Mastering the Art: How to Bind a Quilt on Your Sewing Machine

AvatarByJill Nammar Machine Using Tips And Maintenance

Quilting has been a beloved pastime for centuries, with its intricate designs and sentimental value making it a treasured art form. If you’re a fellow quilter, you know the feeling of accomplishment when completing a beautiful quilt. However, the final step of binding can often be intimidating and leave you feeling overwhelmed. Fear not, as we’re here to guide you through the process of binding a quilt on a sewing machine. In this article, we’ll provide you with easy-to-follow steps and helpful tips to ensure your quilt is beautifully bound and ready to be cherished for years to come. Let’s dive into the world of quilting and discover how to perfectly bind your masterpiece on a sewing machine.

Understanding the Basics of Quilt Binding

Quilt binding is an essential step in completing a quilt. It not only provides a clean and finished edge to the quilt but also ensures its durability. Binding is essentially a fabric strip or tape that covers the raw edges of the quilt sandwich, which consists of the quilt top, batting, and backing. It is sewn to the front of the quilt and then folded over to the back, creating a neat border. Properly binding a quilt can be tricky for beginners, but with some guidance, it can easily be done using a sewing machine.

To start with, you must choose your binding fabric wisely. Since it will be visible on both sides of the quilt, choose a fabric that complements your quilt design. The width of the binding can vary depending on personal preference, but it usually ranges from 2 inches to 3 inches when finished. Once you have selected your fabric and determined the width of your binding strips, it’s time to cut them.

Cutting straight and accurate binding strips is crucial for achieving professional-looking results. Use a rotary cutter and ruler to cut strips on the bias or cross-grain of your fabric. The bias cuts give more stretch and flexibility to your binding, making it easier to work with curved edges on your quilt. When using multiple strips to cover all four sides of your quilt, join them diagonally using 45-degree angles for seamless results.

Preparing Your Quilt for Binding

Before you can bind your quilt on a sewing machine, some preparations are necessary to ensure smooth sailing. First and foremost, give your quilt a good press using an iron to remove any wrinkles or creases. Next, trim away any excess batting or backing fabric that may extend beyond the edged of your quilt top. This will ensure that there are no extra bulk or unevenness when attaching the binding.

Now, lay your quilt top flat on your work surface, and start pinning the binding strips to each edge, leaving at least 10 inches of tail at the start. Make sure that the edges of the quilt sandwich are aligned with the raw edges of the binding. Use clips or pins to hold the strips in place and continue pinning until you reach the starting point. Next, layer your quilt backing fabric on top, making sure that it is stretched and smooth. This will give you a clear view of where your binding should be attached to on the back.

Sewing on Binding Strips

To attach your binding strips using a sewing machine, first, remove any pins or clips from one side of your quilt sandwich that’s closest to you. Align them along the edge with a ¼ inch seam allowance and sew them in place using a straight stitch. Once you have sewn along one side, stop before reaching ¼ inch from its end and pivot your quilt gently around to continue stitching along its next edge.

When all four sides have been attached together, take your quilt out from under the presser foot and lay it flat on your work surface. Use an iron to press down each strip in half lengthwise until they become double-sided folds. Next, fold over one side of each strip onto the backside of your quilt sandwich so that its edge aligns with its back’s raw edge. Secure this fold in place by pressing it down with an iron.

Final Steps for Binding Your Quilt

It’s now time to secure this folded fabric onto the backside permanently by stitching-in-the-ditch or using a decorative stitch on top for added pop. However, before you begin sewing on this side, make sure there are no creases or wrinkles along each strip as you go around corners.

To get perfectly mitered corners on two sides, Panty Smith, a professional quilter, and blogger suggests the following. “After sewing around the fourth corner and reaching back to its start point, fold the strip so that it completely covers the unfinished edge and forms a diagonal line. Now fold it back up to cover the next unfinished edge, creating an overlapping at this junction. Using a ruler or any flat edge as a guide, draw a line from where the corners meet diagonally upward towards where the overlap begins. Sew along this line and trim away any excess fabric to create perfect mitered corners on each side of your quilt.”

Once all four sides are stitched down securely using your preferred method, you can either hand sew or use your sewing machine to join both ends of your binding strip together with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Lastly, secure these two joining points by pressing them open with an iron.

Expert Tips for Binding

To achieve perfect binding results consistently, professionals suggest that beginners may find it easier to first machine stitch on both sides before folding over their binding strips. This will ensure that there is no puckering or shifting of fabric layers while quilting on top.

Furthermore, test different positioning for your needle when working on different weights of fabrics for your quilt because it affects seam

Understanding the Basics of Quilting

Quilting is a time-honored craft that has been passed down for generations. It involves sewing together layers of fabric to create a warm and beautiful blanket or bedspread. While hand quilting is still a popular method, many quilters are now turning to their sewing machines for quicker and more efficient results. If you’re new to quilting or looking to improve your skills, one of the first things you need to learn is how to bind a quilt on a sewing machine.

