Master the Art of Binding: A Step-by-Step Guide to Binding Quilts with Backing

Quilting is not just a hobby, it’s an art form that has been passed down from generations. Each stitch tells a story and every finish product is a labor of love. But as any quilter knows, one of the most important steps in creating a beautiful and durable quilt is properly binding it with backing. This process may seem daunting, but fear not! In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to bind a quilt with backing. Whether you are new to quilting or an experienced pro looking for some tips, this article is here to help you achieve that perfect finish for your quilts. So grab your sewing kit and let’s start exploring the wonderful world of binding quilts with backing!

Understanding Quilt Binding with Backing

Quilting is a timeless craft that incorporates sewing, creativity, and functionality. A quilt is made up of three layers – the quilt top, batting, and backing fabric. The binding is what holds these three layers together. It’s the finishing touch that not only secures the edges but also adds visual appeal to the quilt.

When it comes to binding a quilt with backing fabric, there are a few extra steps involved compared to binding without backing. In this guide, we will take an in-depth look at how to bind a quilt with backing.

The Importance of Using Backing for Quilt Binding

Backing fabric serves as the base or bottom layer of a finished quilt. It’s usually a solid piece of fabric used for support, stability, and protection. The backing also adds weight to the quilt and gives it a more polished look.

But why is it necessary to use backing when binding a quilt? Firstly, it provides an additional layer of protection for the batting inside. Without it, the batting fibers can migrate through the top layer of fabric or become damaged during use or washing.

Secondly, using backing fabric allows for better tension when quilting. The layers won’t shift or pucker as easily as they would without any support layers in between.

Finally, adding backing fabric makes quilts more robust and durable. It helps prevent wear and tear over time while also providing additional warmth.

The Materials You Will Need

To bind your quilt with backing successfully, you will need some essential materials:

– A completed quilt top
– Batting material
– A piece of backing fabric (slightly larger than your finished quilt top)
– Quilting ruler
– Rotary cutter or scissors
– Sewing pins
– Sewing machine
– Thread in coordinating color
– Hand sewing needle

Steps for Binding a Quilt with Backing

Now that you have all the necessary materials let’s dive into the process of binding a quilt with backing.

Step 1: Prepare Your Quilt Top and Backing

Before you can start binding your quilt, make sure both your quilt top and backing fabric are correctly sized and squared up. Trim any excess fabric or batting to ensure that both layers align perfectly.

Step 2: Layer Your Quilt

Lay the backing fabric on a flat surface, right side down. Next, place the batting on top, followed by the quilt top, right side up. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases to ensure all layers are flat and aligned.

Step 3: Mark Your Seam Allowance

Using a ruler and rotary cutter or scissors, trim off any excess batting and backing fabric around the edges of your quilt top. Leave about 1 inch of allowance around all four edges to be used as seam allowance for binding.

Step 4: Sew Around the Perimeter

With your sewing machine (using a walking foot is recommended), stitch around the entire perimeter of your quilt through all three layers. Leave about a 6-inch gap unstitched so you can turn your quilt inside out later.

Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching line for added durability. Also, remember to use a ¼ inch seam allowance to create consistency and avoid any puckering along the edges.

Step 5: Trim Corners and Fold Inward

Once you’ve sewn around all four sides, trim off the corners at a diagonal angle (careful not to cut through your stitches). Then fold inwards along one side of your gap in preparation for hand sewing.

Step 6: Hand Stitching Time!

This is where your hand sewing needle and coordinating thread come in. Using a blind stitch, hand sew the gap closed, taking care to hide your stitches within the fold. You can use a thimble to make this process more comfortable.

Step 7: Prepare the Bias Binding

You can either make your bias binding or purchase pre-made binding at a fabric store. We recommend using a double-fold bias binding for added durability and a more polished look.

Step 8: Pin Binding Around Quilt Edges

Starting from a random spot along one side of your quilt, unfold your bias binding and place it along the raw edge of your quilt with the wrong side facing up. Make sure to line up the edges of your binding and quilt top.

Using sewing pins, attach the binding to the quilt top, leaving about 3-4 inches of excess binding at both ends.

Step 9: Sew Around Quilt Top

Using your sewing machine and a ¼ inch seam allowance, stitch along the fold line of your bias binding, removing pins as you go along. Stop stitching about an inch away from where you started.

Step 10: Mitering Corners

To create neat

1. Gathering Supplies for Binding a Quilt

Binding a quilt with backing is the final step in completing your quilt and giving it a professional and finished look. To successfully bind your quilt, you will need some essential supplies which include:
– Fabric for binding (this can be the same fabric as your backing or a coordinating fabric)
– Rotary cutter, ruler, and self-healing cutting mat
– Sewing machine with a walking or even-feed foot
– Pins or sewing clips
– Scissors
– Iron and ironing board
– Marking tool such as tailor’s chalk or water-soluble fabric pen

It is important to have all of these supplies on hand before you start binding your quilt. This will ensure that the process goes smoothly and you have everything you need within reach.

