Master the Art of Hand Sewing: Your Guide to Perfectly Binding a Quilt

Quilting is an art form that has captured the hearts of many, with its intricate designs and cozy end product. As the saying goes, “a quilt is a story in every stitch.” And what better way to add your personal touch to this ubiquitous item than by hand sewing the binding onto it. While there are various methods to finish off a quilt, hand sewing the binding not only adds a touch of tradition but also allows for more control and precision. In this article, we will take a closer look at the process of hand sewing the binding on a quilt and explore some tips to make it a smooth and enjoyable experience. So, dust off your needles, thread your favorite colors, and let’s get stitching!

The Importance of Hand Sewing the Binding on a Quilt

Quilting is an art that has been passed down for generations and involves stitching layers of fabric together to create a warm, cozy blanket. One of the final steps in making a quilt is sewing on the binding, which is the fabric that covers the raw edges and finishes off the edges of the quilt. While there are several techniques for attaching binding to a quilt, hand sewing is considered to be the traditional and most professional method. In this article, we will discuss why hand sewing the binding on a quilt is important and how to master this technique.

Hand sewing allows for more control and precision when it comes to attaching binding to a quilt. Machine sewing can sometimes result in uneven stitches or missed spots, whereas hand sewing allows you to closely monitor every stitch and adjust as needed. This attention to detail ensures that your binding looks clean and neat, adding value and aesthetic appeal to your quilt.

Moreover, hand sewing gives you the flexibility to work with different types of fabrics. Quilts are often made with various types of fabric such as cotton, flannel, or silk. By hand sewing the binding, you have more control over how tightly or loosely you stitch depending on the type of fabric you are working with. This can prevent puckering or stretching of delicate fabrics and ensure your finished quilt looks perfect.

Another advantage of hand sewing is that it allows you to work at your own pace and take breaks when needed. Quilting can be a time-consuming process, and it’s important not to rush through it. With machine sewing, there is often pressure to finish quickly since it requires setting up your machine and workspace each time. Hand sewing gives you the freedom to pause whenever necessary without worrying about ruining your progress.

Additionally, hand sewing adds value to your quilts in terms of durability. The stitches used in hand sewing are stronger and more secure compared to machine stitches. This is because hand sewing involves using a double thread and knotting it at the end, which provides extra support and prevents your binding from unraveling. It may take longer, but this method ensures that your quilt will last for years to come.

Materials Required for Hand Sewing Binding on a Quilt

Now that we understand the importance of hand sewing binding on a quilt, let’s go over the materials you will need to get started. The materials required are minimal, and chances are you may already have them in your sewing kit.

1. Needle – It is recommended to use a sharp, thin needle such as a size 10 or 11 sharps needle for hand sewing binding. These needles have a small eye that is easier to thread through fabric.

2. Thread – You can use any type of thread for hand sewing; however, it’s better to choose a high-quality thread that won’t easily break or tangle.

3. Scissors – A small pair of scissors or snips are essential for trimming threads and cutting excess fabric.

4. Binding Clips or Pins – Binding clips are great tools for holding your binding in place while you sew. However, if you prefer using pins, make sure they are thin and won’t cause damage to your fabric.

5. Thimble – A thimble comes in handy when pushing the needle through several layers of fabric.

6. Ruler – A clear ruler is necessary for measuring your binding strips and ensuring precise cuts.

7. Iron – You will need an iron to press your binding strips before attaching them to the quilt.

Steps for Hand Sewing Binding on a Quilt

Now that we have all the necessary materials let’s go over the steps involved in hand sewing binding on a quilt:

1. Prepare Your Binding Strips – Cut your binding strips according to the measurements of your quilt. The width of your binding strips should be 2.5 inches, and the length should be the sum of all four sides of your quilt plus 10 inches.

2. Press Your Binding Strips – To make sewing easier, press your binding strips in half lengthwise with the wrong sides facing each other. This will create a neat fold down the center.

3. Attach Binding to Your Quilt – Starting at one corner of your quilt, leave a tails end of about 8-10 inches and attach the binding to the quilt using either clips or pins.

4. Sew Along the Edge – Using a whip stitch or ladder stitch, sew along the edge of your quilt, placing one stitch every quarter inch. Make sure not to pull too tightly as it can cause puckering or distortion in your quilt.

5. Mitering Corners – When you reach a corner, stop at a quarter inch before reaching it and secure your stitches by going back and forth once or twice. Pull outwards on the binding to form a mitered corner and sew along the edge until you reach the next corner.

6. Joining Ends – When you have sewn around all four sides, leave tails ends on both strips about 6-

Tools for Hand Sewing a Quilt Binding

When it comes to hand sewing a quilt binding, it’s important to have the right tools on hand. While some of these tools may seem basic, they are essential for creating a clean and professional finish. Here are some of the must-have tools for hand sewing a quilt binding:

– A sharp pair of scissors: When working with fabric, having sharp scissors is key. This will ensure clean and precise cuts while trimming the edges of your binding strips.

– Hand sewing needles: Hand sewing needles come in different sizes and lengths. Make sure to choose a needle that is long enough to hold multiple layers of fabric and has a small eye to easily thread your needle.

– Thread: When it comes to thread, choose one that matches the color of your binding fabric or go for a neutral color that can blend in with any fabric. Make sure to use strong thread that won’t break or snap easily.

