Binding is the finishing touch that gives your quilt a polished and professional look. It not only protects the edges of the quilt from fraying but also adds a decorative element. Applying binding to a quilt can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple with the right techniques. Let’s dive into the process of binding a quilt, breaking it down into manageable steps that will ensure a beautiful result.
Before starting, gather your materials: quilt, binding fabric, quilt batting (if desired), scissors, needle, thread, and an iron. Begin by measuring and cutting the binding fabric. The length of the binding should be approximately 2 1/2 times the perimeter of the quilt. The width of the binding should be at least 2 1/2 inches to allow for folding and securing. Once the binding is cut, you’re ready to attach it to the quilt.
Position the binding on the quilt, aligning the raw edges of the binding with the raw edges of the quilt. Use small stitches to sew the binding in place, starting and ending at the same point. Fold the binding over the edge of the quilt and press it to create a crease. Miter the corners by folding the binding at a 45-degree angle and sewing it in place. Continue sewing the binding around the entire quilt, ensuring it is secure and evenly distributed. Finally, press the binding one last time to set it in place and give your quilt that professional finishing touch.
Selecting and Preparing the Binding Material
Choosing the Binding Fabric
Select a fabric that complements the colors and patterns of your quilt, and consider its texture and durability. Cotton, double gauze, and linen are popular choices due to their softness and breathability.
Measuring and Cutting the Binding Strips
For a 1-inch wide finished binding, cut strips that are 2.5 inches wide. Typically, the length of each strip should be about thrice the width of the quilt side it will be used on. For example, for a quilt that measures 40 x 50 inches, you’ll need strips that are 120 x 2.5 inches for the top and bottom, and 150 x 2.5 inches for the sides.
Joining the Binding Strips
Sew the binding strips together end-to-end using a diagonal seam. Start by aligning the diagonal edges of two strips, and stitch along the edge at a 45-degree angle. Press the seams open. Continue joining the strips until you have one long continuous strip.
| Quilt Edge Length | Binding Strip Length |
|---|---|
| 40 inches | 120 inches |
| 50 inches | 150 inches |
Joining the Binding Strips
Once you have cut your binding strips, you need to join them together to create a continuous strip long enough to bind your quilt. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common method is to use a bias binding maker. A bias binding maker is a tool that folds the fabric over and stitches it down, creating a neat and even binding strip.
To use a bias binding maker, start by aligning the raw edges of two binding strips. Place the strips in the bias binding maker, with the raw edges aligned with the guide. Fold the bias binding maker over and stitch down the folded edge. Continue adding binding strips until you have a continuous strip long enough to bind your quilt.
Joining the Binding Strips by Hand
If you don’t have a bias binding maker, you can also join the binding strips by hand. To do this, start by aligning the raw edges of two binding strips. Fold one strip over the other, by 1/2 inch, and press. Unfold the strips and fold the top strip over the bottom strip, by 1/2 inch, again. Press. Stitch down the folded edge, using a small stitch length.
Mitering the Corners
When you come to a corner, you will need to miter the binding strips so that they fit together neatly. To do this, fold the binding strip over the corner, aligning the raw edges. Trim the excess fabric from the corner, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Unfold the binding strip and fold it over the corner again, aligning the raw edges of the seam allowance. Press. Stitch down the folded edge, using a small stitch length.
| Step 1 | Step 2 |
|---|---|
| Align the raw edges of two binding strips. | Fold one strip over the other, by 1/2 inch, and press. |
| Unfold the strips and fold the top strip over the bottom strip, by 1/2 inch, again. | Press. |
| Stitch down the folded edge, using a small stitch length. |
Measuring and Attaching the Binding
Preparing the Binding Strips
Cut the binding fabric into strips that are 2.5 inches wide. The length of each strip will depend on the size of your quilt. To determine the length, measure the perimeter of the quilt and then add 10-12 inches for overlap.
Joining the Binding Strips
Sew the binding strips together end-to-end using a quarter-inch seam allowance. Press the seam allowances open.
