Master the Art of Quilting: A Step-by-Step Guide on Binding Your Quilt with the Backing

Quilts are more than just a cozy blanket to snuggle up with on a chilly evening. They are works of art, meticulously crafted with love and care. From selecting the perfect fabrics to hand-stitching every seam, the process of creating a quilt is a labor of love. And once the quilt top is completed, there’s one final step that can make all the difference: binding. But if you’re new to quilting, you may be wondering what exactly binding is and how to do it properly. Fear not, because we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of binding a quilt with the backing fabric, so you can put the finishing touch on your homemade masterpiece. So grab your needle and thread, and let’s dive into the world of quilt binding!

Materials for Binding a Quilt

Binding a quilt with its backing is a great way to finish off your quilt project. This method not only provides a clean and professional-looking edge, but it also eliminates the need for separate binding material. Before diving into the actual process of binding your quilt with the backing, you will need to gather all the necessary materials. Here is a list of items you will need:

1. Fabric for backing: The first and most crucial material you will need is the fabric for your quilt backing. Ideally, the fabric should be same as the one used for making the top of your quilt. However, you can use different fabrics for both sides if desired.
2. Batting: Batting is the layer that provides insulation and thickness to your quilt. It also helps give structure to your quilt sandwich.
3. Thread: You will need strong thread that matches the color of your backing fabric or blends well with it.
4. Scissors or rotary cutter: Depending on your preference, you can either use scissors or a rotary cutter with a cutting mat to trim excess fabric along the edges of your quilt.
5. Ruler: A clear quilting ruler is essential for measuring and cutting straight edges on your quilt.
6. Sewing machine and needles: A sewing machine is required to sew all parts of the binding together, including attaching it to your quilt sandwich. You may also need hand needles if any spot needs hand-stitching.
7. Iron and ironing board: You will need an iron to press seams during each step of binding.
8. Binding clips or pins: These are useful tools in holding layers together securely.

Preparing Your Quilt Sandwich

Binding a quilt with its backing involves layering three main components- top fabric, batting, and backing fabric- to create what is known as a ‘quilt sandwich’. It is vital to ensure that your quilt sandwich is smooth and well-basted before binding it. Here are the steps to follow while preparing a quilt sandwich:

1. Lay your backing fabric on a flat surface with the right side facing down.
2. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases and tape down the corners to hold the fabric in place.
3. Place your batting on top of the backing fabric, ensuring it lines up evenly on all sides.
4. Smooth out any wrinkles or lumps, starting from the center and working your way outwards.
5. Place your top fabric on top of the other layers, aligning it evenly with all edges.
6. Use safety pins to baste all three layers in multiple areas, making sure they are secured together.

Trimming Excess Fabric

Once you have prepared your quilt sandwich, you need to trim off any excess fabric along its edges before binding it. Trimming helps create a clean and neat finish for your quilt and prevents any puckering or bunching at the corners.

1. If using scissors, use sharp ones and ensure they have straight blades for cutting through all layers.
2. With a rotary cutter, cut an even strip around all four sides of your quilt sandwich, each measuring 1/4 inch wide.
3. Using a clear quilting ruler and rotary cutter makes measuring and trimming more accurate.

Making Continuous Binding Strips

For binding a quilt with its backing, you will need enough long pieces of binding strips so that make one continuous length when sewn together around your entire quilt edge.

1.To determine the required length of binding for a particular project, measure the length of all four sides of your quilt sandwich and add an additional 20 inches to account for overlap (approximately 10 inches on each side).
2.On your cutting mat, place one end of one piece of backing fabric’s edge parallel to the top of your mat and cut it into a 2.5 inches wide strip
3.Rotate your fabric to cut out more strips along the width, ensuring all strips are 2.5 inches wide.
4.Once done cutting, stitch the ends of two strips together by placing them right sides together at a 90-degree angle.
5.Sew diagonally across where they meet in a straight line from one corner to another.
6.Trim the excess seams, leaving a quarter-inch seam allowance, and press open with an iron.
7.Repeat with other strips until you have enough binding for your quilt.

Attaching The Binding To The Quilt Sandwich

Now that you have your binding strips ready, you can attach them to your quilt sandwich following these steps:

1.Stitch one end of the binding to one side of your quilt sandwich, starting at least 8-10 inches away from any corners.
2.Center the right side of your binding strip along one edge of your quilt sandwich and sew using a quarter-inch seam allowance.
3.As you approach the corner, stop sewing a quarter-inch before reaching it and backstitch to secure the stitches in place.
4.Rotate your quilt sandwich and continue sewing along the next edge

When it comes to quilting, there are endless techniques and styles to choose from. One essential step in the quilting process is binding. Binding is the fabric edge that surrounds and finishes the raw edges of the quilt. It not only gives a smooth and clean look, but it also secures all the layers of your quilt together. There are various methods for binding a quilt, but one of the easiest ways is to bind a quilt with the backing fabric. This method not only saves you time, but it also adds an extra layer of durability to your quilt. In this tutorial, we will guide you through each step on how to bind a quilt with the backing fabric.

