Quilting has been an integral part of many cultures for centuries, with references to it dating back to ancient Egypt and China. Today, quilting is not only a practical means of creating warm and cozy blankets, but it has also evolved into a popular form of art and self-expression. And if you’re someone who loves to quilt, you know that the final step – binding the quilt with backing – can be both satisfying and daunting. But fear not! In this article, we will guide you through the process of binding a quilt with backing, providing helpful tips and techniques along the way. So get your fabric and thread ready as we delve into the art of binding a quilt with backing.

How To Bind A Quilt With Backing

What is binding?

Binding is the process of enclosing the raw edges of a quilt with a fabric strip, providing a clean and durable finish. It not only adds aesthetic value to the quilt but also helps to secure the layers of the quilt together. Binding can be done by hand or by machine, depending on personal preference and skill level.

Why is it important to bind a quilt with backing?

Binding with backing fabric ensures that all edges of the quilt are finished and protected from fraying. It also adds strength to the edges, preventing wear and tear over time. Additionally, binding gives quilts a more polished look, making them more attractive and presentable.

What materials do you need?

To bind a quilt with backing, you will need:
– Fabric for binding (usually cut on the bias)
– Quilt batting (to sandwich between the layers)
– A sewing machine or needle and thread
– Iron
– Scissors
– Pins
– Ruler or measuring tape

The process of binding a quilt with backing

Step 1: Prepare your binding strips
Using your desired fabric for binding, cut strips on the bias that are 2 ½ inches wide. For example, if your quilt measures 60 inches each side, you will need approximately 290 inches total (60 x 4 + extra for overlap).

Step 2: Joining your strips together
Take two strips of fabric and place them at a right angle to each other, right sides facing up. Sew diagonally across the top strip from corner to corner using a ¼ inch seam allowance. Trim off any excess fabric leaving a ¼ inch seam allowance. Press open the seam and repeat this process until all your strips are joined together. Trim the last seam allowance to match the width of your binding strips.

Step 3: Attaching the binding to the front of the quilt
Starting at any corner, align the raw edges of the binding strip with the raw edges of the quilt top. Leave a tail of about 6 inches and start sewing using a ¼ inch seam allowance. Stop sewing ¼ inch before you reach the corner, backstitch, and remove from your sewing machine.

Step 4: Mitering corners
Fold up your binding strip at a 45-degree angle in line with the corner of your quilt. Then fold it back down over itself, lining up with the next edge and continuing around to sew in place. Repeat this process for all four corners.

Step 5: Finishing up
When you reach where you started, overlap your two tails by about an inch and cut off any extra fabric. Sew down to secure in place and trim any excess fabric. Next, fold your binding over to the back of your quilt, making sure it covers all raw edges completely. Pin in place if needed.

Step 6: Hand or machine sewing
You can choose to hand sew or machine sew your binding on the backside depending on personal preference.
– Hand sewing:
Use a blind or running stitch to sew along the folded edge of your binding.
– Machine sewing:
Using a straight stitch, sew along the folded edge of your binding on top or slightly above it.

Step 7: Press and finish
Once you have finished securing your binding, press it carefully with an iron before trimming any stray threads. Your quilt is now ready for use or display!

Tips for success

– Cut your strips on the bias for better flexibility while attaching them to curved edges.
– Use clips instead of pins when working with thick padding or layers.
– If hand-sewing is not an option, use a blind hem stitch on your sewing machine for an almost invisible finish.
– Match the thread color to the binding fabric for a more seamless look.
– Iron as you go to maintain crisp edges and neat folds.

Binding a quilt with backing may seem daunting at first, but it is a rewarding skill to have as it elevates the overall look and feel of your quilt. With practice and attention to detail, you can create beautifully bound quilts that will last for years to come.

What is Quilting and Binding?

Quilting is a traditional process of sewing together multiple layers of fabric to create a thicker padded material. It is an art form that has been around for centuries and has evolved into many different styles and techniques. One of these techniques is binding, which is used to finish the edges of a quilt and give it a polished look.

Binding refers to the strip of fabric that is attached to the edges of a quilt sandwich (top, batting, and backing), enclosing all the raw edges in neat stitching. It not only serves as decorative trim but also provides structural support and durability to the quilt.

Why Bind a Quilt with Backing?

Binding a quilt with backing not only gives it a professional finish but also protects its edges from fraying or getting damaged. It also adds an extra layer of stability, preventing any shifting or bunching in the layers of the quilt. Moreover, binding allows you to add your own personal touch to the quilt by choosing fabrics, colors, and patterns that complement your design.

Supplies You’ll Need

Before we dive into how to bind a quilt with backing, let’s go over the supplies you’ll need:

– Quilt sandwich (top, batting, backing)
– Binding fabric (1/4 yard for crib size, 1/2 yard for throw size)
– Ruler
– Fabric scissors
– Pins
– Sewing machine
– Matching thread

It’s important to choose high-quality supplies for your quilting project as they can greatly affect its overall look and durability.

