Quilting binding is the final step in completing a quilt, and it is an important part of the process. It not only finishes the edge of the quilt, but it also adds durability and a touch of personality. There are many different quilt binding methods to choose from, plus a variety of materials that can be used for the binding fabric. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to quilt bind by hand, one of the most popular binding methods. This guide will provide you with all the techniques you need to create a beautiful and durable binding for your quilt.
To begin, you will need to gather your materials. You will need a quilt that is already quilted and trimmed, binding fabric, a needle, and thread. You may also want to use a thimble to protect your fingers. Once you have your materials, you can begin the binding process. First, you will need to cut your binding fabric strips. The strips should be cut to the width of your desired binding, plus 1/2 inch for seam allowances. The length of the strips will vary depending on the size of your quilt. Once you have cut your binding fabric strips, you can begin sewing them together. The strips should be sewn together end-to-end, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Continue sewing the strips together until you have a continuous piece of binding that is slightly longer than the perimeter of your quilt.
Materials and Tools for Quilt Binding
Fabric
Backing Fabric:
The backing fabric, which is the largest piece of fabric that serves as the base of the quilt. It should be slightly larger than the quilt top to allow for shrinkage and for securing the quilt top to the batting and backing. Choose a fabric that complements the quilt top and is durable enough to withstand repeated use and washing.
Binding Fabric:
The binding fabric, which is a strip of fabric that encloses the raw edges of the quilt. It should be at least 2.5 inches wide to provide enough coverage and durability. Select a fabric that coordinates with the quilt top and backing, and that complements the overall design of the quilt.
Batting:
The batting, which is the insulating layer between the quilt top and the backing. It provides warmth, loft, and shape to the quilt. Choose a batting material that suits the desired weight and thickness of the quilt, such as cotton, wool, or synthetic.
Tools
Sewing Machine:
A sewing machine is essential for stitching the binding to the quilt. It should be in good working condition and capable of handling multiple layers of fabric.
Needle:
Use a sharp needle that is appropriate for the type of fabric used. A size 10 or 12 needle is typically suitable for most quilt fabrics.
Thread:
Choose thread that matches the color of the binding fabric and that is strong enough to hold the binding securely in place. A 100% cotton thread is often used for quilting.
Quilting Clips or Pins:
Quilting clips or pins are used to hold the binding in place while stitching. Clips are generally easier to use and provide a more secure hold than pins.
Iron and Ironing Board:
An iron and ironing board are necessary for pressing the binding as you sew it onto the quilt. This helps to create a neat and professional finish.
Other Useful Tools:
Other useful tools include a seam ripper for removing stitches, a measuring tape for accurate measurements, and a ruler or template for cutting the binding strips.
Choosing a Binding Fabric and Style
The choice of binding fabric and style can greatly affect the overall look and feel of your quilt. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
Binding Fabric
The fabric you choose for your binding should be durable and coordinate well with the quilt top and backing. Consider the following options:
1. Matching fabric: The binding can be made from the same fabric as the quilt top or backing.
2. Coordinating fabric: A fabric that complements the colors and patterns of the quilt top.
3. Contrast fabric: A fabric that creates a bold contrast with the quilt top.
4. Printed fabric: A fabric with a pattern that adds interest to the binding.
5. Textured fabric: A fabric with a textured surface, such as corduroy or denim.
6. Striped or plaid fabric: A fabric with stripes or plaids can add a unique touch to the binding.
Binding Style
The style of binding you choose will determine how the binding is attached to the quilt. Here are some of the most popular binding styles:
| Binding Style |
|---|
| Traditional binding |
| Bias binding |
| Double fold binding |
| Machine stitched binding |
| Hand stitched binding |
Each binding style has its own advantages and disadvantages. Traditional binding is the most common and easiest to do, while bias binding is more durable and adds a decorative touch. Double fold binding is a good choice for quilts that will be washed frequently, and machine stitched binding is a quick and easy option. Hand stitched binding is the most time-consuming but gives the most professional finish.