Selecting Your Fabric

Before starting any quilting project, it’s essential to select good quality fabric for your backing and binding. For a cohesive look, you can use the same fabric for both your backing and your binding. However, if you want to add some contrast or interest, pick a complimentary fabric for your binding. Ensure that the fabric you choose is soft and durable.

Preparing Your Quilt

Before you begin binding, wash and iron your quilt top and backing fabric to avoid any shrinking or puckering in later stages. Once ironed, lay out your quilt top on a flat surface with its right side facing up. Place your batting on top of it followed by the backing fabric with its wrong side facing up.

Trimming The Edges

To achieve clean edges that are ready for binding, carefully trim off any excess batting and backing fabric along all four sides of your quilt top. Use a rotary cutter or sharp scissors for this step.

Creating The Binding Strips

Using the remaining backing fabric, cut strips that measure 2 1/4 inches wide by the length of the fabric. You can determine the number of strips you need by measuring all four sides of your quilt and adding 20 inches to that measurement. This will give you enough binding to cover the corners and have a bit left for joining the ends.

Sewing The Strips Together

Take two binding strips and lay them on top of each other with their right sides facing each other at a 90-degree angle. Mark a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner. Sew along this line and trim off the excess fabric, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Repeat this step until all your strips are joined, creating one long strip.

Preparing The Binding

Fold the binding strip in half, lengthwise, with its wrong sides facing each other and press it with an iron. Open up the strip and fold both long edges towards the center crease, making sure they meet at the foldline. Press again to create your binding.

Adding The Binding To Your Quilt

Starting at one corner of your quilt, place one end of your binding on top of your quilt top with its raw edges matching up with the raw edges of your quilt top. Leave about six inches of excess binding at the start for later use. Start sewing from that point using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, removing any pins or clips as you go along.

Mitering The Corners

When you reach a corner, stop sewing 1/4 inch away from it, pivot your quilt on your sewing machine, and continue sewing towards the next side. Once you reach about 1/4 inch away from that side’s edge, stop and pivot again before continuing onto the next side. This will create neatly mitered corners.

Joining The Binding Ends

When you reach the starting point, stop sewing about six inches from the end and trim off any excess binding. Open up the two ends and place them on top of each other at a right angle. Sew along this new line, and trim off any excess fabric to create a neat join.

Finishing The Binding

Fold your binding over the raw edges of your quilt and hand stitch it in place using a blind or whipstitch. Pay special attention to the corners to ensure they are neatly folded. Once you’ve stitched all around your quilt, fold in any remaining raw edges of the binding and secure them with a few stitches.

Binding a quilt with the backing fabric is an easy way to finish off your quilting project while adding an extra layer of durability. With some careful selection of fabric and meticulous attention to detail, you can achieve perfectly bound edges on your quilt. So next time you’re ready to bind a quilt, try this method for a professional-looking finish that will last for years to come.

1. How do I choose the right backing fabric for my quilt?

To choose the right backing fabric, consider the weight of your quilt top and its intended use. For a heavy quilt, use a medium or heavy-weight fabric. For a lightweight quilt, choose a light-weight fabric. Also, consider the color, pattern, and texture of the backing fabric to complement your quilt top.

2. Can I use the same fabric for my backing and binding?

Yes, you can use the same fabric for both backing and binding. It’s a popular choice for cohesive design and convenience. However, make sure to have enough extra fabric for both processes.

3. What is the best way to attach my binding to the back of the quilt?

The most common way is to sew it by hand using an invisible whip stitch or machine sew with a finishing stitch. Both methods provide secure attachments while keeping your stitches hidden.

4. How do I prepare my backing fabric before attaching it to my quilt?

Wash and dry your backing fabric before attaching it to your quilt to avoid any shrinkage that may distort your finished quilt. Ironing it beforehand will also help eliminate any wrinkles or creases.

5. Should I square up my backing before attaching it to my quilt top?

Yes, always square up your backing before attaching it to your quilt top. This will ensure that all sides are straight and aligned with each other, preventing any puckering or bunching when quilting.

6. Can I bind a two-sided quilt without any visible stitches on one side?

Yes, using a double-fold binding method allows you to have visible stitching on one side and hidden stitching on the opposite side for a seamless finish. Make sure to leave enough excess seam allowance on one side while attaching it in order to fold it over and stitch it down on the other side.

In conclusion, learning how to bind a quilt with the backing is an essential skill for any quilt maker. Not only does it provide a clean and professional finish to your quilt, but it also adds strength and durability to the edges. The process may seem daunting at first, but with practice and the right techniques, it can become a simple and enjoyable part of the quilting process.

Firstly, it is important to understand the different types of binding and choose the one that suits your quilt and personal preference. Whether it is single or double-fold binding, traditional or continuous binding, each technique has its own advantages and can add a unique touch to your quilt.

Secondly, preparing your quilt for binding is crucial in achieving a neat and even edge. This includes trimming excess batting and ensuring that both the top and back layers are squared up before attaching the binding. Taking your time with these steps will ultimately result in a polished look.

Furthermore, stitching on the binding requires precision and patience. Pinning or clipping the binding in place before sewing can help keep everything in line. Additionally, using a walking foot or a quilting ruler can aid in achieving straight lines while stitching.

Lastly, pressing your finished binding is just as important as sewing it. It helps flatten any puckers or bubbles

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.