Master the Art of Hand Sewing: A Step-by-Step Guide to Binding a Quilt

Quilting – a beloved craft that has been passed down for generations, creating a bond between family and friends through the art of stitching. The process of piecing together fabric designs and patterns is a true labor of love. And when it comes to finishing off a quilt, hand sewing the binding is the final touch that brings it all together. Whether you’re new to quilting or looking to enhance your skills, knowing how to hand sew a binding on a quilt is an essential technique every quilter should master. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of completing this classic and beautiful finish, ensuring your quilt stands out as a masterpiece for years to come.

Understanding Quilt Bindings

When it comes to completing a quilt, one of the most important steps is adding a binding. This final touch not only adds a decorative edge to the quilt, but also serves an important functional purpose. Binding not only gives quilts a polished look, but also helps to secure the edges and prevent fraying over time.

There are a few different types of bindings that can be used on quilts, including single fold, double fold, and bias binding. The most common type is double fold binding, which involves folding the fabric in half lengthwise and then attaching it to the quilt. Bias binding, on the other hand, is cut at a 45-degree angle from the grain of the fabric and provides more stretch and flexibility.

Supplies You’ll Need

Before you begin sewing your binding onto your quilt, you’ll want to gather all the necessary supplies. Here is a list of items you will need:

– Quilt
– Fabric for binding (calculate how much you will need by measuring around all four sides of your quilt and adding about 20 inches for seam allowance)
– Ruler or measuring tape
– Scissors or rotary cutter
– Straight pins or binding clips
– Sewing machine with a walking foot attachment (optional)
– Iron and ironing board
– Thread that matches your fabric

Once you have all these supplies handy, you are ready to get started with sewing the binding onto your quilt.

Preparing Your Binding

The first step in hand sewing a binding on a quilt is preparing your strip of fabric for sewing. If you have purchased pre-made bias tape or want to use one continuous strip of fabric for your double fold binding, skip this step.

To create your own double-fold binding strips, follow these steps:

1. Cut strips of fabric that are 2.5 inches wide and the length of your fabric.
2. Take two strips and sew them together at a 45-degree angle to create a continuous strip.
3. Trim the excess fabric and press open the seam.
4. Fold the strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press to create a crease.

For single fold binding, cut your strips of fabric 2 inches wide instead of 2.5 inches.

Attaching Binding to Your Quilt

Now that you have prepared your binding, it’s time to attach it to your quilt. Follow these steps:

1. Lay your quilt flat on a large surface with the top facing up.
2. Starting in the middle of one side of your quilt, line up the raw edges of your folded binding with the raw edge of your quilt, right sides together.
3. Leave about 8 inches unstitched at the beginning and start sewing with a 1/4 inch seam allowance from one end.
4. When you reach a corner, stop stitching 1/4 inch away from the edge and backstitch.
5. Lift your needle and foot from the fabric and rotate the quilt so you can continue stitching on the next side.
6. When you reach back to where you started, stop stitching about 8 inches away from where you began and backstitch.

Mitering Corners

Mitered corners give quilts a neat and professional finish by creating diagonal folds that eliminate excess bulk in corners. Here’s how to miter your corners:

1. Lay your quilt flat on a surface with one corner facing up.
2. Take one side of binding (the one that has not yet been stitched) and open it up towards you at a 45-degree angle as shown in the picture below.

Mitered corner

3. Fold the binding back, aligning the raw edges of the next side of your quilt and secure with a pin.
4. Fold the binding back down, creating a neat diagonal fold in the corner.
5. Begin stitching again from where you left off on the next side, making sure to backstitch at the beginning and end.

Finishing the Binding

Once you have sewn all four sides of your binding onto your quilt, it’s time to finish it up. Follow these final steps:

1. Trim off any excess binding so that both ends overlap by 2-3 inches.
2. Open up one end of your binding and fold in about 1/4 inch along the raw edge.
3. Insert the other end of your binding and fold over in the same manner.
4. Pin or clip in place.
5. Sew over this overlap with a small stitch to secure both ends together.
6. Tuck under any excess fabric and finish sewing the last few inches of your binding.

Pressing and Hand Stitching

Before finishing with hand stitching, press your binding using an iron to create crisp folds. To complete your quilt’s

Understanding the Importance of Hand Sewing a Binding on a Quilt

Hand sewing a binding on a quilt is an essential step in the quilting process. It not only adds aesthetic appeal but also helps secure the edges of the quilt and prolong its lifespan. While machine stitching offers speed and efficiency, hand sewing allows for more precision and control, resulting in a beautiful and durable finish. So if you want your quilt to have that professional touch, mastering the art of hand sewing a binding is crucial.

Gathering Materials for Hand Sewing a Binding on a Quilt

Before you begin hand sewing your binding on a quilt, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials. These include your quilt, fabric for binding, scissors or rotary cutter, pins or clips, needle and thread, thimble (optional but recommended), and an iron. It’s crucial to have high-quality materials as they can make all the difference in achieving excellent results.