– Pins: The right pins can make all the difference when hand sewing a quilt binding. Choose fine and thin pins that won’t leave holes in your fabric and can be easily removed as you work.

– Thimble: A thimble is not only helpful but also necessary when pushing your needle through multiple layers of fabric. It will protect your finger from getting pricked and make the process much easier.

Cutting and Preparing Your Binding Strips

Before you start hand sewing, you first need to prepare your binding strips. These strips will cover the raw edges of your quilt once sewn on. Here’s how you cut and prepare your binding strips:

1. Measure the perimeter of your quilt: Start by measuring the length and width of your quilt top, adding all four sides together.

2. Calculate the length of your binding: Multiply this total measurement by at least 3 (to account for corners and any potential mistakes) and add 10 inches for finishing. This will give you the total length of your binding.

3. Cut your fabric: Using a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler, cut 2½ inches wide strips of fabric on the bias (diagonal) to make them more pliable. Sew them together at a 45-degree angle to create one long continuous strip.

4. Fold and press: Fold the strip in half lengthwise with wrong sides together and press with an iron to create a crease along the entire length.

5. Iron open the fold: Then open up the fold and press both raw edges towards the center crease, creating a double-fold binding strip that measures 1¼ inches wide.

Attaching Your Binding to Your Quilt

Once you have your binding strips ready, it’s time to attach them to your quilt. Here’s how:

1. Start sewing on a straight edge: Align one end of your binding strip with one side of your quilt top, leaving about 6 inches of extra binding beyond the edge. Start sewing with a ¼ inch seam allowance, leaving a similar amount of excess thread at the beginning.

2. Sew until you reach a corner: As you approach a corner, stop sewing about ¼ inch away from the edge of your quilt top. Backstitch and remove your quilt from your sewing machine.

3. Create mitered corners: Fold your bias edge at a 45-degree angle from the corner towards the opposite side of your quilt top. Then fold back down towards the next side of your quilt top, aligning raw edges and creating a diagonal fold at the corner.

4. Continue sewing: Fold down these layers again over themselves so that you have straight edges meeting at right angles on each side of your corner, then resume stitching at exactly where you left off, making sure to backstitch to secure.

5. Sew until you reach the starting point: Repeat this process for all corners until you reach your starting point. Then overlap the ends of your binding strips and cut off any excess. Fold both ends of your binding strip to create a diagonal seam at a 45-degree angle, then stitch them together with a ¼ inch seam allowance.

Finishing Your Binding by Hand

After attaching your binding strip to your quilt, it’s time to finish it off by hand sewing it in place. Here’s how:

1. Trim any excess: Start by trimming any excess backing or batting from the edge of your quilt.

2. Fold the binding: Fold your binding over to the back of your quilt and pin in place along the edge, making sure that you cover up the original stitches from when you attached the binding to your quilt top.

3. Hand sew diagonally: Using a blind stitch (also called a ladder stitch), attach the binding to the back of your quilt by sewing diagonally along the fold line. Be careful not to sew through all layers of fabric, only catching small sections as you go.

4. Finish off: Once you have reached the end, tie off a knot and bury it between layers of fabric before

Q: What do I need to hand sew the binding on a quilt?
A: You will need a needle, thread, scissors, and your quilt with an attached binding.

Q: Can I use any type of needle for hand sewing the binding on a quilt?
A: It is best to use a sharp, thin needle known as a quilting or betweens needle for more precise stitching.

Q: How do I attach the binding to my quilt?
A: Start by folding one end of the binding strip diagonally and pressing it with an iron. Then begin sewing along one edge of the quilt, leaving about 10 inches of binding unattached at the beginning.

Q: What stitch should I use to sew the binding?
A: The most common stitch used while hand sewing binding on a quilt is called a whip stitch. This stitch allows for even, hidden stitches along the edge of the binding.

Q: How do I miter the corners when sewing on the binding?
A: To create neat and crisp corners, fold one side of the binding strip over at a 45-degree angle and then fold it back down along the adjacent side. Sew along this folded edge until you reach the corner and continue this technique for all four corners.

Q: Do I need to knot my thread while hand sewing binding on a quilt?
A: Yes, it is important to knot your thread at both ends when hand sewing on binding. This will help secure your stitches and prevent them from unraveling over time.

In conclusion, hand sewing the binding on a quilt is a crucial step in creating a beautiful and durable finished product. Through this process, one can add a personal touch and create a unique design that truly showcases their skill and creativity. The key to successfully hand sewing the binding is to take the time to properly prepare the quilt, pay attention to detail, and use techniques that ensure a sturdy finish.

Firstly, it is important to properly prepare the quilt by making sure all layers are smooth and aligned, and the edges are trimmed neatly. This will result in a more polished look and make it easier to sew the binding on evenly.

Next, accurately measuring and cutting the binding strips is essential for achieving a professional-looking finish. Taking the time to measure carefully and using precise cutting techniques will not only result in an aesthetically pleasing binding but also save time in the long run by avoiding mistakes.

Moreover, paying attention to detail while sewing is crucial for creating a strong and durable binding. This includes using small stitches, ensuring even tension, and properly mitering corners. These techniques might take some practice to master but will greatly improve the final outcome of your quilt.

Additionally, choosing the right type of thread for hand sewing can greatly impact the final product. Using high-quality thread that

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.