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

Quilting is a beloved art form that has been passed down for generations, and there’s something truly special about creating a cozy quilt with your own two hands. But what happens when you finish piecing your quilt blocks together? That’s where binding comes into play. Binding is the final step in completing your quilt, giving it a polished and professional look. While hand-sewing binding is a common method, using a machine can speed up the process without sacrificing quality. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to sew binding on a quilt by machine, so you can take your quilting skills to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner quilter or an experienced pro, this guide will have you finishing your quilts like a pro in no time. So let’s thread our needles and get started!

Overview of Machine Binding on a Quilt

Machine binding is a technique used to finish the edges of a quilt. It is faster and more efficient compared to hand binding, making it a popular choice among quilters. By using a sewing machine, the binding can be attached to the quilt with precision and neatly finished off, giving the quilt a polished look. The process involves sewing the binding to the edges of the quilt top and then folding it over to the back before securing it with additional stitching. In this guide, we will discuss in detail how to sew binding on a quilt by machine.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you begin sewing binding on your quilt, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials ready. These include:

– Sewing Machine: A sturdy sewing machine with adjustable stitch length and a walking foot is ideal for machine binding.
– Binding Foot: This specialized foot helps guide and hold the binding in place while it is being stitched.
– Rotary Cutter and Mat: These tools make cutting straight lines easier and more accurate.
– Quilting Ruler: This is used to measure and mark where your stitches will go.
– Fabric for Binding: Choose high-quality quilting cotton fabric that complements your quilt top.
– Thread: Use thread that matches or blends with your binding fabric.
– Pins or Clips: These are used to hold the binding in place while sewing.

Preparing Your Quilt

Before attaching your binding, make sure your quilt top has been properly finished. This includes trimming any excess batting or backing fabric and squaring up all four corners. Ironing out any wrinkles on your quilt top will also help ensure smooth stitching.

Pinning vs. Clipping:

Pins are traditional tools for holding layers of fabric together while stitching, but they can create bumps in the fabric and get in the way while sewing. Many quilters prefer using clips instead. These are small, flat, plastic clips that grip fabric layers without leaving marks and are easy to remove as you sew.

Preparing Your Binding

There are two ways to prepare your binding: piecing and continuous binding. For pieced binding, you will need to sew together multiple strips of fabric, whereas continuous binding is made from one long strip of fabric folded in half lengthwise. The latter is recommended for beginners as it involves less sewing.

Once you have decided on the type of binding to use, cut your fabric strips 2½ inches wide by the length needed for your quilt sides plus 12 inches for seam allowances and joining ends together. When piecing binding strips together, make sure you sew them at a 45-degree angle to avoid bulk.

Attaching the Binding

Start by attaching the binding to one side of your quilt top using a walking foot. Leave a tail of about 6-8 inches and begin sewing with a ¼ inch seam allowance from the raw edge. When approaching a corner, stop sewing ¼ inch away from the edge and backstitch. Fold the binding up at a 45-degree angle and then down again, creating a mitered corner. Secure with clips or pins and continue stitching.

When you reach the starting point, stop stitching approximately 10 inches from where you began, leaving another tail of about 6-8 inches. Trim any excess binding and overlap both tails by about 1 inch before cutting them off.

Next, bring both tails together so they lay flat against each other in line with the edges of the quilt top. This creates a diagonal crease indicating where they should be stitched together along that angle. Open up both ends of the bindings and pin them right sides together along this crease mark before stitching.

Trim the seam allowance to ¼ inch and press it open. Finish sewing the remaining binding to the quilt top.

Folding and Stitching on the Back

Fold the binding over to the back of your quilt, making sure it covers the stitching line from the front. Pin or clip in place and then sew close to the edge of the binding, starting at one end and working your way around.

When reaching a corner, fold in a 45-degree angle and then fold the binding down along the next side, aligning it with the previous stitching line. Secure with pins or clips and continue sewing until all sides are finished.

When you reach your starting point, stop sewing right before where you began and backstitch. This will leave a small opening for tucking in the tail of your binding.

Finishing Touches

To finish off your machine binding, tuck in that final tail on the backside of your quilt. You can either hand sew it closed or use a blind hem stitch on your machine.

Once all tails have been secured, give your quilt a final press with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles or creases. Your quilt is now ready for use or display!

Final Thoughts

Understanding the Basics of Sewing Binding on a Quilt by Machine

Sewing binding on a quilt is an essential skill for any quilter. Binding is used to finish the edges of a quilt, providing a clean and professional look. While there are several methods for binding a quilt, sewing it by machine is one of the most efficient and durable techniques.

Before we dive into the steps for sewing binding on a quilt by machine, let’s first understand the basics. Binding is made up of two strips of fabric that are sewn together to create one long strip. This strip is then folded in half and attached to the edges of the quilt to encase the raw edges.

The most common type of binding used on quilts is called double-fold binding. It involves folding both sides of the fabric strip towards the middle and then folding it in half again. This creates a strong and sturdy edge that can withstand regular use and washing.

