Master the Art of Quilting: A Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Binding to Your Masterpiece

AvatarByJill Nammar

Are you tired of plain, unfinished quilt edges? Want to add a finishing touch to your masterpiece and make it look even more stunning? Then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll show you how to add binding to your quilt, giving it that professional touch and making it ready for its final display. So grab your materials and let’s get started on this simple yet essential skill all quilters should know.

The Importance of Binding in Quilting

When creating a quilt, one of the final steps is adding binding to the edges. This is an essential part of the quilting process, as it not only gives the quilt a professional and polished look, but also helps protect the edges from fraying and adds durability to the overall structure.

Binding is essentially a fabric strip that is sewn around the outer edges of the quilt, covering up the raw edges of the quilt top and backing fabric. It is typically cut on the bias (diagonally across the fabric), as this allows for more flexibility and easier application along curved edges. Binding can be made from either a solid or printed fabric that coordinates with the quilt top.

Types of Binding

There are several types of binding that can be used in quilting, each with their own unique features and application process.

1. Double-fold binding: This is the most commonly used binding method in quilting. It involves folding a strip of fabric in half lengthwise and then attaching it to both sides of the quilt edge with one continuous seam. This type of binding provides both front and back coverage, giving a clean and finished look.

2. Single-fold binding: As its name suggests, this type of binding only has one fold along its length instead of two like double-fold binding. It is often used for smaller projects or wall hangings, as it requires less fabric and creates a thinner edge finish.

3. Bias-cut binding: As mentioned earlier, bias-cut binding is cut diagonally across the fabric instead of parallel to its selvage edges. Bias-cut strips have more stretch and flexibility, making them easier to work with when dealing with curved edges in quilts.

4. Continuous bias binding: Instead of cutting individual strips for each side of your quilt, continuous bias binding involves joining multiple strips together into one long continuous strip. This method is particularly useful when working with large quilts that require a lot of binding.

How to Make Binding Strips

Before you can add binding to your quilt, you will need to make binding strips. Here are the steps:
1. Determine how much fabric you will need for your desired width of binding. A general rule of thumb is to use a strip that is 2.5 inches wide, which will result in a 0.5 inch finished binding.
2. Cut strips of fabric across the width (from selvage edge to selvage edge) at a 45-degree angle.
3. Continue cutting until you have enough strips to cover the entire perimeter of your quilt, leaving a couple of inches extra for an overlap.
4. Sew the strips together at their ends, making sure they are aligned at a 90-degree angle.
5. Trim the excess fabric and press the seams open.
6. Press the entire strip in half lengthwise with wrong sides together.

Attaching Binding to Your Quilt

Now that you have your binding strip ready, it’s time to attach it to your quilt edges.

1. Lay your quilt out flat on a surface and smooth out any wrinkles or bumps.
2. Starting at one corner, fold and pin one end of your binding strip onto the backside of the quilt top with raw edges matching up.
3. Continue pinning along one side until you reach the opposite corner.
4. Using a sewing machine or hand-sewing needle, stitch along the pinned edge with a ¼ inch seam allowance.
5. When you reach a corner, fold the binding strip up and then back down over itself to create a mitered corner and continue stitching along the next side.
6. Repeat this process for all four corners until you reach where you started from.
7. Overlap and trim the excess binding strip, then fold it over the starting edge and continue stitching to create a seamless finish.

Finishing Touches

After the binding has been sewn onto your quilt, there are a few final steps you can take to ensure a professional-looking finish.

1. Trim any excess batting and backing fabric from the edges of your quilt.
2. Press the binding away from the quilt top.
3. Fold the binding over to cover the raw edges of the quilt and pin in place.
4. Hand-sew or use a decorative stitch on your machine to attach the binding to the quilt top.
5. Finally, admire your finished quilt with its beautifully bound edges!

Troubleshooting Binding Issues

Even with proper techniques, sometimes things don’t go as planned when adding binding to a quilt. Here are some common issues and how you can fix them:

1. Uneven or puckered edges: This can happen when sewing on either side of the bias-cut edge instead of directly on it. To prevent this, make sure to sew right along that diagonal edge.
2. Gaps or missed spots along stitching: This can occur when attaching binding on either side instead of both at once or not catching both layers

So, you’ve completed your beautiful quilt top and now it’s time to add the finishing touch – the binding. Binding is a crucial step in quilting as it not only gives a clean and polished look to your project but also ensures durability. However, if you are new to quilting or have never added binding before, it can seem like a daunting task. But don’t worry, in this comprehensive guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about how to add binding to your quilt like a pro.

Understanding Binding

To begin with, let’s break down what exactly binding is and why it is essential for your quilt. Binding is a strip of fabric that goes around the edges of your quilt sandwich (quilt top + batting + backing) and encloses all the raw edges. This not only gives a neat and finished look to your quilt but also protects the raw edges from fraying.