Cutting and Joining the Binding Strips
Before cutting the binding strips, you will need to calculate how much fabric you need. Generally, you’ll need enough binding to wrap around the perimeter of the quilt twice, plus 10-12 inches for joining and finishing. For example, for a quilt that measures 60″ x 72″, you would cut 4 binding strips that are 168 inches long (60″ + 72″ + 60″ + 72″ + 10″).
The width of the binding strips will depend on how wide you want the finished binding to be. If you want a binding that is 1″ finished, cut the strips 2.5″ wide. For a 1.5″ finished binding, cut the strips 3″ wide.
Once you have determined how much and what size fabric to cut, use a rotary cutter and mat to cut the strips. Join the strips together using a diagonal seam:
Joining the Binding Strips
1. Overlap the ends of the binding strips by about 45 degrees. Ensure that the right sides of the fabric are facing each other.
2. Stitch the strips together using a scant 1/4″ seam allowance. Start stitching about 1/4″ from the point of the overlap and sew to the end of the strips.
3. Press the seam open. This will help to reduce bulk in the finished binding.
4. Trim the excess fabric from the seam allowance at the point of the overlap. This will give you a nice, clean finish.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Overlap the ends of the binding strips by about 45 degrees. |
| 2 | Stitch the strips together using a scant 1/4″ seam allowance. |
| 3 | Press the seam open. |
| 4 | Trim the excess fabric from the seam allowance at the point of the overlap. |
Mitring Corners
Mitring corners gives a professional touch to your quilt binding. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:
- Measure and cut the binding strip to the desired length for each side of the quilt. For each corner, you’ll need two strips.
- Fold one end of each strip over at a 45-degree angle to form a triangle. The length of the triangle should be equal to the width of the binding strip.
- Place the triangles together, aligning the edges and the corners. Sew along the diagonal edge to join them, forming a “V” shape.
- Press the seam open and fold the binding strip around the corner, aligning the raw edges of the binding with the raw edges of the quilt.
- To miter the other corner, follow steps 1-3. Then, align the triangles so that the points of the “V” shapes meet. Trim the excess fabric at the top and bottom of the corner so that the binding strip fits snugly around the corner.
Finishing the Binding by Hand or Machine
Once the binding is sewn in place, it can be finished by hand or by machine. Here’s how to finish it by hand:
Method 1: Finishing the Binding by Hand
Step 1: Miter the Corners
Fold the binding over the corner of the quilt, mitering the edges to create a 45-degree angle. Trim any excess fabric.
Step 2: Blind Stitch the Corners
Using a needle and thread that matches the binding, sew the corners in place with small, blind stitches. Bring the needle through from the back of the quilt, catching a few threads from the inside of the binding, and then insert it back into the fabric about 1/4 inch away. Repeat this process until the corner is secure.
Step 3: Fold the Binding Over the Edges
Fold the binding over the raw edges of the quilt and topstitch it in place. Use a straight stitch with a matching thread.
Step 4: Trim the Excess Binding
Trim any excess binding that extends beyond the edges of the quilt.
Method 2: Finishing the Binding by Machine
Step 1: Set Sewing Machine
Set your sewing machine to a narrow zigzag stitch and select a thread color that matches the binding.
Step 2: Topstitch the Binding
Align the binding with the raw edges of the quilt and topstitch it in place. Guide the edge of the binding along the edge of the quilt as you sew.
Step 3: Trim the Binding
Trim any excess binding that extends beyond the edges of the quilt.
Refer to the table for a summary of the two methods:
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Hand Finishing | Mitering corners, blind stitching corners, folding over edges, trimming excess binding |
| Machine Finishing | Setting sewing machine, topstitching binding, trimming excess binding |
Troubleshooting Common Binding Issues
Binding Is Too Loose
- Use a narrower binding strip.
- Sew the binding closer to the edge of the quilt.
- Use a smaller stitch length.
Binding Is Too Tight
- Use a wider binding strip.
- Sew the binding farther from the edge of the quilt.
- Use a larger stitch length.
Binding Is Not Square
- Trim the quilt and backing squares to the same size.
