Binding is an integral part of quilt making, providing both a neat finish to the quilt and securing the edges. However, it can sometimes feel like a tedious and overwhelming task to end the binding process. If you’re a quilter looking for a stress-free and efficient way to end your quilt binding, you’re in the right place. This article will guide you through a simplified method that will leave your quilt edges looking crisp and polished. So, gather your quilt, binding fabric, and tools, and get ready to master the art of ending your quilt binding with confidence.
The traditional method of ending a quilt binding involves overlapping the fabric and stitching it down. However, this method can lead to bulkiness and inconsistency in the appearance of your quilt edge. To avoid these issues, we’ll use a technique called “mitering” the binding. Mitering involves cutting the binding fabric at a 45-degree angle, creating a clean and seamless transition at the corners. This technique may seem intimidating at first, but don’t worry; we’ll break it down into simple steps, so you can achieve professional-looking results with ease.
Once you’ve mastered the mitering technique, completing the binding process is a breeze. Simply machine stitch or hand stitch the binding down around the remaining edges of your quilt. As you work, ensure the binding fabric is evenly distributed and flat against the quilt edge. Press the binding as you go for a crisp and polished finish. And there you have it! With this simplified method, you can bid farewell to bulky and inconsistent quilt bindings. Your quilts will now have a clean, professional finish that will make you proud to showcase your creations.
Fold Bias Tape in Half
Materials:
- Bias tape (single or double fold)
- Iron and ironing board
Instructions:
- Choose bias tape width: Select a bias tape width that complements the size of your quilt. Wider bias tape will create a more pronounced binding, while narrower bias tape is more subtle.
- Cut bias tape: Measure the perimeter of your quilt twice and cut the bias tape to this length plus 10-12 inches to allow for overlap.
- Press bias tape: Iron the bias tape in half lengthwise, pressing the raw edges together. This will create a single or double fold (depending on the type of bias tape you are using).
- Align bias tape: Place the folded bias tape along the edge of your quilt, pinning it in place every 2-3 inches. Ensure that the raw edges of the bias tape are aligned with the raw edges of the quilt.
- Stitch bias tape: Using a sewing machine and a matching thread, stitch the bias tape to the quilt. Use a small stitch length and a zigzag stitch to ensure a secure and durable hold.
- Fold bias tape: Turn the bias tape to the back of the quilt and fold it over the raw edge by 1/4-1/2 inch. Press it with an iron to secure the fold.
- Stitch bias tape again: Top stitch the folded bias tape into place using a blind hem stitch or a small zigzag stitch. This will create a clean and invisible finish.
- Miter corners: When reaching corners, create a mitered corner by folding the bias tape in on itself at an angle of 45 degrees. Trim the excess bias tape and press with an iron.
- Bind corners: Stitch the mitered corners into place using a blind hem stitch or a small zigzag stitch.
- Overlap ends: Bring the two ends of the bias tape together and overlap them by several inches. Trim the excess bias tape.
- Stitch ends: Stitch the overlapped bias tape into place using a zigzag stitch or a blind hem stitch.
- Trim threads: Trim any loose threads to complete the quilting.
Additional Tips:
- For a decorative touch, you can use a contrasting color of bias tape to create a standout binding.
- To enhance the durability of the binding, you can stitch it down twice, once from the front and once from the back.
- If you prefer a more detailed look, you can add piping to the inside of the bias tape before folding it over the quilt.
| Bias Tape Width | Perimeter of Quilt | Length of Bias Tape |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 inch | 300 inches | 310-312 inches |
| 3/4 inch | 300 inches | 315-317 inches |
| 1 inch | 300 inches | 320-322 inches |
Join Binding Strips with a Diagonal Seam
This method is ideal for joining binding strips when you want to create a seamless, mitered corner. It’s a bit more time-consuming than the square seam method, but the results are worth the extra effort.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Mark the Diagonal
Place two binding strips right sides together and overlapping by 1 1/2 inches. Use a ruler or measuring tape to mark a diagonal line from the top corner of one strip to the bottom corner of the other.
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Stitch on the Diagonal
Sew along the diagonal line, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Start and stop stitching 1/4 inch from each edge.
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Trim the Excess
Trim away the excess fabric from the corners, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Be careful not to cut into the stitches.
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Press the Seam Open
Press the seam open using a hot iron and a pressing cloth.
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Trim the Binding
Trim the joined binding strip to the desired width, usually 2 1/4 inches.
Tips for Success
* Use a sharp needle and thread that matches the color of your binding fabric.
* Stitch slowly and carefully to avoid puckering.