Binding is an essential step in the quilt-making process as it not only provides a finished edge but also adds durability and stability to the quilt. But, before we get into how to bind a quilt on a sewing machine, it’s important to have knowledge of the different types of binding and when they should be used.

The Different Types of Binding

There are three primary types of binding used in quilting – double fold, single fold, and bias binding.

Double fold binding is made by folding fabric in half lengthwise and then in half again. This creates two layers with raw edges on one side and folded edges on the other. This type of binding is best used for straight edges such as borders or sashing.

Single fold binding is made by folding the fabric over just once, resulting in one layer with raw edges on both sides. It’s ideal for curved edges such as those found in circular or scalloped quilts.

Bias binding is created by cutting strips of fabric at a 45-degree angle from the selvage edge. This type of binding has some stretch and can be used for any type of edge, including straight, angled, or curved.

Preparing Your Quilt for Binding

Before you can begin binding your quilt on your sewing machine, you need to make sure that all three layers – the quilt top, batting, and backing – are securely attached. You can either baste the layers together by hand or use a spray adhesive to hold them in place.

It’s also essential to trim any excess batting and backing fabric from the quilt’s edges. This will make it easier to sew the binding on and reduce bulkiness in those areas.

If you want to add an extra touch of professionalism to your quilt, you can create mitered corners. To do this, fold one edge of the binding in half lengthwise and press. Then, fold the raw edges towards each other on a 45-degree angle and press again. Finally, fold the binding back over itself to create a mitered corner.

Binding Your Quilt on a Sewing Machine

Now that your quilt is prepped and ready for binding, it’s time to begin sewing. Start by attaching your chosen presser foot – a walking foot works best for thicker layers – and selecting a straight stitch on your sewing machine.

Begin sewing at least 12 inches away from any edge of your quilt. This will give you enough binding to work with when joining the ends together later on. Leave a small tail of the binding hanging off the edge as well.

Place the raw edges of your double-fold or single-fold binding onto the front of your quilt top, aligning them with its outer edge. Begin sewing along one side with a ¼ inch seam allowance until you reach about ¼ inch away from the corner. Stop with your needle down in the fabric.

Lift up the presser foot and pivot your quilt so that you can continue sewing along its next edge. Repeat this process until you reach all four corners, making sure to stop stitching before reaching each corner.

When approaching a corner for finishing with bias binding, leave a longer tail than usual. This will make it easier to join both ends of bias binding together. When you’re ready to finish, stop sewing an inch before the corner and backstitch to secure the stitches.

Joining the Binding Ends

Now that all four sides are attached, it’s time to join the two ends of your binding together. Trim any excess binding so that both ends have a ¼ inch overlap. Open up the binding on both sides, fold one end over and place it on top of the other one. Using a ruler, draw a diagonal line from one corner to another.

Stitch along this line with a straight stitch and backstitch at each end to secure it. Trim the excess fabric ¼ inch away from the seam, press open, and fold the binding in half again.

Finally, topstitch along the binding’s folded edge on the front of your quilt using a straight stitch or decorative stitch. This will help secure it in place and provide a polished finish.

Finding Inspiration

There are endless possibilities when it comes to quilting. By learning how to bind a quilt on your sewing machine, you’ll be able to take your skills to new levels and create beautiful and unique designs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of fabric, patterns, and

1) What materials do I need to bind a quilt on a sewing machine?

To bind a quilt on a sewing machine, you will need fabric for the binding, scissors, pins, a sewing machine, and thread.

2) Is there a specific type of fabric that works best for binding?

While any fabric can be used for binding, cotton and cotton blends tend to work best as they are easy to work with and durable.

3) Can I use pre-made binding for my quilt?

Yes, you can use pre-made binding to save time. However, if you want to customize the color or pattern of your binding, making your own is also an option.

4) How do I attach the binding to the quilt?

To attach the binding, first sew it onto the back of the quilt with right sides together. Then fold it over to the front of the quilt and stitch it down using your sewing machine.

5) What type of stitch should I use when attaching the binding?

It is best to use a straight stitch when attaching the binding. You can also use a decorative or zigzag stitch if desired.

6) Do I need to press my quilt before adding the binding?

Yes, it is important to press your quilt before adding the binding. This will help create clean edges and make it easier to sew on the binding.

In conclusion, binding a quilt on a sewing machine may seem like a daunting task, but by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily achieve professional and polished results. From preparing the quilt and fabric to attaching the binding and finishing with topstitching, every step is crucial in creating a beautiful and durable quilt. Remember to take your time and practice on scraps before attempting to bind your actual quilt. Additionally, do not be afraid to experiment with different techniques and materials to find what works best for you. With patience, practice, and these tips, you can confidently bind your own quilts on a sewing machine. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced quilter, mastering this skill will open up endless creative possibilities in your quilting journey. So don’t hesitate to give it a try and enjoy the satisfaction of completing a project from start to finish on your own. Happy quilting!

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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.