Mastering the Art of Machine Binding: A Step-by-Step Guide for Quilters

AvatarByJill Nammar

Quilting is a timeless craft that has been passed down through generations, cherished for its intricate designs and cozy warmth. But one aspect of quilting that can often seem daunting to beginners is the process of putting binding on a quilt. While hand-sewing binding may be the traditional method, using a sewing machine can save time and still achieve beautiful results. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of how to put binding on a quilt by machine, so you can confidently finish your beloved quilt projects with ease. So let’s dive in and discover the techniques and tricks to master this essential quilting skill!

Introduction

At a first glance, binding a quilt by machine may seem like a daunting task. However, with the right technique and patience, anyone can master this skill and add a professional touch to their quilt projects. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of how to put binding on a quilt by machine.

Understanding Binding

Before we dive into the steps, it is essential to understand what exactly binding is and the purpose it serves in quilting. Binding is a strip of fabric that is used to enclose the raw edges of a quilt and create a finished appearance. It also adds stability to the edges of the quilt, making it more durable. Binding can be made from various fabrics such as cotton, satin, or velvet to complement your quilt’s design.

Preparing Your Quilt for Binding

The first step in binding your quilt by machine is to prepare your quilt for the process. If you have just finished sewing your quilt top and quilting it, give it a good press with an iron to get rid of any wrinkles or creases.

Next, trim off any excess batting or backing fabric around your quilt’s edges using scissors or a rotary cutter. This will ensure that your edges are straight and even before adding binding.

Making Your Binding Strips

The width of your binding strip will depend on personal preference and the thickness of your batting. Typically, binding strips range from 2 ½ inches to 3 inches in width. To make your binding strips, cut long strips of fabric on the bias (diagonally) for better stretch and flexibility.

Sew together multiple strips if needed until you have enough length to go around all four sides of your quilt plus an extra 10-12 inches for joining at the end. Press open any seams on your binding strips to reduce bulkiness.

Preparing Your Machine for Binding

Before you start attaching the binding, you need to prepare your sewing machine for the process. Switch out your regular sewing foot for a walking foot to ensure even feed of the layers of fabric. Also, adjust your stitch length to a longer setting (around 3.0 mm) for easier stitching.

You can also choose to use a blind hem foot or an edge joining foot, depending on your preference and availability.

Attaching the Binding

To begin attaching the binding, place the raw edges of the binding strip along one side of your quilt’s edge, right sides together. Start sewing approximately 8 inches down from one corner using a ¼ inch seam allowance. Make sure to leave a tail of binding about 6-7 inches long.

Continue sewing along the entire edge until you reach ¼ inch from the next corner. Stop sewing and backstitch to secure the stitches.

Mitering Corners

At each corner, stop sewing at least ¼ inch from the edge and backstitch. Fold the binding up, creating a triangle-shaped flap with a raw edge along the next side of the quilt.

Then, fold it back down over itself, aligning with its previous position and creating a perfect mitered corner on top of your quilt’s corner. Start sewing again at the edge of this fold and continue around all four corners in this manner.

Joining Binding Ends

When you reach where you started, stop approximately 8 inches away from where you began and cut out any excess binding strip (leaving enough length for joining). Unfold both ends of the strips and place them right sides together at a right angle.

Using a ruler or pencil, draw a diagonal line from one corner to another as a guide for sewing. Sew along this line and trim off the excess, leaving a ¼ inch seam allowance. Press open the seam and re-fold the binding.

Finally, attach the remaining tail of binding to your quilt’s edge and fold it over to cover all raw edges. Stitch along the whole edge of your quilt using a decorative stitch or a straight stitch.

Finishing Touches

To finish off your quilt’s binding, fold it over to the back of your quilt and slip stitch it by hand for an invisible finish. Alternatively, you can also topstitch along the front edge of the binding using a decorative stitch for added detailing.

Once you have completed these steps, give your quilt one final press with an iron, and you have successfully added binding to your quilt by machine!

Conclusion

Binding your quilt by machine may seem intimidating at first, but with practice and patience, it can become a straightforward and enjoyable part of the quilting process. Follow these steps carefully, and soon you’ll be adding professional-looking bindings to all your quilts. Experiment with different types of fabrics and stitches to add some personal flair to your creations!

Materials You Will Need

When it comes to binding a quilt by machine, having the right materials is crucial to achieving a professional and polished look. Here are the materials you will need:

  • Fabric for your binding – make sure to choose a fabric that complements your quilt
  • Quilt top, batting, and backing fabric
  • Sewing machine – preferably one with a walking foot
  • Sewing needles suitable for quilting
  • Cutting mat, rotary cutter, and ruler
  • Sewing pins or clips
  • Thread – choose a color that blends well with your binding fabric
  • Iron and ironing board for pressing
  • Scissors for trimming excess thread

Preparing Your Quilt for Binding

Before you can start binding your quilt by machine, you need to make sure that your quilt top is complete and ready. This includes trimming any excess batting or backing fabric and squaring up the edges of your quilt. It’s also important to press your quilt top to eliminate any wrinkles or creases.