- Sew the binding evenly around the quilt.
- Miter the corners carefully.
Binding Is Buckling
- Use bias binding.
Type of Fabric Recommended Bias Width Quilting cotton 2.25″ Flannel 2.5″ Silk 1.5″ - Stretch the binding as you sew it on.
- Press the binding after it is sewn on.
Binding Is Not Laying Flat
- Use a walking foot or even-feed foot when sewing on the binding.
- Adjust the tension on your sewing machine.
- Trim the excess seam allowance from the binding.
Binding Is Wrinkled
- Press the binding before sewing it on.
- Use a light touch when sewing on the binding.
- Stretch the binding gently as you sew it on.
Binding Is Coming Off
- Use a strong thread and needle.
- Sew the binding close to the edge of the quilt.
- Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam.
Binding a Quilt with Bias Tape
Materials You’ll Need:
- Bias tape
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Fabric glue
- Sewing machine
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Measure the perimeter of your quilt, adding an extra 10-12 inches for overlap.
- Cut a length of bias tape this length.
- Apply a thin line of fabric glue to the wrong side of the bias tape.
- Fold the bias tape over the raw edges of the quilt, aligning the folded edge with the edge of the quilt.
- Press to set the glue.
- Top stitch the bias tape in place, approximately 1/8 inch from the edge of the quilt.
- Fold the bias tape to the back of the quilt.
- Trim the excess bias tape, leaving a small overlap at the starting point.
- Miter the corners by folding the bias tape at a 45-degree angle and then trimming the excess. This will create a clean and professional-looking finish.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Measure and cut the bias tape. |
| 2 | Apply fabric glue to the wrong side of the bias tape. |
| 3 | Fold the bias tape over the raw edges of the quilt. |
| 4 | Press to set the glue. |
| 5 | Top stitch the bias tape in place. |
| 6 | Fold the bias tape to the back of the quilt. |
| 7 | Trim the excess bias tape. |
| 8 | Miter the corners. |
How to Quilt Binding
Quilt binding is the final step in the quilting process, and it serves both a functional and decorative purpose. It secures the raw edges of the quilt and prevents them from fraying, and it also adds a finishing touch to the quilt’s overall design. There are many different ways to bind a quilt, but the most common method is to use a bias strip of fabric. Bias strips are cut on a 45-degree angle to the grain of the fabric, which gives them a stretchy quality that makes them ideal for binding curves.
To bind a quilt using a bias strip, the first step is to measure the perimeter of the quilt and cut a bias strip of fabric that is twice the length of the perimeter plus 6 inches. The bias strip should be 2 1/2 inches wide. Once the bias strip is cut, the next step is to fold it in half lengthwise and press it. Then, the bias strip is attached to the quilt by stitching it to the raw edge of the quilt using a blind stitch. The blind stitch is a type of stitch that is sewn on the back of the quilt and is barely visible from the front. Once the bias strip is attached to the quilt, the raw edges of the quilt are trimmed and the binding is complete.
People Also Ask About How to Quilt Binding
What is the best fabric to use for quilt binding?
The best fabric to use for quilt binding is a tightly woven fabric that is not too thick or too thin. Some good choices include cotton, linen, and silk. Avoid using fabrics that are stretchy or that fray easily.
How wide should quilt binding be?
Quilt binding should be 2 1/2 inches wide. This width will provide enough coverage to protect the raw edges of the quilt and to add a decorative finishing touch.
How do I attach quilt binding to a curved edge?
To attach quilt binding to a curved edge, you will need to make small pleats in the bias strip. This will allow the bias strip to curve around the edge of the quilt without puckering. To make a pleat, simply fold the bias strip over at a 45-degree angle and press it. Then, stitch the pleat in place using a blind stitch.
How do I finish the corners of quilt binding?
To finish the corners of quilt binding, you will need to miter the corners. This means that you will need to cut the bias strip at a 45-degree angle and then fold it over so that the two cut edges meet. The mitered corner can then be stitched in place using a blind stitch.
