After hours of careful piecing and stitching, the moment has finally arrived to complete your treasured quilt. The final step, binding the quilt, provides the perfect finishing touch and secures the layers together. While this task may seem daunting, it’s actually quite simple with a few easy-to-follow steps. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques needed to create a beautiful and durable binding that will enhance the overall aesthetic of your quilt.
Before embarking on the binding process, it’s essential to gather the necessary materials. You’ll need a length of binding fabric that is cut on the bias, which provides the fabric with extra flexibility and allows it to curve easily around the quilt. Additionally, you’ll need a needle, thread, and a pair of scissors. Once you have all the materials assembled, you can begin the binding process by attaching the binding to the quilt. This step involves sewing the binding to the quilt top and then folding it over the raw edges and stitching it down. By following the instructions carefully, you can ensure that the binding is securely attached and provides a professional-looking finish.
To complete the binding process, you’ll need to join the two ends of the binding together. This can be accomplished using one of several techniques, such as the mitered corner method or the continuous binding method. The mitered corner method creates a sharp, angled corner, while the continuous binding method produces a more rounded corner. Both methods are effective in securing the binding and adding a touch of elegance to your quilt. Once you’ve joined the two ends of the binding, you’ll need to hand-stitch the binding in place. This final step ensures that the binding is securely attached and provides a durable finish that will withstand years of use and enjoyment.
Gather Necessary Materials
Before you can begin the process of ending the binding on your quilt, you will need to gather all of the necessary materials. These include:
- Quilt
- Binding fabric
- Needle and thread
- Scissors
- Iron and ironing board
- Measuring tape
- Seam ripper
- Quilt batting (optional)
Binding Fabric
The binding fabric is the fabric that will be used to finish the edges of your quilt. It should be a lightweight fabric that is easy to work with. You will need to purchase enough binding fabric to go around the entire perimeter of your quilt, plus a few extra inches for overlap.
When selecting a binding fabric, consider the overall look and feel of your quilt. You may want to choose a fabric that complements the colors and patterns in your quilt, or you may want to choose a contrasting fabric to add a touch of interest.
Here is a table of suggested binding fabric widths for different quilt sizes:
| Quilt Size | Binding Fabric Width |
|---|---|
| Baby | 2.5 inches |
| Throw | 3 inches |
| Twin | 3.5 inches |
| Full | 4 inches |
| Queen | 4.5 inches |
| King | 5 inches |
Determine Quilt Binding Length
To determine the length of binding needed for your quilt, you’ll need to measure the perimeter of the quilt top. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Measure the width of the quilt top. Measure the distance from one raw edge to the other, along the top and bottom.
- Measure the length of the quilt top. Measure the distance from one raw edge to the other along the sides.
- Add the width and length measurements. This gives you the total perimeter of the quilt top.
- Multiply the total perimeter by 1.5. This allows for fabric wraps and shrinkage.
- The result is the length of binding you need. Round up to the nearest yard or half-yard for convenience.
Example:
If your quilt top measures 50 inches wide and 60 inches long, the calculations would be as follows:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Width of quilt top | 50 inches |
| Length of quilt top | 60 inches |
| Total perimeter | 110 inches |
| Perimeter x 1.5 | 165 inches |
| Length of binding (rounded up) | 1.5 yards |
Pin Binding Strips Together
Once you have cut your binding strips, it’s time to pin them together. This is a simple process, but it’s important to take your time and do it correctly. If your binding strips are not pinned together properly, they will not sew together smoothly and your quilt will not look its best.
To pin your binding strips together, follow these steps:
Step 1: Lay out your binding strips
Lay out your binding strips in order, with the right sides together. Match up the ends of the strips carefully, making sure that they are aligned.
Step 2: Pin the binding strips together
Pin the binding strips together along the long edge, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Start by pinning the center of the strips together, then work your way out to the ends. Make sure that the pins are perpendicular to the edge of the fabric, and that they are not too close together or too far apart. You should have a pin every 2-3 inches.
Step 3: Press the seam
Once you have pinned the binding strips together, press the seam allowance open using a hot iron. This will help the binding to lay flat when it is sewn on.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a light touch when pressing the seam. | Too much heat can damage the fabric. |
| Press the seam allowance open all the way to the edges of the fabric. | This will help the binding to lay flat. |
Sew Binding Strips into a Continuous Loop
To create a continuous loop of binding strips, follow these detailed steps:
1. **Prepare the Binding Strips:**
- Iron the binding strips flat.
- Join the strips with a diagonal seam, pressing the seam open.
2. **Create the Continuous Loop:**
- Fold the joined binding strips in half lengthwise, with the wrong sides together.
- Sew along the folded edge using a narrow seam allowance of 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch.
- Turn the tube right side out and press it flat.
3. **Check for Continuity:**
- Pull gently on both ends of the binding loop to ensure it is continuous and there are no breaks.
- If there are any breaks, carefully stitch the gap.