Next, attach the walking foot to your sewing machine. A walking foot helps to evenly feed multiple layers of fabric through the machine without shifting or stretching. This is especially important when dealing with quilts as they usually have three layers: the top, batting, and backing.

Cutting and Joining Your Binding Strips

The next step is cutting and joining strips of fabric for your binding. The length of each strip will depend on how big your quilt is, but a good rule of thumb is to cut strips that measure 2 ½ inches wide.

You can either cut multiple strips and join them together to form one long strip, or you can cut one long continuous strip. If you choose to join your strips, align the ends of the two strips at a right angle and sew them together with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Then, trim the excess fabric and press the seam open.

Attaching the Binding to Your Quilt

Starting from one side of your quilt, leave a tail of about 10 inches and pin or clip the raw edge of your binding strip to the raw edge of your quilt. Leave about a 6-inch gap between where you started and where you end.

Using a ¼ inch seam allowance, stitch along the edge of your quilt until you reach about 1/4 inch away from the first corner. Then, stop stitching and backstitch to secure the thread. Remove your quilt from the machine and fold up the binding strip at a 45-degree angle away from your quilt.

Next, fold it back down onto itself so that it aligns with the next edge of your quilt. This will create a neat mitered corner. Hold this fold in place and continue stitching from the corner until you reach about ¼ inch away from the next corner. Repeat this process for all four corners.

When you reach where you started, stop stitching but don’t backstitch just yet. Instead, leave a tail of about 6 inches and cut off any excess binding fabric. Fold this tail under itself and slide it into the beginning tail that was left earlier.

Start stitching again from where you left off and continue stitching until you reach about an inch away from where you started. Backstitch to secure everything in place.

Finishing Your Binding

Now that your binding is attached to your quilt by machine, all that’s left is to finish it off neatly. Start by folding over one side of your binding so that it covers the raw edge of your quilt. Then, fold it over again so that it just barely covers the stitching line.

Using an invisible stitch, hand sew this folded edge of your binding to the back of your quilt. It may take some practice to get this stitch right, but once you get the hang of it, the results will be worth it.

Continue this process for all four sides of your quilt until the binding is completely secured on the back. Once you’re done, give your quilt a final press and admire your beautifully bound creation!

Caring for Your Quilt

It’s important to take care of your quilt properly in order to keep its binding intact and looking clean and professional. When washing a quilt with machine-bound binding, use a gentle cycle with cold water and avoid using bleach or harsh detergents. Line dry or lay flat to dry instead of putting it in the dryer.

If any part of your binding starts to come loose over time, don’t panic! You can easily fix it by either hand stitching or machine stitching over the affected area.

Congratulations! You now know how to put binding on a quilt by machine like a pro. It may seem like a daunting

Q: What materials do I need to put binding on a quilt by machine?
A: To put binding on a quilt by machine, you will need a sewing machine, fabric for the binding, quilt ruler, rotary cutter or scissors, pins, and coordinating thread.

Q: What type of stitch is best for binding on a quilt by machine?
A: A straight stitch or zigzag stitch are the most commonly used stitches for binding a quilt by machine. It is also recommended to use a walking foot attachment if your machine has one.

Q: How much fabric do I need for binding a quilt by machine?
A: The amount of fabric needed for binding depends on the size of your quilt. As a general guide, you will need approximately 1/2 yard of fabric for every 30 inches of binding needed.

Q: Can I use pre-made bias tape for my quilt’s binding when using the machine?
A: Yes, pre-made bias tape can be used to bind a quilt by machine. However, make sure to select a width that matches your desired finished width and adjust your seam allowance accordingly.

Q: How do I attach the binding to my quilt using the machine?
A: To attach the binding to your quilt using the machine, lay the raw edges of the binding along one edge of your quilt and pin in place. Sew along the edge with a ¼ inch seam allowance and press open. Fold over the binding onto the back of the quilt and sew along it using either a straight or zigzag stitch.

Q: Is it possible to hand-stitch my bindings after attaching them by machine?
A: Yes, it is possible to hand-stitch your bindings after attaching them by machine. This can give you more control over ensuring all edges are neatly secured on both sides of the quilt.

In conclusion, learning how to put binding on a quilt by machine can be a useful skill for any quilter. It allows for a faster and more efficient way to finish a quilt, giving it a professional and polished look. Through the steps of cutting and piecing the binding, preparing the quilt, attaching and sewing the binding, and finally finishing it off with mitered corners, readers can successfully create a beautiful and functional finished product.

Using the right tools and techniques is crucial in achieving the desired results. Careful attention to detail during each step is important, from measuring the fabric accurately to ensuring an even seam allowance while sewing. It may take some practice to master this technique, but with patience and persistence, anyone can successfully put binding on a quilt by machine.

Moreover, incorporating personal touches such as using contrasting fabrics or adding hand-stitched details can elevate the overall design of the quilt. This also adds a unique touch to each piece, making it truly one-of-a-kind.

Quilting is not just about creating functional items; it is also an art form steeped in tradition. By learning how to put binding on a quilt by machine, one can continue this legacy while also incorporating modern techniques. It also provides an opportunity to bond with friends and family through quil

Author Profile

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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.