fabric that adds a touch of interest. If you’re using a patterned fabric, make sure that the scale of the pattern is appropriate for the size of your quilt.
Width:
The width of your binding fabric will depend on the size of your quilt. For a small quilt, a 2 1/2-inch wide strip of fabric will be sufficient. For a larger quilt, you may need a 3-inch or even 4-inch wide strip of fabric.
| Quilt Size | Binding Width |
|---|---|
| Small (40″ x 40″) | 2 1/2″ |
| Medium (60″ x 60″) | 3″ |
| Large (80″ x 80″) | 4″ |
Cutting the Binding Strips
Preparing the Fabric
Choose a fabric that complements your quilt and provides an aesthetically pleasing finish. Ensure the fabric has been washed and ironed to prevent shrinkage or distortion later on.
Determining the Strip Width
The width of your binding strips will depend on the desired finished look. A standard width is 2.5 inches, but you can adjust it to suit your preference. Consider the thickness of your quilt when determining the width, as a wider binding may overwhelm a thin quilt and vice versa.
Cutting the Strips
Using a rotary cutter and cutting mat, carefully cut the fabric into long strips of the desired width.
| Strip Width | Cutting Width |
|---|---|
| 2.5 inches | 4.5 inches |
| 3 inches | 5 inches |
| 3.5 inches | 5.5 inches |
To ensure accuracy, use a ruler or measuring tape to mark the fabric before cutting. Cut the strips along the grain of the fabric, which will prevent stretching or puckering later on.
Once the strips are cut, you are ready to join them into a continuous length for binding your quilt.
Attaching the Binding to the Quilt
**Step 1: Pin the Binding**
Align the raw edge of the binding with the edge of the quilt. Fold over the binding and pin it in place, making sure the fold extends about 1 inch beyond the edge of the quilt.
**Step 2: Stitch the Binding**
Using a needle and thread that matches the binding, stitch the binding to the quilt by hand or with a sewing machine. Stitch close to the edge of the binding, making sure to catch both the quilt and the binding.
**Step 3: Fold the Binding to the Back of the Quilt**
Once the binding is stitched in place, fold it over to the back of the quilt. Pin it in place, making sure the fold extends about 1 inch beyond the edge of the quilt.
**Step 4: Mitering the Binding Corners**
To create a clean, finished edge at the corners of the quilt, the binding must be mitered. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to miter a corner:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fold the binding up at a 45-degree angle, aligning the raw edge with the corner of the quilt. |
| 2 | Sew the binding in place, starting at the corner and stitching about 1 inch beyond. |
| 3 | Fold the excess binding to the back of the quilt and pin it in place. Trim any excess binding. |
| 4 | Fold the next side of the binding up at a 45-degree angle, overlapping the first piece by about 1 inch. |
| 5 | Stitch the binding in place, starting at the overlap and stitching to the corner. |
| 6 | Fold the excess binding to the back of the quilt and pin it in place. Trim any excess binding. |
Joining the Binding Ends
The final step in binding a quilt is to join the binding ends. This can be done in a variety of ways, but the most common method is to use a mitered corner. Here’s how to do it:
- Overlap the binding ends by about 1 inch.
- Fold the top binding end over the bottom binding end, making sure to align the raw edges.
- Sew the two binding ends together along the raw edge, using a small stitch length.
- Trim the excess binding from the corner, leaving about 1/4 inch of seam allowance.
- Fold the binding over the raw edge of the quilt and hand-sew it in place, using small, blind stitches.
Tips for Joining the Binding Ends
- Use a sharp needle and thin thread to avoid puckering the binding.
- Take your time and sew slowly to ensure a neat and even finish.
- If you’re not confident in your mitering skills, you can use a bias tape maker to create a bias binding, which is easier to join.
| Method | Difficulty | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Mitered corner | Moderate | Professional and polished |
| Bias binding | Easy | Casual and relaxed |
| Straight seam | Very easy | Simple and functional |
Mitering the Binding Corners
Mitering the binding corners requires precision and careful attention to detail to achieve clean and professional-looking results. Follow these steps to ensure perfect mitered corners:
1. Fold the Binding in Half
Fold the bias tape binding in half lengthwise, lining up the edges precisely. Press the fold firmly to create a crease.
2. Mark the Center of the Corner
Fold the mitered corner in half diagonally to find the center point. Mark this point with a pin or fabric marker.
3. Fold the Binding Over the Center
Fold the binding over the center point so that the folded edge aligns with the diagonal crease. Pin the binding in place.
4. Trim the Excess Binding
Trim the excess binding diagonally from the corner to the point where it meets the adjacent side of the quilt.
