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

When it comes to quilting, the finishing touch of hand sewing binding can make all the difference. It adds a polished and personal element to your quilt, making it truly one-of-a-kind. However, many beginners may feel intimidated by the thought of hand sewing binding onto their quilt. Fear not, for in this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of hand sewing binding on a quilt. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just starting out, mastering this skill will elevate your quilting game and leave you with a beautiful and professional finish. So gather your supplies and let’s get started!

Understanding The Basics of Hand Sewing Binding On A Quilt

When it comes to quilting, the final step of adding binding can be quite intimidating. Many quilters opt to use their sewing machines to attach binding, but hand sewing can add a beautiful and personal touch to your quilt. Plus, it is a great way to relax and unwind while still being productive. Here, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to hand sew binding on a quilt.

Firstly, let’s understand what binding is and its purpose in a quilt. Binding is a strip of fabric that wraps around the raw edges of the quilt sandwich (top layer, batting, and backing) to give it stability and a finished look. It also helps in protecting the edges from fraying over time.

To start off, you will need to have your quilt sandwich ready with the binding strips cut and prepared. It is always best to use straight-grain binding as it ensures that the binding stays smooth and doesn’t warp or stretch over time. You can refer to our tutorial on ‘How To Cut Binding Strips’ for more information.

Tools You Will Need

Before we dive into the actual process, let’s have a look at some essential tools that will make hand sewing binding easier:

– Hand-sewing needles (preferably long ones)
– Sharp scissors
– Thread in a color that matches your binding
– Pins or clips
– Thimble (optional)
– Iron (for pressing)

It’s always advisable to invest in good quality tools as it can make your quilting experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Guide For Hand Sewing Binding

Now that we have understood the basics and gathered our tools, let’s get started with the actual process of hand sewing binding on a quilt:

Step 1: Prepare the Binding Strips
Take your prepared binding strips and join them together by sewing them diagonally with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Trim off excess fabric and press the seams open. Fold the binding in half and iron it to create a crease in the center. This will serve as a guide for attaching the binding to the quilt.

Step 2: Pin or Clip the Binding to the Quilt
Starting at a corner of your quilt, align the raw edges of the binding with the raw edge of your quilt sandwich (top layer, batting, and backing). Use pins or clips to secure it in place. Leave a few inches of extra binding at the beginning.

Step 3: Begin Sewing
Using your hand-sewing needle and thread, start sewing from where you left off on one side of your quilt. Take small stitches along the crease line created by folding the binding in half. Make sure to catch all layers of fabric when stitching.

Tip: Hold your needle towards its tip rather than closer to your thread as it will give you better control while making small stitches.

Step 4: Secure Corners
When you reach a corner, stop sewing about ¼ inch away from it. Fold your binding up towards you, forming a diagonal fold that aligns with the adjacent edge of your quilt. Then fold it back down over itself to create a mitred corner. Continue stitching, starting from where you left off.

Step 5: Finishing Up
Continue sewing along all sides of your quilt, stopping about 8-10 inches before reaching where you started. When you reach this point, cut off any extra binding leaving an inch or two extra. Fold this end inside itself and then fold it again at an angle to create a clean edge.

Next, tuck this end into the opening where you started and sew over it to secure it in place. Lastly, stitch the remaining 8-10 inches of binding on your quilt, overlapping the stitches you made previously. This will create a seamless finish.

Tips for a Professional Finish

– Use thread that matches your binding color to create an invisible seam.
– Take small, even stitches to ensure that the binding stays in place and doesn’t show through on the front of your quilt.
– Use a thimble if needed to protect your fingers while making small stitches.
– Press your binding as you sew to create a smooth and neat finish.
– If you want a more secure hold, you can use thread conditioner or glue to keep your stitches in place.

Practice Makes Perfect!

Hand sewing binding on a quilt can seem daunting at first, but with practice, it becomes easier and more enjoyable. Trust us when we say that the results are worth the effort. So next time you’re quilting, give hand-sewing binding a try and see how it elevates the look of your quilt. Happy quilting!

What is Binding on a Quilt?

Binding is the finishing touch of a quilt. It is the fabric strip that covers the raw edges of the quilt top, batting, and backing. It not only gives a polished look to the quilt but also helps in holding all the layers together. Binding can be done by machine or by hand, but hand sewing binding on a quilt adds a personal and traditional touch that can make your quilt stand out.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before learning how to hand sew binding on a quilt, it’s essential to gather all the necessary tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

Quilt with trimmed edges
Batting
Backing fabric
Binding fabric (can be pre-made or cut from the same fabric as backing)
Sewing machine (optional)
Rotary cutter or scissors
Ruler
Pins or clips
Sewing needle
Thread (matching or contrasting)
Thimble (optional but recommended)

Cutting and Joining Binding Strips

The first step in hand sewing binding on a quilt is to cut and join the binding strips. If using pre-made binding, you can skip this step.