* If you’re having trouble getting a clean diagonal seam, try using a quilting ruler or template.
* Press the seam open thoroughly before trimming the excess fabric. This will help to prevent fraying.
Troubleshooting
If your diagonal seam is puckered, it’s likely that you stitched too quickly or used a needle that was too large. Restitch the seam using a smaller needle and a slower stitch speed.
If your diagonal seam is not meeting at the corners, it’s likely that you didn’t trim the excess fabric correctly. Trim away more of the excess fabric and press the seam open again.
Alternative Methods for Joining Binding Strips
The diagonal seam is just one of several methods for joining binding strips. Other popular methods include:
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Square seam
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French seam
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Herringbone seam
The best method for you will depend on the fabric you’re using and the look you want to achieve.
Join Binding Strips with a Square Seam
This method is quick and easy, but it’s not as strong as the diagonal seam. It’s best suited for binding small quilts or quilts that will not be subjected to heavy use.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Overlap the Strips
Place two binding strips right sides together and overlapping by 1 1/2 inches.
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Stitch the Seam
Stitch across the overlapping edges, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
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Trim the Excess
Trim away the excess fabric from the edges, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
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Press the Seam Open
Press the seam open using a hot iron and a pressing cloth.
Join Binding Strips with a French Seam
This method creates a clean, enclosed seam that is both strong and durable. It’s a good choice for binding large quilts or quilts that will be subjected to heavy use.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Fold and Stitch the Edges
Fold the raw edge of one binding strip over by 1/4 inch and press. Fold the strip over again by 1/4 inch and press again. Stitch close to the folded edge. Repeat with the other binding strip.
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Place the Strips Right Sides Together
Place the two binding strips right sides together, aligning the folded edges.
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Stitch the Seam
Stitch along the folded edges, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
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Trim the Excess
Trim away the excess fabric from the edges, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
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Turn the Seam to the Inside
Turn the seam to the inside of the binding and press.
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Stitch the Binding in Place
Stitch the binding around the edge of the quilt, using your preferred binding method.
Join Binding Strips with a Herringbone Seam
This method creates a decorative, herringbone-patterned seam. It’s a good choice for adding a touch of interest to your quilt binding.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Overlap the Strips
Place two binding strips right sides together and overlapping by 1 1/2 inches.
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Stitch the Diagonal
Stitch two diagonal lines across the overlapping edges, starting and stopping about 1/4 inch from the edges.
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Flip the Strips
Flip the two binding strips over and align the edges.
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Stitch the Other Diagonal
Stitch two more diagonal lines across the overlapping edges, starting and stopping about 1/4 inch from the edges.
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Trim the Excess
Trim away the excess fabric from the edges, leaving a 1/
Stitch Binding Strips Together
The final step in binding a quilt is to stitch the binding strips together. This can be done by hand or by machine. If you are stitching by hand, use a small, sharp needle and thread that matches the color of the binding fabric. To stitch by machine, use a 1/4-inch seam allowance and a straight stitch. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to stitch binding strips together:
- Lay one binding strip on a flat surface, right side up. Fold the end of the strip over by 1 inch and press. Fold the raw edge of the strip over the folded edge and press again. This will create a mitered corner.
- Place the second binding strip on top of the first strip, right sides together. Align the raw edges of the strips and sew them together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Continue stitching until you reach the end of the strips.
- Fold the binding strips over the edge of the quilt and miter the corners. To miter the corners, fold the binding strips at a 45-degree angle and sew them together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Trim any excess fabric.
Here are some tips for stitching binding strips together:
- Use a small, sharp needle to avoid snagging the fabric.
- Use thread that matches the color of the binding fabric.
- Sew with a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
- Miter the corners for a professional finish.
Hand Stitching Binding Strips Together
To hand stitch binding strips together, use a small, sharp needle and thread that matches the color of the binding fabric. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to hand stitch binding strips together:
- Lay one binding strip on a flat surface, right side up. Fold the end of the strip over by 1 inch and press. Fold the raw edge of the strip over the folded edge and press again. This will create a mitered corner.
- Place the second binding strip on top of the first strip, right sides together. Align the raw edges of the strips and sew them together with a small, sharp needle and thread. Use a whip stitch or a blind stitch to sew the strips together.
- Continue stitching until you reach the end of the strips.
- Fold the binding strips over the edge of the quilt and miter the corners. To miter the corners, fold the binding strips at a 45-degree angle and sew them together with a small, sharp needle and thread. Use a whip stitch or a blind stitch to sew the strips together.