Attaching the Binding to the Quilt
Step 1: Pinning the Binding
Fold the raw edge of the binding strip over the raw edge of the quilt by 1/2 inch and pin in place. Start pinning at the center of one side and work your way around the quilt, making sure to miter the corners.
Step 2: Sewing the Binding
Using a blind hem stitch or a narrow zigzag stitch, sew the binding to the quilt. Keep the stitches as close to the folded edge as possible. The binding should be attached securely but not too tightly.
Step 3: Mitering the Corners
When you reach a corner, fold the binding strip in half and crease it. Unfold the binding and align the crease with the corner of the quilt. Trim the excess binding from the other side of the corner, leaving a small overlap. Fold the overlap over the trimmed edge and pin in place. Sew the binding across the corner, pivoting the needle at the point of the corner.
| Corner Mitering Guide |
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Step 4: Finishing the Binding
When you have attached the binding all the way around the quilt, trim any excess. Fold the remaining raw edge of the binding over by 1/2 inch and hand-sew it in place. This will create a clean and finished edge.
Turning the Binding to the Front
To turn the binding to the front, follow these detailed steps:
1. Pin the Binding
Using small sharp pins, pin the binding to the front of the quilt, aligning the raw edges of the binding with the raw edges of the quilt top and batting. Pin at a 45-degree angle, alternating pins along the top and bottom of the binding.
2. Sew the Binding
Sew the binding to the quilt using a blind stitch or a small slip stitch. Start at the corner of the quilt and sew along one side, keeping the stitches even and consistent. When you reach the next corner, fold the binding under at a 45-degree angle and continue sewing along the next side.
3. Miter the Corners
At each corner, you will need to miter the binding to create a neat and professional finish. To do this, fold the binding in half at a 45-degree angle, bringing the raw edges together. Trim the excess binding away at a 45-degree angle, leaving a small triangle of binding. Unfold the binding and press it open.
4. Fold the Binding Around the Corner
Fold the binding over the corner of the quilt, aligning the raw edges. Pin the binding in place, again at a 45-degree angle. Sew the binding to the quilt, starting and stopping your stitches at the corner. Trim any excess thread.
5. Finishing the Binding
Continue sewing the binding around the entire quilt, mitering the corners as you go. When you reach the starting point, trim the binding to length and overlap the ends by 1 inch. Fold the overlapping ends under and press. Hand-stitch the ends together using a blind stitch or a small slip stitch.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pin the binding to the front of the quilt |
| 2 | Sew the binding to the quilt |
| 3 | Miter the corners |
| 4 | Fold the binding around the corner |
| 5 | Finishing the binding |
Pressing and Securing the Binding
Step 1: Stitching the Binding
After folding the binding down and stitching it in place, carefully press the seam to remove any wrinkles or distortions.
Step 2: Folding the Binding Over
Fold the binding over the edge of the quilt sandwich and press it down to create a crisp fold line.
Step 3: Securing the Binding with Machine Stitching
Using a blind stitch (also known as a ladder stitch), sew the binding to the quilt back about 1/4" from the folded edge. Alternatively, a regular stitch can be used, in which case the stitches should be small and close together.
Step 4: Mitering the Corners
At the corners, create a miter by folding the binding over and trimming the excess fabric diagonally.
Step 5: Finishing the Corners
Fold the mitered binding down and secure it with blind stitches or regular stitches.
Step 6: Hand-Sewing the Ends
If needed, hand-sew the ends of the binding together using a blind stitch or a slip stitch.
Step 7: Removing the Binding Tags and Tacking the Binding
Binding Tags:
- Leave the binding tags unattached until now.
- Trim the excess fabric from the tags and fold them over the raw edges of the quilt back.
- Securely hand-sew the tags in place using blind stitches or a slip stitch.
Tacking the Binding:
- To ensure the binding stays secure, use a needle and thread to tack it down every few inches along the quilt back.
- Insert the needle through the binding and quilt layers, then pull it through and tie a small knot.
- Repeat this process until the entire binding is secured.