5. Fold the Binding Back Over
Fold the binding back over the trimmed edge and align it with the edge of the quilt. Pin the binding in place.
6. Overstitch the Corner
To ensure a secure and durable corner, oversew the miter by folding the binding over itself and stitching across the corner. Use a small stitch length and reinforce the stitches at the corner point. Refer to the following table for a more detailed explanation of oversewing the corner:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fold the binding over itself at the corner. |
| 2 | Stitch across the corner, starting at the angle. |
| 3 | Continue stitching along the binding, reinforcing the stitches at the corner point. |
| 4 | Secure the stitches with a knot or backstitch. |
7. Flatten the Corner
Carefully flatten the mitered corner using a finger or a crease tool. This will help to set the stitches and create a crisp and defined corner.
Hand-Stitching the Binding
Hand-stitching the binding is a traditional and secure way to finish your quilt. It’s a relatively simple process, but it does require some patience and attention to detail.
To hand-stitch the binding, you’ll need the following supplies:
- Quilt binding
- Needle and thread
- Scissors
Here are the steps on how to hand-stitch the binding:
- Fold the binding in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press.
- Starting at the center of one side of the quilt, pin the binding to the edge of the quilt, right sides together. The raw edge of the binding should be aligned with the raw edge of the quilt.
- Sew the binding to the quilt using a blind stitch. To do this, insert the needle into the quilt about 1/4 inch from the edge, then bring it up through the binding about 1/8 inch from the folded edge. Take another stitch in the quilt about 1/4 inch away from the first stitch, and bring the needle up through the binding about 1/8 inch away from the first stitch. Continue stitching in this way around the entire quilt.
- When you get to the other end of the binding, trim the excess binding at the corner.
- Overlap the binding about 1 inch, and continue sewing around the quilt, overlapping the binding at each corner.
- When you get to the starting point, tie off the thread and trim any excess binding.
- Flip the binding to the back of the quilt and press. You can hand-stitch the binding to the back of the quilt if desired, but this is not necessary.
Here are some tips for hand-stitching the binding:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a small, sharp needle. | This will help you to create neat and even stitches. |
| Use a thread that matches the color of the binding. | This will help the stitches to blend in. |
| Take small, even stitches. | This will help to keep the binding secure. |
| Be patient. | Hand-stitching the binding can take some time, but it’s worth it for the beautiful results. |
Machine-Stitching the Binding
Once the binding is pinned in place, it’s time to stitch it down. There are two main methods for machine-stitching the binding: hand-stitching and machine-sewing. Hand-stitching is a more traditional method that gives a more delicate finish, while machine-sewing is faster and easier. Both methods produce beautiful results.
Hand-Stitching the Binding
To hand-stitch the binding, you will need a needle and thread. Choose a thread that matches the color of the binding fabric. Start by stitching the binding to the quilt top, about 1/4 inch from the edge. Take small, even stitches, and be sure to catch both the binding and the quilt top. Continue stitching around the entire quilt, finishing with a knot.
Machine-Sewing the Binding
To machine-sew the binding, you will need a sewing machine, a presser foot, and a needle. Choose a needle that is appropriate for the weight of the binding fabric. Insert the presser foot into the machine, and set the stitch length to 2.5 mm. Start by sewing the binding to the quilt top, about 1/4 inch from the edge. Hold the binding taut as you sew, and be sure to catch both the binding and the quilt top. Continue sewing around the entire quilt, finishing with a knot.
Binding Corners
The corners of the quilt are the trickiest part to bind. To make a neat corner, fold the binding fabric over at a 45-degree angle, as shown in the diagram below. Align the folded edge of the binding with the edge of the quilt, and stitch the binding down. Repeat on the other side of the corner.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps for machine-stitching the binding:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert the presser foot into the machine, and set the stitch length to 2.5 mm. |
| 2 | Start by sewing the binding to the quilt top, about 1/4 inch from the edge. |
| 3 | Hold the binding taut as you sew, and be sure to catch both the binding and the quilt top. |
| 4 | Continue sewing around the entire quilt, finishing with a knot. |
| 5 | To make a neat corner, fold the binding fabric over at a 45-degree angle. |
| 6 | Align the folded edge of the binding with the edge of the quilt, and stitch the binding down. |
| 7 | Repeat on the other side of the corner. |
Finishing the Binding
Once you have attached the binding to the quilt, it’s time to finish it off by folding it over and sewing it down. Here’s how to do it:
9. Sewing Down the Binding
To sew down the binding, you will need to use a blind stitch. This stitch will create a small, hidden stitch that will hold the binding in place without being visible from the front of the quilt.