Gathering Your Supplies

To start sewing binding on your quilt, gather all your supplies beforehand. This will make the process smoother and more efficient. You will need:

– 2 ½ inch wide strips of fabric cut on the bias or straight grain (the length depends on the size of your quilt)
– Sewing machine with a walking foot
– Straight pins or quilting clips
– Iron and ironing board
– Rotary cutter and mat (if cutting strips from yardage)
– Ruler
– Scissors

It’s important to use high-quality quilting cotton for your binding as it needs to have enough strength to withstand regular use and washing.

Preparing Your Quilt for Binding

Once you have all your supplies ready, it’s time to prepare your quilt for binding. Make sure that you have already trimmed any excess batting or backing fabric from your quilt’s edges. Also, ensure that the edges of your quilt are square and even.

Next, iron the quilt top and backing to make sure they are smooth and free of any wrinkles. This will help create a neater and more professional finish on your quilt.

Attaching Binding to Quilt

Start by sewing the two binding strips together at a 45-degree angle to create a continuous strip. Press the seam open to reduce bulk.

Then, starting at one corner of your quilt’s edge, place the raw edge of the binding against the raw edge of your quilt. Leave about 6 inches of binding unstitched at the beginning and leave a tail of binding at least 10 inches long before you start stitching.

Using a walking foot on your sewing machine, stitch along the edge of the binding with a ¼ inch seam allowance, stopping ¼ inch before reaching the corner. Backstitch to secure your stitches.

Mitering Corners

To miter the corners, fold the binding straight up, away from your quilt’s edge, creating a point at the corner. Then, fold it back down over itself, lining up with the next edge you will be sewing. This will create a neat mitered corner. Secure with clips or pins and continue sewing along this next edge.

Repeat this process for all four corners until you reach where you started.

Once you have sewn all around your quilt’s edges, stop stitching about 10 inches before where you started and backstitch to secure your stitches. Trim off any excess binding leaving about 10 inches – these will be used later for joining ends together.

Joining Binding Ends

To join the two ends of your binding seamlessly, lay one end on top of another, ensuring that they overlap by about an inch. Pin or clip in place and sew along this overlap using a ¼ inch seam allowance.

Trim off any excess overlapping ends and press them open. Then, finish sewing the remaining 10 inches of binding onto your quilt’s edge.

Final Steps

To finish sewing binding on a quilt by machine, fold the binding over the raw edges to the back of your quilt. Use clips or pins to secure it in place. Then, hand-stitch the folded edge of the binding to the back of your quilt using a blind stitch.

Alternatively, you can also use a decorative stitch on your sewing machine to topstitch along the binding for added durability and a decorative touch.

Once you have completed sewing all around your quilt’s edges, give it a final press with an iron before admiring your beautifully bound quilt.

Sewing binding on a quilt by machine may seem intimidating at first, but with practice and patience, it can become an easy and efficient process. With these steps and tips in mind, you’ll be able to achieve neat and professional-looking bindings on all your quilts. So go ahead and try this technique on your next quilting project!

Q: What is the best type of machine for sewing binding on a quilt?
A: Any type of sewing machine can be used to sew binding on a quilt, as long as it has a straight stitch and zigzag stitch capabilities. However, a walking foot or dual feed foot may make the process easier.

Q: How do I prepare my quilt for binding?
A: Before sewing on the binding, make sure your quilt top is completely finished with a backing fabric and batting, and that all layers are basted together. Trim any excess batting or backing fabric from the edges.

Q: What type of thread should I use for sewing binding on a quilt?
A: It is recommended to use a thread that matches or complements the fabric of your binding. A 100% cotton thread is also commonly used for quilting projects.

Q: How do I attach the binding to my quilt by machine?
A: Start by attaching one end of your binding strip to one side of your quilt using a ¼ inch seam allowance. Then fold the binding over to the backside of your quilt and secure it in place using pins or clips. Sew along the folded edge of the binding using a straight stitch or zigzag stitch.

Q: How do I miter corners when sewing binding on my quilt?
A: To miter corners, stop sewing near the corner and leave ¼ inch seam allowance. Fold your binding towards the next side, creating a 45 degree angle at the corner. Then fold back over in line with the next side and continue sewing.

Q: Is it necessary to hand sew down my bindings after machine stitching them?
A: It is not necessary to hand sew down your bindings after machine stitching if you prefer not to. However, some quilters prefer to hand sew down the binding for a more polished look. It is a personal preference and both methods are acceptable.

In conclusion, sewing binding on a quilt by machine can be a challenging but gratifying process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can achieve a professional-looking finish on your quilt. First, it is important to choose the appropriate binding and prepare it correctly before attaching it to the quilt. Next, properly aligning and sewing the binding onto the quilt is crucial for a neat and tidy appearance. Lastly, trimming and securing the binding allows for a durable and long-lasting finish.

Throughout this article, we have emphasized the importance of precision and attention to detail when sewing binding on a quilt by machine. Taking your time and being patient with each step will result in a beautifully finished quilt that you can be proud of. Additionally, keeping your machine well-maintained and practicing with scrap fabric can greatly improve your skill at sewing binding.

It is also worth noting that there are various techniques and methods for sewing binding on a quilt by machine. It may take some practice to find what works best for you and your quilting projects. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new techniques.

Furthermore, sewing binding on a quilt by machine can be an enjoyable and therapeutic activity for many quilters. It allows for creativity, attention to detail, and a sense of accomplishment when the final

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.