- Trim any excess fabric.
Machine Stitching Binding Strips Together
To machine stitch binding strips together, use a 1/4-inch seam allowance and a straight stitch. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to machine stitch binding strips together:
- Lay one binding strip on a flat surface, right side up. Fold the end of the strip over by 1 inch and press. Fold the raw edge of the strip over the folded edge and press again. This will create a mitered corner.
- Place the second binding strip on top of the first strip, right sides together. Align the raw edges of the strips and sew them together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance and a straight stitch.
- Continue stitching until you reach the end of the strips.
- Fold the binding strips over the edge of the quilt and miter the corners. To miter the corners, fold the binding strips at a 45-degree angle and sew them together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance and a straight stitch.
- Trim any excess fabric.
Troubleshooting Binding Strips
Here are some troubleshooting tips for binding strips:
Problem Solution The binding strips are too short. Cut new binding strips that are longer. The binding strips are too long. Trim the excess fabric from the binding strips. The binding strips are not sewn together evenly. Use a 1/4-inch seam allowance and a straight stitch to sew the binding strips together. The binding strips are not mitered correctly. Fold the binding strips at a 45-degree angle and sew them together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. How to End Binding on a Quilt
The binding is the final touch that finishes off a quilt. It can be a simple strip of fabric, or it can be more elaborate, with mitered corners and decorative stitching. No matter what type of binding you choose, it’s important to make sure it’s secure and won’t come loose over time. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to end binding on a quilt:
Materials:
– Quilt
– Binding strips
– Thread
– Scissors
– NeedleOnce you have your materials, you can begin the process of binding your quilt. Follow these steps to complete the project:
Step 1: Sew the Binding Strips to the Quilt
First, you’ll need to sew the binding strips to the quilt. Start by folding one end of a binding strip over the edge of the quilt, and then stitch it in place. Continue sewing the binding strip around the entire quilt, mitering the corners as you go. When you get to the end of the binding strip, overlap the end of the strip by about 1 inch and stitch it in place.
Step 2: Turn the Binding to the Back of the Quilt
Once the binding strips are sewn on, you’ll need to turn them to the back of the quilt. To do this, fold the binding over the edge of the quilt and then press it in place. Stitch the binding down to the back of the quilt, close to the edge of the quilt.
Step 3: Miter the Corners
If you’re using mitered corners, you’ll need to miter the corners of the binding. To do this, fold the binding at a 45-degree angle and then trim the excess fabric. Repeat this step for the other side of the corner and then stitch the two pieces of binding together. Fold the binding over the corner of the quilt and press it in place. Stitch the binding down to the quilt, close to the edge of the quilt.
Step 4: Finish the Binding
Once you’ve sewn the binding around the entire quilt, you’ll need to finish it off. You can do this by hand-stitching the binding down to the quilt, or you can machine-stitch it. If you’re hand-stitching the binding, use a small, sharp needle and thread that matches the color of the fabric. Start in the center of one side of the quilt and sew the binding down to the quilt, making small stitches. When you get to the corner of the quilt, miter the corner and continue sewing. Once you’ve sewn the binding around the entire quilt, tie off the thread and trim the excess fabric.
People Also Ask About
How do I make a quilt binding?
To make a quilt binding, you’ll need to cut strips of fabric that are 2 1/2 inches wide. The length of the strips will depend on the size of your quilt. Once you have cut the strips, sew them together to form a long strip of binding. Then, fold the binding in half lengthwise and press it in place. Fold the raw edges of the binding to the center crease and press it in place. Stitch the binding to the quilt, close to the edge of the quilt. When you get to the corner of the quilt, miter the corner and continue sewing. Once you’ve sewn the binding around the entire quilt, finish it off by hand-stitching the binding down to the quilt or machine-stitching it.
How do I miter the corners of a quilt binding?
To miter the corners of a quilt binding, fold the binding at a 45-degree angle and trim the excess fabric. Repeat this step for the other side of the corner and then stitch the two pieces of binding together. Fold the binding over the corner of the quilt and press it in place. Stitch the binding down to the quilt, close to the edge of the quilt.
How do I finish the binding on a quilt?
To finish the binding on a quilt, you can hand-stitch the binding down to the quilt or machine-stitch it. If you’re hand-stitching the binding, use a small, sharp needle and thread that matches the color of the fabric. Start in the center of one side of the quilt and sew the binding down to the quilt, making small stitches. When you get to the corner of the quilt, miter the corner and continue sewing. Once you’ve sewn the binding around the entire quilt, tie off the thread and trim the excess fabric.