4. **Binding Characteristics:**
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Length | The binding loop should be slightly longer than the perimeter of the quilt plus an extra 10-12 inches for overlap and joining. |
| Width | The width of the binding loop depends on the desired finished look. The most common widths are 2 1/4 inches, 2 1/2 inches, and 2 3/4 inches. |
| Fabric | The binding fabric should coordinate with the quilt but can also be a contrasting color or pattern. |
Attach Binding to Quilt
Once the binding strips have been sewn together, it’s time to attach them to the quilt. Begin by aligning the raw edge of the binding to the raw edge of the quilt top, with the right sides together. The binding should overlap the quilt top by about 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
Sew around the perimeter of the quilt, using a small stitch length (about 2.5 to 3 mm). It’s important to keep the seam allowance consistent, so use a seam guide or stitch-in-the-ditch foot to help you.
Once you’ve sewn around the quilt, stop about 4 inches from where you started. Overlap the end of the binding by about 1 inch and sew over the previous seam. This will create a strong and secure finish.
Fold the binding over the raw edge of the quilt back and press. Topstitch around the perimeter of the quilt, close to the edge of the binding. This will secure the binding in place and give the quilt a finished look.
Mitred Corners
For a more professional-looking finish, you can mitre the corners of the binding. To do this, fold the binding at a 45-degree angle at the corner of the quilt. Press the crease. Unfold the binding and align the raw edges of the two pieces. Sew across the corner, using a small stitch length. Trim the excess binding and fold it over the raw edge of the quilt, as described above.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Straight Binding | The binding is attached to the quilt in a straight line, without any mitering. |
| Mitred Binding | The corners of the binding are mitered to create a more professional-looking finish. |
Machine Stitch Around Perimeter
Once the binding is attached, you need to stitch around the perimeter to secure it in place. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Fold the Binding Over the Edge
Fold the binding over the raw edge of the quilt, aligning the folded edge with the raw edge. Use a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
2. Pin the Binding
Pin the binding in place, starting at the center of one side and working your way around the quilt. Place the pins perpendicular to the edge, about 2 inches apart.
3. Stitch Around the Perimeter
Using a sewing machine, stitch around the perimeter of the quilt, close to the folded edge of the binding. Use a small stitch length (1.5-2 mm) for a secure stitch.
4. Backstitch at Starting and Ending Points
When you reach the starting point, backstitch a few stitches to secure the thread. Repeat at the ending point.
5. Remove the Pins
Once you’ve stitched around the perimeter, remove the pins.
6. Trim the Excess Binding
Trim any excess binding at the corners to prevent bulk. To do this:
- Fold the binding back on itself at a 45-degree angle at the corner.
- Trim off the excess binding, leaving about 1/4 inch of overlap.
- Unfold the binding and press it flat.
| Corner | Diagram |
|---|---|
| Inside Corner | [Diagram of an inside corner with binding trimmed and folded back] |
| Outside Corner | [Diagram of an outside corner with binding trimmed and folded back] |
Hand Stitch Hidden Hem
Hand stitching a hidden hem is a delicate and precise method that requires patience and attention to detail. To achieve a professional-looking finish, follow these steps:
- Fold and Press the Hem: Turn the raw edge of the binding inward by about 1/4 inch and press it flat. Then, fold the binding over the raw edge again by another 1/4 inch and press it firmly.
- Thread Your Needle: Thread a sharp needle with a quilter’s thread that matches the binding fabric. Double the thread and knot the ends.
- Start Stitching: Insert the needle into the binding, just to the right of the folded edge. Bring it out through the folded edge, about 1/16 inch above the first stitch.
- Invisible Stitches: Pass the needle back through the folded edge about 1/16 inch to the left of the first stitch. Bring it out through the binding, then insert it back into the binding 1/16 inch to the left of the second stitch.
- Continue Stitching: Repeat this stitch pattern along the entire hem, keeping the stitches even and invisible. The stitches should only be visible from the back of the quilt.
- Finish the Hem: Once you reach the end of the hem, secure the thread by tying it off with a double knot. Clip any excess thread close to the binding.
- Hand-Stitch Chart: For a visual guide, refer to the following chart:
Stitch Number Needle In Needle Out 1 Right of folded edge 1/16 inch above first stitch 2 1/16 inch left of first stitch 1/16 inch left of second stitch 3 1/16 inch left of second stitch 1/16 inch left of third stitch
Square Corners for a Professional Finish
Creating perfectly square corners when binding a quilt requires precision and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieve crisp, professional-looking results:
1. Trim Corners
Trim the excess batting and fabric from the quilt sandwich, leaving about 1/4 inch beyond the quilt edge.
2. Fold Binding Strips
Fold the binding strips in half lengthwise, pressing the crease firmly.
3. Pin Binding to the Quilt
Starting at a straight edge, align the folded edge of the binding strip with the quilt edge and secure it with pins. Leave a 10-12 inch tail and overlap the ends by 2-3 inches when you reach the starting point.