Start by determining how much binding you need. Measure the perimeter of your quilt, add at least ten inches to this measurement for joining seams and corners. This number will give you the total length needed for your binding strips.

Next, decide on the width of your binding strip based on your personal preference. Usually, it ranges from one to three inches. However, for a bold look, you can go for a wider binding.

Using your rotary cutter or scissors, cut the binding strips along the selvage, ensuring that they are straight and free from any wrinkles. Join the strips by placing them right sides together at a 90-degree angle. Sew a diagonal line from one corner to another and trim off the excess fabric. Press the seams open.

Preparing the Quilt for Binding

Once you have your binding ready, it’s time to prepare your quilt. Begin by trimming any excess batting and backing fabric to ensure all the layers are even. Next, press the edges of your quilt top towards the back, creating a neat and straight edge.

Lay out your quilt flat with its right side facing downwards. Start pinning or clipping one end of your binding strip to the raw edge of your quilt on one side about four inches away from one corner.

Sewing Binding onto Quilt

Using matching or contrasting thread and a sewing needle, begin sewing along the fold line of your binding strip with small and even stitches. If you’re new to hand sewing, use clips instead of pins to secure your binding in place. Continue until you reach about ¼ inch away from the corner.

At this point, carefully fold down the next side of your binding at a 45-degree angle towards yourself. Fold it again so its raw edge is now even with the next side’s raw edge and continue stitching from this new edge, repeating this process for all four corners.

When you’ve reached where you began sewing again, stitch about an inch over your starting point so that you can easily finish off later. Trim off any excess binding leaving some room for joining seams.

Finishing Off

To create a clean finish on both ends of your binding strip overlapping without creating too much bulk at corners or ends:

Trim one end of your binding strip about an inch longer than it needs to be.
Fold the raw ends of the binding strip at a right angle towards yourself.
Bring the overhanging section of binding down to meet the angled fold you just created, making sure it touches the edge of your quilt top.
Fold it again so that its edge is even with your quilt top’s edge and start sewing from this new fold, joining both ends together.

Finally, trim off any excess binding, and fold it over to the back of your quilt. Secure it in place with small, neat stitches or use fabric or quilt glue instead. Your beautiful hand-sewn binding on a quilt is now complete.

Learning how to hand sew binding on a quilt can take some practice but is an essential skill for any quilting enthusiast. It brings a traditional touch to your project and allows you to have more control over the finished product’s look and feel. With proper preparation and by following our detailed guide, hand sewing binding on a quilt will soon become second nature to you. So go ahead and add that personal touch to

1. How do I prepare my quilt for hand sewing binding?
To prepare your quilt for hand sewing binding, make sure all the edges are trimmed and squared. Then, press and fold under a quarter inch on each side of the quilt.

2. What type of thread should I use for hand sewing binding on a quilt?
It is recommended to use a high quality, strong thread such as 100% cotton or silk for hand sewing binding on a quilt.

3. Do I need to baste the binding before hand sewing it on a quilt?
Yes, it is important to baste your binding in place before hand stitching it onto your quilt. This will help keep the binding in place and prevent puckering or shifting while sewing.

4. Can I sew my binding on by machine instead of by hand?
While hand sewing binding may take longer, it allows for more control and precision over the finished result. However, if you prefer to use a machine, you can do so by attaching the binding to the front of the quilt first and then folding it over to sew onto the back.

5. How do I make sure my corners are neat when hand sewing binding on a quilt?
To achieve neat corners when hand sewing binding on a quilt, fold the mitered corners in carefully and use pins or clips to hold them in place before stitching.

6. What is the best way to finish off my stitches when hand sewing binding on a quilt?
The best way to finish off your stitches is by tying off a knot at the end of your thread and tucking it into one of the folds in your fabric. This will secure your stitches without creating an unsightly knot on the surface of your quilt.

In conclusion, hand sewing binding on a quilt is a technique that requires patience and attention to detail, but it results in a polished and professional-looking finish. The process can be broken down into simple steps, starting with preparing the quilt edge and cutting the binding fabric. Then, attaching and folding the binding around the quilt edge before finally sewing it in place using different stitch methods. With practice and experimentation, one can find their preferred method for hand sewing binding on a quilt.

The key to a successful binding is accuracy and patience. Taking the time to measure and mark the quilt properly, as well as evenly spacing the stitches, will result in a clean and neat finish. Additionally, using high-quality materials such as strong thread and sharp needles will make the process easier and ensure a long-lasting binding.

It is also important to remember that every quilt is unique, and there may be slight variations in the process depending on its size or shape. Don’t be afraid to adapt or modify techniques to best suit your project.

Ultimately, hand sewing binding on a quilt is not only about creating a functional edge but also about adding an artistic touch to the finished product. The hand-sewn stitches give a personal touch to the quilt and add to its overall beauty.

Whether you are an experienced quilter

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.