2. Preparing the Quilt for Binding

Before you can start binding your quilt, it is important to prepare both the quilt top and backing. Make sure that all seams are securely stitched and there are no raw edges sticking out. It is also helpful to trim any excess batting or backing that may be hanging over the edges of the quilt top.

Next, give your quilt top a good press with an iron to eliminate any wrinkles or folds. This will make it easier to attach the binding evenly around the edges.

3 . Calculating How Much Fabric You Need for Binding

To determine how much fabric you need for binding, measure the perimeter of your quilt (all four sides) and add an additional 12 inches to account for corners, overlap, and securing ends. This will give you an approximate length of fabric needed for binding. A standard width for binding is usually 2 ½ inches, so multiply this length by 2.5 to get the total length of binding strips needed.

For example, if your quilt measures 60 inches by 60 inches, the perimeter would be 240 inches. With an additional 12 inches, this would give you a total length of 252 inches. If you are using a fabric that is 44 inches wide, you will need approximately 6 strips of binding to accommodate the length needed.

4. Cutting and Sewing Binding Strips

Using your rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat, cut your binding fabric into strips according to the measurements you calculated in the previous step. Make sure to cut them on the bias (at a 45-degree angle) for more stretch and durability.

Sew together the strips using a diagonal seam to create one long strip of binding. Trim off the excess fabric and press open the seams. Fold the strip in half lengthwise and press again. This will create your finished binding strip.

5. Attaching Binding to Quilt

Starting at the middle of one side of your quilt, leave about an inch-long tail of binding at the end and start sewing it onto the edge of your quilt with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Use pins or sewing clips to hold it in place as you go around each corner.

When you reach a corner, fold the binding up towards you at a 45-degree angle and then fold it back down in line with the next edge. This creates a neat mitered corner. Continue sewing until you reach approximately an inch from where you started, leaving another tail at the end.

Once you have completed attaching all four sides of your quilt, overlap both tails by about an inch and trim off any excess binding fabric. Fold over any raw edges and continue sewing over to secure both ends together.

6. Finishing Touches for a Professional Look

To finish off your binding, give it one final press with an iron to make sure it lays flat and evenly around the corners. You can then hand stitch the binding to the back of your quilt for an invisible finish, or machine stitch along the edge of the binding for a more visible look.

You can also add additional decorative touches such as decorative stitching or piping along your binding to add more texture and dimension to your quilt.

With these essential steps, you can now successfully bind your quilt with backing and give it a polished and professional finish. Remember to take your time and be patient throughout the process, as binding can be a bit time-consuming but the end result is worth it. Now, go ahead and showcase your beautiful quilt bound with precision and care!

1) What materials do I need to bind a quilt with backing?
To bind a quilt with backing, you will need 2.5-inch wide binding strips, a sewing machine, thread, scissors, and pins.

2) How much binding do I need for my quilt?
To determine how much binding you need, measure the perimeter of your quilt and add 12 inches for corner miters and joining the ends together. Then multiply that number by 2.5 inches to get the total length of your binding strips.

3) Can I make my own binding strips?
Yes, you can make your own binding strips by cutting fabric on the bias into 2.5-inch wide strips.

4) Do I need to pre-wash my binding fabric?
It is recommended to pre-wash your binding fabric before cutting it into strips to prevent shrinking or color bleeding after the quilt is finished.

5) How do I attach the binding to my quilt?
First, stitch one end of the binding strip to the edge of your quilt using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Then fold over the raw edge of the binding strip and secure it in place with pins before stitching it down to all sides of the quilt.

6) What is a mitered corner and how do I create one when binding my quilt with backing?
A mitered corner is when both ends of the binding strip meet at a diagonal fold at each corner of the quilt. To create one, sew until you are about 1/4 inch away from the corner, fold up the bottom edge at a 45-degree angle, and then fold down the top edge to align with it. Continue sewing from this point until you reach the next corner.

In conclusion, binding a quilt with backing is a crucial step in the quilting process, as it not only adds a finished look to the quilt but also provides stability and durability. Throughout this guide, we have covered the necessary steps and techniques to bind a quilt with backing effectively.

Firstly, it is important to choose high-quality fabric for the binding that complements the quilt top and backing. Then, properly measure and cut the binding strips to ensure they are wide enough to cover the edges of the quilt.

Next, carefully sew the strips together to create one continuous piece of binding. This can be done using either a machine or by hand using a slip stitch. When attaching the binding to the quilt, remember to start on an inconspicuous corner and leave an adequate amount of extra fabric on each end for joining later.

Once the binding is attached, folding and pressing it towards the back of the quilt creates clean edges and crisp corners. Hand stitching or machine stitching along the crease line will secure it in place.

Finally, take care when joining the two ends of binding together by creating a mitered corner or using an overlapped method for a seamless finish.

It is essential to remember that practice makes perfect when it comes to binding quilts with backing

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.