Types of Binding

There are three main types of binding: single-fold, double-fold, and bias binding. Single-fold binding is made by folding one edge of the fabric strip over the raw edge of the quilt sandwich while double-fold binding requires both edges of the strip to be folded towards the center before attaching it to the quilt. Bias binding is made from strips cut on a 45-degree angle from selvage to selvage of the fabric which gives it more stretch and better flexibility for curved edges.

Selecting Fabric for Binding

The choice of fabric for your binding can make or break your final result. It’s important to choose a high-quality cotton fabric that complements or coordinates with your quilt top. Avoid using fabrics that are too thick or stiff as they can make sewing difficult and may not fold nicely around corners.

If you prefer a solid color for your binding, make sure you choose a shade that is not too light or too dark compared to your quilt top. Ideally, it should be a shade darker or lighter than the darkest or lightest colors in your quilt. For patterned fabric, make sure the print isn’t too large or busy as it can take away from your quilt design.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before we get into the step-by-step process of adding binding, let’s take a look at the tools and materials you will need:

– Fabric for binding
– Ruler
– Rotary cutter
– Cutting mat
– Sewing machine
– Matching thread
– Pins or binding clips
– Sewing scissors
– Iron and ironing board

Cutting Binding Strips

To determine how much fabric you will need for binding, measure the perimeter of your quilt (all four sides) and add an extra 15 inches to allow for overlapping and joining the strips. For example, if your quilt is 60 inches by 60 inches, then you will need approximately 240 inches (60+60+60+60+15).

Once you have determined how much fabric you need, use a ruler and rotary cutter to cut strips of fabric on the crosswise grain (parallel to the selvage). The width of your strips will depend on what type of binding you are using. For double-fold binding, cut strips that are twice as wide as your desired finished binding width plus 1 inch for seam allowance. For example, if you want a finished width of ½ inch, cut your strips at least 1 ½ inches wide.

Preparing Binding Strips

Now that you have cut all your strips, it’s time to prepare them for sewing. If you are using single-fold binding, fold one edge of each strip towards the wrong side by ¼ inch and press with an iron. For double-fold binding, fold both edges of the strip towards the center by ¼ inch and press. Then, fold the strip in half lengthwise and press again.

Sewing Binding to Quilt

Starting at the bottom middle of your quilt, place the raw edge of your binding strip along the raw edge of your quilt sandwich, right sides together. Leave a few inches of the strip unattached for joining later. Sew using a ¼ inch seam allowance, and stop sewing about ¼ inch away from the corner. Backstitch and remove your quilt from the machine.

Take your quilt out and fold the binding strip upwards, creating a diagonal crease towards you. Then fold it back down, aligning it with the next edge of your quilt sandwich. Pin or clip in place and sew from the edge to the next corner using a ¼ inch seam allowance. Repeat this process for all four corners.

When you reach where you started, overlap the ends of your binding strips by about an inch and trim off any excess fabric. Fold one end towards you and one away from you to create flat ends. Then sew them together using a ¼ inch seam allowance to create a seamless joint.

Finishing Binding

Q: What is binding?

A: Binding is a narrow strip of fabric that is sewn to the edge of a quilt to cover its raw edges and create a finished appearance.

Q: What materials do I need to create binding for my quilt?

A: To create binding for your quilt, you will need fabric, scissors, a ruler, pins, an iron, and a sewing machine.

Q: How do I measure and cut the fabric for my binding?

A: Measure and cut your fabric into strips that are 2.5 inches wide and the length of the perimeter of your quilt plus an extra 10 inches.

Q: What is the best way to attach the binding to my quilt?

A: The most common method is double-fold binding, which involves folding the edges of the binding strip inward before sewing it onto the quilt.

Q: Do I need to pre-wash my fabric before creating binding?

A: Yes, it is recommended to pre-wash your fabric before creating binding as it may shrink or bleed color when washed after being attached to the quilt.

Q: How do I finish the ends of my binding?

A: To finish the ends, fold one end of the binding strip at a 45-degree angle towards the corner of your quilt. Then fold it back down over itself in line with the next side. Continue sewing until you reach 1/4 inch from where you started. Trim off any excess and overlap with the beginning piece before sewing down to secure.

In conclusion, knowing how to add binding to a quilt is an essential skill for any quilter. It not only gives a clean and finished look to the quilt, but also adds durability and strength to the edges. As discussed, the process of adding binding involves several steps such as measuring and cutting the binding strips, attaching them to the quilt sandwich, mitering the corners, and hand-sewing or machine-sewing the binding in place. It is important to choose quality fabric for the binding and handle it carefully during each step.

While there may be varying techniques and methods for adding binding, the key principles remain the same – accuracy in measurements and stitching, attention to detail, and patience. The results of a beautifully bound quilt are worth taking the time to learn and perfect this skill.

Additionally, it is important to consider personal preferences when it comes to quilting. Some may prefer hand-sewing their bindings for a more traditional look while others may opt for machine-stitching for efficiency. Whichever method is chosen, practice makes perfect and with each completed quilt, one can continue to improve their skills.

Furthermore, learning how to add binding opens up endless possibilities for creating unique quilts with different styles of binding – from simple single-fold bindings to intricate double-fold bindings or

Author Profile

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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.