Machine Tacking (Optional):
For a faster and more efficient method, you can use a sewing machine to tack the binding. Set the machine to a zigzag stitch and sew through the binding and quilt layers several times per section.
Hand-Stitching the Binding for Durability
Hand-stitching the binding provides exceptional durability and a professional finish to your quilt. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure flawless results:
Materials Needed:
- Sharp needle
- Matching thread
- Thimble (optional)
Step 1: Create a Double-Fold Binding
Make a double-fold binding by folding the binding fabric in half lengthwise, pressing, and then folding it in half lengthwise again.
Step 2: Pin the Binding to the Quilt
Align one edge of the folded binding with the edge of the quilt, with the raw edges of the fabric facing each other. Pin the binding along the edge.
Step 3: Begin Stitching
Insert the needle from the back of the quilt, just below the binding fold. Pull the thread through and bring the needle up between the binding edge and the quilt fabric. Take a second stitch, making sure to catch the binding and the quilt fabric underneath.
Step 4: Continue Stitching
Repeat Step 3 along the entire edge of the quilt. When you come to a corner, fold the binding at a 45-degree angle and continue stitching.
Step 5: Mitering the Corners
To create mitered corners, fold the binding strip in half diagonally at the corner. Cut off the excess fabric at the point where the diagonal fold intersects the raw edge. Open the binding and align it with the quilt edge. Stitch as usual.
Step 6: Secure the Binding
When you reach the starting point, cross the threads and tie a few knots to secure the binding. Trim any excess thread.
Step 7: Fold the Binding Over
Flip the binding over to the back of the quilt and fold it over the raw edges. Press to secure.
Step 8: Blind Stitching
Hand-stitch the binding down to the back of the quilt using tiny, blind stitches. Insert the needle a short distance away from the edge of the binding, pick up a few threads of the quilt fabric underneath, and pull the needle through. Repeat this process along the entire length of the binding. The stitches should be barely visible.
How to Apply Binding to a Quilt
Binding is the final step in finishing a quilt. It not only gives the quilt a polished look, but it also helps to protect the edges from fraying. Applying binding can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite easy with a little practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Cut the binding strips. The length of the binding strips will depend on the size of your quilt. A good rule of thumb is to cut strips that are 2 1/2 inches wide and 108 inches long. You will need four strips for a twin-size quilt, six strips for a queen-size quilt, and eight strips for a king-size quilt.
- Join the binding strips. Sew the binding strips together end-to-end, making sure to match the corners. Press the seam allowances open.
- Attach the binding to the quilt. Fold the binding in half lengthwise and press. Align the raw edge of the binding with the raw edge of the quilt top. Starting in the center of one side, stitch the binding to the quilt, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Stop stitching about 1 inch from the corner.
- Miter the corners. To create a neat and tidy corner, you will need to miter the binding. To do this, fold the binding back on itself at a 45-degree angle. Trim the excess fabric, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Unfold the binding and align the raw edges. Stitch the binding together, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
- Continue attaching the binding. Stitch the binding to the quilt all the way around, mitering the corners as you go. When you reach the starting point, overlap the binding by about 1 inch. Trim the excess fabric and stitch the binding down.
- Press the binding. Once the binding is attached, press it down with a hot iron. This will help to set the stitches and give the quilt a polished look.
People Also Ask About How to Apply Binding to a Quilt
How do I make sure the binding is the right size?
The binding should be wide enough to cover the raw edges of the quilt top and thick enough to provide a sturdy finish. A good rule of thumb is to cut strips that are 2 1/2 inches wide and 108 inches long.
What type of thread should I use for binding?
You can use either cotton or polyester thread for binding. Cotton thread is more traditional, but polyester thread is stronger and more durable. If you are using a dark-colored fabric for your binding, use a thread that is the same color or slightly darker.
How do I prevent the binding from puckering?
To prevent the binding from puckering, make sure to stretch the binding slightly as you sew it to the quilt. You can also use a walking foot on your sewing machine to help evenly feed the fabric through the machine.
