Mastering the Art of Quilting: A Step-by-Step Guide to Putting Binding on Your Quilt

Quilting is a beloved pastime that has been passed down for generations. The intricate patterns, beautiful fabrics, and warmth of a handmade quilt make it a cherished item in any home. And when it comes to finishing off a quilt, the binding is the final touch that brings everything together. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, learning how to put binding on your quilt can seem like a daunting task. But fear not, as we break down the process in this article to help you get that perfect finish on your next quilting project. So grab your materials and let’s dive into the world of quilt binding!

When it comes to quilting, one of the essential steps in creating a finished product is putting the binding on. Binding gives a quilt a polished look and helps to secure the edges of the fabric together. It is a necessary step that can seem intimidating for beginners, but with the right technique, it can be easily mastered. In this guide, we will walk you through how to put binding on a quilt, providing you with all the necessary steps and tips for a professional-looking finish.

Types of Binding

Before diving into how to put binding on a quilt, it’s essential to know the different types of binding available. The two most common types of binding are double-fold binding and single-fold binding.

Double-fold binding is created by folding fabric in half and pressing it before attaching it to the quilt’s raw edge. The folded edges are then sewn down using a straight stitch or decorative stitch. This type of binding provides added durability and thickness to the quilt’s edge.

On the other hand, single-fold binding involves folding one edge of fabric over another without pressing it first. This creates a single layer of fabric along the quilt’s edge, making it less bulky but not as durable as double-fold binding.

Tools and Materials

Before starting with any quilting project, it’s crucial to have all your tools and materials ready. Here are some of the essential tools you’ll need for putting binding on a quilt:

1. Fabric – For your Binding strip
2. Ruler
3. Rotary cutter or scissors
4. Sewing machine with an appropriate needle for your fabric type
5. Marking tool (optional)
6. Quilter’s pins
7. Iron
8. Thread (matching or contrasting color)
9. Hand-sewing needle for finishing

Cutting Your Binding Strips

The first step in putting binding on a quilt is to cut your binding strips. The size of your strips depends on the finished size you want your binding to be. As a general rule, you’ll need to cut your strips at 2.5 inches wide. You can use the same fabric as your quilt or choose a complementary or contrasting fabric for more visual interest.

Using a ruler and rotary cutter or scissors, cut enough strips to cover the perimeter of your quilt plus an extra 10 inches. If your quilt measures 60 inches on one side and 50 inches on the other, you will need to cut five strips at 2.5 inches wide by 70 inches long.

Joining the Strips

Once you have all your strips cut, it’s essential to join them together end-to-end to create one long continuous strip. To do this:

1. Place two ends of different strips right sides together at a 90-degree angle.
2. Draw a diagonal line from corner to corner and pin in place.
3. Sew along the drawn line and trim off the excess fabric.
4. Press the seam open and repeat until all strips are joined.

This method is known as bias seam joining, which provides added stretch and durability to the bindings’ edges.

Affixing Your Binding

Now that you have a long continuous strip of binding, it’s time to attach it to your quilt’s edge.

1. Starting in the middle of one side of your quilt, line up the raw edge of the binding strip with the raw edge of your quilt.
2. Leave approximately 6-8 inches unsewn at the beginning (this will be used later for finishing).
3. Using a ¼ inch seam allowance, sew along this edge, making sure to backstitch at both ends.
4. As you approach each corner, sew all the way to the corner, pivot your quilt, and continue down the next side. Repeat for all four corners.
5. Once you have sewn around your entire quilt, trim off any excess binding strip.
6. Fold your binding strip over the raw edge of your quilt and pin in place.

Sewing Your Binding

To secure your binding to your quilt, you’ll be using a straight stitch or decorative stitch. Here’s how:

1. Starting at one of the open ends (not at a corner), backstitch and begin sewing along the edge of your binding.
2. As you approach a corner, stop sewing ¼ inch before reaching it and backstitch.
3. Fold the binding up at a 45-degree angle away from the corner and then fold it back down over itself in line with the next edge.
4. Continue sewing from this new edge until you reach the next corner. Repeat for all corners.
5. Once you have sewn all around your quilt, stop stitching 6-8 inches before reaching your starting point and backstitch.

Completing Your Binding

The final step is to complete your binding by neatly finishing off any open ends.

1. Lay

Understanding the Basics of Binding for Quilts

Quilting is a popular craft that dates back centuries, with early examples from ancient Egypt and China. While the overall process of creating a quilt has evolved over time, one element that has remained consistent is binding. Binding is used to finish off the edges of a quilt and give it a polished and professional look.

In its simplest form, binding is a strip of fabric that is sewn around the outer edges of a quilt to encase the raw edges and hold all the layers together. It provides durability to the quilt while also adding an aesthetic appeal. While many may view binding as merely an afterthought in the quilting process, it is an essential step that requires careful attention to detail.