To do a blind stitch, follow these steps:
- Thread a needle with a doubled strand of thread.
- Insert the needle through the back of the quilt, just behind the binding.
- Pull the needle through to the front of the quilt and insert it into the binding about 1/4 inch away from the first stitch.
- Pull the needle through to the back of the quilt and insert it into the quilt about 1/4 inch behind the second stitch.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 all the way around the quilt.
- Tie off the thread when you are finished.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for sewing down the binding:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Thread a needle with a doubled strand of thread. |
| 2 | Insert the needle through the back of the quilt, just behind the binding. |
| 3 | Pull the needle through to the front of the quilt and insert it into the binding about 1/4 inch away from the first stitch. |
| 4 | Pull the needle through to the back of the quilt and insert it into the quilt about 1/4 inch behind the second stitch. |
| 5 | Repeat steps 3 and 4 all the way around the quilt. |
| 6 | Tie off the thread when you are finished. |
Machine Quilting
Machine quilting is done with a sewing machine, and it can be done in a variety of ways. Some quilters prefer to use a walking foot, which helps to keep the quilt layers from shifting, while others prefer to use a free-motion quilting foot, which allows for more creative quilting.
Hand Quilting
Hand quilting is done with a needle and thread, and it is a more time-consuming process than machine quilting. However, many quilters prefer the look and feel of hand-quilted quilts, and it can be a very relaxing and meditative process.
Tying
Tying is a simple and quick way to quilt a quilt. It involves tying the quilt layers together with yarn or thread at regular intervals. Tying can be done by hand or by machine.
Care Instructions for a Quilted Binding
Care Instructions For a Quilted Binding
Follow these tips to keep your quilted binding looking great for years to come:
Washing
Machine wash your quilt on the gentle cycle in cold water. Use a mild detergent and avoid using chlorine bleach.
Drying
Tumble dry your quilt on the low heat setting. Do not over-dry your quilt, as this can damage the fabric and the binding.
Ironing
If needed, iron your quilt on the low heat setting. Do not iron directly over the binding, as this can melt the thread.
Storage
Store your quilt in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing your quilt in direct sunlight, as this can fade the fabric.
| Fabric Type | Care Instructions |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Machine wash on gentle cycle in cold water, tumble dry on low heat, iron on low heat setting |
| Wool | Dry clean only |
| Silk | Dry clean only |
| Polyester | Machine wash on gentle cycle in cold water, tumble dry on low heat, iron on low heat setting |
How to Put Binding on a Quilt
Binding is the final step in finishing a quilt. It gives the quilt a polished look and helps to protect the edges from fraying. Binding can be made from a variety of fabrics, but it is typically made from a coordinating fabric that matches the quilt top.
There are two main methods for putting binding on a quilt: machine binding and hand binding. Machine binding is faster and easier, but hand binding gives the quilt a more finished look. Whichever method you choose, the steps are essentially the same.
Materials:
* Binding fabric
* Quilt batting
* Quilt backing
* Sewing machine or needle and thread
* Scissors
* Measuring tape
* Iron
Instructions:
1. Cut the binding fabric into strips that are 2 1/2 inches wide. The length of the strips will vary depending on the size of your quilt.
2. Sew the binding strips together end to end to create one long strip.
3. Fold the binding strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Press the fold.
4. Open the binding strip and fold one raw edge over to the center crease. Press the fold.
5. Fold the other raw edge over to the center crease. Press the fold.
6. Pin the binding strip to the edge of the quilt, right sides together. The folded edge of the binding should be against the raw edge of the quilt.
7. Sew the binding to the quilt using a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance.
8. Fold the binding over the edge of the quilt and miter the corners.
9. Hand stitch the binding to the back of the quilt.
People Also Ask
How do you miter the corners of binding?
To miter the corners of binding, fold the binding over the edge of the quilt at a 45-degree angle. Trim the excess binding. Fold the binding over the opposite edge of the quilt and trim the excess. The two mitered edges should meet in the middle of the corner.
How do you hand stitch binding to the back of a quilt?
To hand stitch binding to the back of a quilt, use a small needle and thread. Take small stitches through the binding and the quilt backing. Be sure to catch the folded edge of the binding.
How do you secure the binding on a quilt?
To secure the binding on a quilt, you can either hand stitch it or machine stitch it. If you are hand stitching the binding, use a small needle and thread. Take small stitches through the binding and the quilt backing. Be sure to catch the folded edge of the binding. If you are machine stitching the binding, use a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching.