Preparing Your Quilt for Hand Sewing

To start hand sewing your binding onto your quilt, you first need to prep it for the process. This involves trimming off any excess batting or backing fabric from around the edges of your quilt top. Next, use an iron to press down all four sides of your quilt top to ensure they are flat and straight. This step will make it easier to attach the binding evenly around all four corners.

Cutting and Preparing Your Binding Strips

To create your binding strips, cut out several 2 ½ inch wide strips from your chosen fabric. You can either cut across (crosswise grain) or along (lengthwise grain) the fabric depending on your preference. Once cut, join these strips together by sewing them diagonally at a 45-degree angle until you achieve one continuous strip long enough to go around all four sides of your quilt. Once joined, press the seams open for a smooth and flat finish.

Next, fold your binding strip in half lengthwise and press it to create a crease down the middle. This crease will serve as a guide when attaching the binding to your quilt top. You can also iron in some fusible web or fabric glue along the length of your binding strip to help keep it in place while stitching.

Attaching the Binding to Your Quilt

Now it’s time to attach the binding to your quilt top. Lay your quilt flat on a table with the right side facing up. Place your binding strip along one edge of your quilt, aligning the raw edges and starting at least 6 inches from one corner. Pin or clip this edge of the binding in place, leaving a ¼ inch overhang on both ends.

As you move along, continue pinning or clipping your binding every few inches until you reach ¼ inch from each corner of your quilt. Next, using either a straight stitch or a basting stitch, sew from where you started towards the first corner, stopping ¼ inch away from the edge. Secure this stitch with backstitching before trimming off any excess thread.

Mitering Corners and Attaching the Binding Continuously

With the first corner secured in place by stopping ¼ inch before reaching it, fold and pin or clip the next side’s binding down towards its corresponding edge. Then fold and pin or clip that same edge back up towards its original starting point. This process will create a neatly mitered corner.

Sew this next side following its crease line until you reach ¼ inch before approaching another corner and repeat this process for all four corners.

Once all four corners are mitered and stitched securely in place, you can proceed to join both ends of your binding by overlapping them and trimming off any excess. Finally, pin or clip the remaining opening of your binding in place, hiding the raw edges of both ends. Sew this final part of the binding in place, ensuring all edges and corners are neat and secure.

Hand Stitching the Binding

With your binding attached all around your quilt top, it’s time to hand-stitch it into place for a seamless finish. Thread your needle and tie a knot at one end. Starting at one of the open ends, insert your needle from the back to the front and take a small stitch around ¼ inch from where you started. Continue hand sewing using a ladder stitch (blind stitch) along the entire length of your binding.

Once you reach a corner, gently fold the binding to create another clean mitered corner before continuing to stitch down the next side. Repeat this process until you’ve completely hand-sewn all four sides of your quilt’s binding.

Pressing Your Hand-Sewn Binding

Once you’ve completed sewing down all four sides of your binding, it’s time to give it a final press with an iron for that polished look. Use spray starch if needed for added stiffness. Ensure that all corners are neatly folded and

1. What supplies do I need to hand sew a binding on a quilt?
To hand sew a binding on a quilt, you will need fabric for the binding, scissors, pins, needle and thread, and a thimble if desired.

2. How much fabric do I need for the binding?
You will need to calculate the perimeter of your quilt and add 12 inches for the binding length. Multiply this by the width of your binding (usually 2-3 inches) to determine how much fabric is needed.

3. What is the best type of thread to use for sewing a binding on a quilt?
A strong cotton or polyester thread is recommended for sewing bindings onto quilts. You may also use specialized quilting thread if desired.

4. How do I attach the binding to my quilt?
Start by folding and ironing the binding in half lengthwise. Pin one end of the binding to the back of your quilt, leaving about 6-8 inches of loose ends. Sew along the edge with a ¼ inch seam allowance, mitering at corners as you go.

5. How do I join my binding ends together?
Once you have reached the starting point, leave about 6-8 inches of loose ends and overlap them with the beginning end. Mark where they overlap, then trim one end at an angle and fold it over the other end to create a diagonal seam. Sew along this seam and trim any excess fabric.

6. Do I need to hand stitch or machine stitch my quilt’s binding?
You can choose whether to hand stitch or machine stitch your quilt’s binding – it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Hand stitching is more traditional and creates an invisible finish while machine stitching can be quicker and more secure.

In summary, learning how to hand sew a binding on a quilt requires patience, practice, and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide, one can create a professional and polished finish for their quilt. It is important to begin by choosing the appropriate fabric and thread, cutting and pressing the binding strips accurately, and attaching it to the quilt with even stitches. Along the way, there are certain tips and techniques such as using clips or pins and starting with the corners that can make the process easier. Additionally, taking breaks when needed and staying organized can help prevent frustration. Ultimately, hand sewing a binding on a quilt is an enjoyable and meditative experience that allows for creativity and personalization. It is an essential skill for any quilter to master, giving their quilts a neat and seamless edge while also preserving their quality for years to come. So have fun practicing this traditional technique while creating something beautiful that will be cherished by generations to come!

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.