4. Machine Stitch Binding
Machine stitch the binding in place, approximately 1/4 inch from the folded edge. Use a matching thread color and stitch in a straight line, pivoting at the corners.
5. Miter the Corner
Once you’ve stitched to the first corner, stop and lift the presser foot. Bring the binding strip up and over the corner, and align the folded edge with the quilt edge. Continue stitching.
6. Trim Excess
Trim the excess binding fabric at the corner, leaving about 1/4 inch beyond the stitch line.
7. Turn Corner
Fold the binding strip at the corner and press it flat. Use a pin to secure the folded edge to the quilt.
8. Tips for Perfect Corners:
**a. Use a Template:** Consider using a 45-degree corner template to ensure accuracy when cutting and folding the mitered corner.
**b. Trim Back Excess:** After mitering the corner, trim away any excess binding fabric on the back of the quilt to reduce bulk.
**c. Patience and Precision:** Take your time and focus on creating precise corners. It’s worth the extra effort for a professional-looking finish.
Secure Corners with Miter Folds
Miter folds create a clean and crisp corner on your quilt binding. To make a miter fold:
Step 1: Fold the Binding Over the Corner
Bring the binding strip over the corner of the quilt, aligning the raw edge of the binding with the raw edge of the quilt.
Step 2: Mark the Fold Line
Fold the binding back over itself, creating a crease parallel to the quilt edge. This crease will mark the fold line for the miter.
Step 3: Unfold the Binding Strip
Unfold the binding strip and fold it in half along the crease you just made. The raw edge should be on the outside of the fold.
Step 4: Fold the Binding Over the Corner Again
Bring the mitered binding over the corner of the quilt again, aligning the raw edge of the binding with the quilt edge.
Step 5: Fold the Other Side of the Binding Over
Fold the other side of the binding over the corner, aligning the raw edge with the first side. The miter will now be enclosed in the binding.
Step 6: Pin the Binding
Pin the binding in place at the corner and along the quilt edge.
Step 7: Sew the Binding
Sew the binding down, starting and stopping at the corner. To secure the miter, make several small stitches back and forth across the corner.
Step 8: Repeat for Other Corners
Repeat the process for the remaining corners of the quilt.
Step 9: Join the Binding Ends
| Method 1: Mitered Join | Method 2: Straight Join |
|---|---|
| – Cut both binding ends at 45-degree angles. – Overlap the ends and sew together at the miter. – Press the seam open and trim the excess. |
– Overlap the binding ends by 2-3 inches. – Fold under the raw edge of one end and sew it to the other end. – Trim the excess. |
Trim Excess Fabric for a Clean Look
Once the binding has been applied, there will be excess fabric extending beyond the edges of the quilt. To achieve a clean and professional finish, this excess fabric needs to be trimmed carefully.
To trim the excess fabric, follow these steps:
1.
Fold the binding over the raw edge of the quilt and press it in place.
2.
Using sharp scissors, trim the excess fabric to within 1/4 inch of the folded edge.
3.
Unfold the binding and press it flat.
4.
Fold the binding over the trimmed edge and press it in place.
5.
Topstitch the binding down close to the edge, securing it in place.
6.
Repeat these steps around the entire perimeter of the quilt.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fold binding over quilt edge and press. |
| 2 | Trim excess fabric 1/4″ from folded edge. |
| 3 | Unfold binding and press flat. |
| 4 | Fold binding over trimmed edge and press. |
| 5 | Topstitch binding down near edge. |
| 6 | Repeat process around entire quilt. |
How to End Binding on a Quilt
When you’re finishing up a quilt, one of the last steps is to bind the edges. Binding not only gives your quilt a finished look, but it also helps to protect the edges from fraying. Once you’ve sewn the binding around the quilt, you’ll need to end it off. Here’s how:
- Bring the two ends of the binding together, overlapping them by about 1 inch.
- Fold the overlapping edges under by about 1/2 inch.
- Pin the folded edges together.
- Sew the folded edges together using a blind stitch.
- Trim any excess binding.
You’re finished!
People Also Ask
How do you make a quilt binding?
To make quilt binding, you’ll need to cut strips of fabric that are 2 1/2 inches wide. The length of the strips will vary depending on the size of your quilt. Once you’ve cut the strips, you’ll need to sew them together to create a long strip of binding. Then, you’ll need to fold the binding in half and press it. Finally, you’ll need to sew the binding to the edges of your quilt.
What is the best fabric for quilt binding?
The best fabric for quilt binding is a medium-weight cotton fabric. Cotton is a durable fabric that is easy to work with. It also comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so you can find the perfect fabric to match your quilt.
How do you miter quilt binding?
Mitering quilt binding is a technique that can be used to create a seamless finish on the corners of your quilt. To miter quilt binding, you’ll need to cut the binding strips at a 45-degree angle. Then, you’ll need to sew the binding strips together at the corners, using a mitered seam. Finally, you’ll need to trim any excess binding.