Preparing Your Binding

The first step in binding your quilt with backing is preparing the binding itself. Decide on the width of your binding – typically between 2″ to 3″ – depending on personal preference and the thickness of your batting.

Once you have decided on the width, cut strips of fabric along the bias (at a 45 degree angle) that are 1.5 times the length of your quilt’s perimeter, plus a few extra inches for overlap. Sew these strips together at an angle to create one continuous piece of binding.

Next, press the binding in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, to create a crisp fold. You can also press in a crease along the length of the binding to help with alignment when attaching it to the quilt.

Attaching Binding to Quilt

Lay your quilt sandwich flat on your work surface and trim off any excess batting or backing that may be sticking out. Take your binding and start pinning it to one edge of the quilt, leaving a few inches free at both ends for later joining.

Secure the binding with pins, making sure that raw edges are aligned and facing outward. Start sewing from one of the corners using a 1/4″ seam allowance, removing pins as you go. When you reach about 1/4″ from the corner, stop sewing and backstitch.

Mitering Corners

To create neat mitered corners on your quilt, fold the binding upwards at a 45 degree angle towards the second edge of your quilt. Then fold it back down over itself so that it lines up with this next edge and forms a pointed triangle.

Pin this fold in place and continue sewing along this new edge until you reach another corner. Repeat this process for all four corners of your quilt.

When you reach where you started, stop sewing and leave a few inches between where you started and ended for later joining. Trim off any excess binding and tuck it inside itself to create finished edges before hand-stitching it closed.

Joining Binding Ends

Now that your binding has been attached to all four edges of your quilt, it’s time to join the two ends together. Lay your quilt flat and unfold the two binding ends at their overlap. Trim off any excess fabric from the shorter end so that both ends are even.

Take the longer end and fold it in towards the shorter end, tucking it underneath and creating a clean and seamless join. Pin in place and hand-stitch this section closed.

Finishing Touches

You’re almost done! The last step is to hand-stitch the remaining few inches of binding along the starting edge closed. You can use an invisible whip stitch or any other stitch that you prefer.

Once you’ve completed this final step, give your quilt a final pressing to make sure that all edges are flat and smooth.

Binding a quilt with backing may seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and practice, you can master this technique. It adds a beautiful finishing touch to your quilt while also providing structural support and protection to its edges. By following these steps and using high-quality supplies, you’ll be able to create professional-looking quilts that will be treasured for generations to come.

Q: What is the purpose of binding a quilt with backing?
A: Binding is used to encase and cover the raw edges of a quilt, providing a clean and finished look to the project.

Q: What materials do I need to bind a quilt with backing?
A: You will need fabric for the binding, scissors, thread, hand-sewing needle, and pins.

Q: How do I determine how much binding fabric I will need?
A: Measure the perimeter of your quilt (adding an extra 10 inches for corners), then multiply that length by 2.5. This will give you the total length of binding fabric needed.

Q: Can I use any type of fabric for my binding?
A: It is recommended to use quilting weight cotton fabric for bindings as it is durable and easy to work with. However, you can also use other types of fabrics such as flannel or muslin.

Q: How do I attach the binding to my quilt?
A: Start by folding and pressing the binding in half lengthwise. Then match up the raw edge of one side with the raw edge of your quilt (leaving about 6 inches of extra binding at the beginning), pin in place, and sew using a quarter inch seam allowance.

Q: How do I miter the corners when attaching my binding?
A: To create neat mitered corners, stop sewing 1/4 inch before reaching the corner, backstitch, then fold the binding away from your work at a 45-degree angle. Next, fold it back down over itself so that it lines up with your next edge. Continue stitching until you reach the next corner and repeat this process for all corners.

In conclusion, binding a quilt with backing is an essential step in the quilting process that provides both functionality and aesthetics to the finished product. From selecting the right materials and tools to preparing and attaching the binding, attention to detail is crucial in achieving a professional-looking result. By following the steps outlined in this guide, quilters of all levels can successfully bind their quilts with backing.

It is important to carefully choose high-quality materials such as cotton fabric for the binding and high-quality thread for sewing. Taking proper measurements and preparing the binding strip with mitered corners allows for a smooth and seamless finish. Hand sewing or using a machine for attaching the binding are both valid options, with hand sewing providing an opportunity for a personal touch.

Additionally, being mindful of quilt care instructions, including washing methods, can help maintain the integrity of the bound quilt. Proper storage techniques and regular cleaning can also prolong the life of a quilt.

Overall, binding a quilt with backing not only adds durability but also adds an extra layer of beauty to any project. With practice and patience, anyone can master this skill and create stunning quilts that will be cherished for years to come. So gather your materials and get started on creating your next beautiful bound quilt!

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.

Master the Art of Binding: A Step-by-Step Guide for Quilting with Backing