Choosing the Right Materials for your Binding

When it comes to selecting materials for your quilt binding, you have several options. The most common materials are cotton fabric, bias tape, and satin ribbon. Cotton fabric is by far the most popular choice among quilters due to its availability and versatility. It also allows for easier manipulation and stitching around corners.

Bias tape, on the other hand, offers more flexibility as it stretches on its diagonal grain. This is especially beneficial when working with curved edges on your quilt. Satin ribbon can add a touch of luxury to your binding but may not be as durable as cotton or bias tape.

Whatever material you choose, make sure it complements your quilt’s design and provides enough coverage to securely hold all layers together.

Cutting and Preparing Your Binding

Before you begin sewing your binding onto your quilt, you need to cut it into strips of fabric. The width of your strips will depend on how wide you want your finished binding to be – typically between 1 ½ inches to 2 ½ inches.

Once you have determined the width, measure the perimeter of your quilt and add about 15 inches to that measurement. This will be the total length of binding you need to create. Now, cut as many strips as needed based on the width and length calculations.

After cutting your strips, it’s essential to prepare them for sewing. If using cotton fabric or bias tape, fold each strip in half and press with an iron to create a sharp crease in the middle. If using satin ribbon, carefully fold each long edge towards the center crease and press with an iron.

Attaching Your Binding to the Quilt

To begin attaching your binding to your quilt, start at one of the corners on the backside of your quilt. Line up one end of your binding strip with the top edge of your quilt and leave a tail hanging off.

Using a ¼ inch seam allowance, sew along the raw edge of your binding strip until you reach a corner. Stop sewing about ¼ inch away from the edge, pivot your fabric 45 degrees, and continue sewing down the next side.

Continue this process until you’ve sewn all four sides together and are back at where you started. Trim any excess binding tail from that same starting point so that it overlaps slightly with its other end.

Next, join these two ends by opening up both tail ends and sewing them together at a 45-degree angle. Trim off any excess fabric and finish sewing down this side until you reach where you started.

Finally, fold over your binding to encase all raw edges inside. Use pins or clips to secure it in place before hand-stitching it down onto the frontside of your quilt for an invisible finish.

Finishing Touches for Your Binding

While hand-stitched bindings are popular among quilters for their seamless appearance on both sides of their quilts, there are alternative methods for attaching bindings. You can use a machine to sew your binding down for a quick and secure finish.

Alternatively, you can also choose to top-stitch your binding, creating a decorative border around the edge of your quilt. The possibilities for adding your unique touch to your bindings are endless.

Binding is often seen as the final step in the quilting process, but it is critical in the overall appearance and durability of your quilt. By selecting the right materials, preparing them correctly, and following proper techniques for attaching and finishing your binding, you can elevate any quilt from ordinary to exceptional. So next time you embark on a new quilting project, don’t forget to give proper attention to your bindings – they truly make all the difference!

Q: What is binding on a quilt?
A: Binding is the fabric strip that surrounds the outer edges of a quilt, used to finish and secure them.

Q: What materials will I need to put binding on my quilt?
A: You will need fabric for the binding strips, scissors, a needle, thread, and pins.

Q: What length should I cut my binding strips?
A: The length of your binding strips should be the perimeter of your quilt plus an extra 10-12 inches for corners and joining.

Q: How do I create mitered corners when putting on binding for my quilt?
A: To create mitered corners, fold the corner up at a 45-degree angle, then fold it back down creating a diagonal line. Sew along the diagonal line to secure the mitered corner.

Q: Should I sew or hand stitch my binding onto the quilt?
A: This is a personal preference. Sewing can be quicker and more secure, while hand stitching allows for a more professional finish with invisible stitches.

Q: How do I attach the binding to my quilt?
A: Start by sewing one end of your binding strip to one side of your quilt’s edge with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Then continue sewing all around the perimeter, folding and overlapping at each corner. Finally, attach the final end of your binding strip to the first end using either a mitred or straight cut join.

In conclusion, putting binding on a quilt is a crucial step in the quilting process that not only adds a decorative finish but also strengthens the edges of the quilt. By following the various methods discussed, quilters can achieve a neat and professional-looking binding on their quilts. It is important to choose the right tools and materials, and to take time in measuring and sewing to ensure clean and even stitches.

Moreover, understanding the different types of binding, such as double-fold or bias binding, can provide quilters with more options for their projects. Experimenting with different techniques such as mitered corners or machine stitching can also add unique touches to each quilt.

Additionally, it is essential to properly secure the corners and join ends of the binding for a durable finish that will last for years. Taking care of the quilt during this process will also ensure that it remains in good condition for many uses and displays.

Beyond just learning how to put binding on a quilt, this process teaches us patience, attention to detail, and creativity. Quilting is not just about stitching fabrics together; it is an art form that requires skill, dedication, and passion.

In summary, with proper preparation, precision sewing techniques, and creativity in choosing methods and designs, anyone can learn how to put

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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.