Mastering the Art of Hand Sewing Binding: A Step-by-Step Guide for Quilters

AvatarByJill Nammar Quiting

Quilting has been a beloved pastime for centuries, with each stitch and pattern telling a story. And as any quilter knows, the beauty of a quilt is not just found in its fabrics and designs, but also in its finishing touches. One important finishing technique that can add a personal touch and durability to any quilt is hand sewing binding. While it may seem like a daunting task, learning how to hand sew binding to a quilt is a valuable skill that will elevate your quilting game to new heights. In this article, we will dive into the art of hand sewing binding and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to master this technique. So grab your needle and thread, put on your favorite podcast or album, and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of hand-sewn binding for your next quilting project.

The Basics of Hand-Sewing Binding to a Quilt

Hand-sewing binding onto a quilt can be a time-consuming and tedious process, but it is also a crucial step in completing your quilt. The binding not only serves as a functional edge to your quilt, but it also adds a decorative touch and gives your quilt a professional-looking finish.

Before you start the process of hand-sewing binding onto your quilt, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. These typically include:
– the pre-made binding strips (or fabric cut into strips)
– needles for hand-sewing (size 8 or 9 are recommended)
– thread
– scissors
– pins
– quilting ruler
– iron and ironing board

Prepping Your Quilt for Binding

Before you start sewing the binding onto your quilt, make sure that the edges of your quilt are straight and even. If needed, use a quilting ruler to trim any excess fabric and ensure that all sides are equal in length. Once your quilt edges are trimmed, iron them flat to make sure they are smooth and crease-free.

Next, attach the binding strips to your quilt using pins. Start by laying out one of the strips along one side of your quilt with the right side facing down (towards your backing fabric). Leave about 8 inches of excess binding at the beginning for later joining with the last strip. Pin along the edge, making sure that both ends align with each other. Repeat this process on all sides of your quilt.

Joining Binding Strips

If you need multiple strips to complete each side of your quilt, you will need to join them together beforehand. Lay two strips facing each other at right angles with their raw edges aligned. Sew diagonally across from corner to corner. Trim the excess fabric leaving about ¼ inch. This amount will be folded in the seam allowance and will not be visible.

Once all the strips are joined, press open the seams with your fingers and run a warm iron over them to ensure a smooth and flat finish. This step is essential to avoid any lumps or unevenness when attaching the binding to your quilt.

Attaching the Binding

Now comes the actual binding process. Take your quilt to your sewing machine, leaving about 6 inches of quilt hanging off the end of your sewing table. Start at one corner of your quilt and fold the excess binding upwards at a 45-degree angle. Fold it back down on itself to create a crease, then fold it again so that it aligns with the edge of your quilt.

Now it’s time to start sewing! Start at one end of your binding (not leaving any excess for joining) and sew along the crease until you reach about ¼ inch from the next corner. Stop here and backstitch to secure your stitches.

Corners

When you get to a corner, stop stitching about ¼ inch from the edge and backstitch to secure. Fold the binding upwards at a 45-degree angle, then back down on itself along the next side. Keep stitching along this new edge until you reach another corner and repeat this process until all four corners are complete.

For mitered corners, instead of folding up at a 45-degree angle, fold it straight up towards you, then folding it back down on itself again at a 45-degree angle. This will create a neat and triangular fold in the corner once you have finished stitching.

Joining Binding Strips

When you have almost reached where you started sewing, stop stitching about 8 inches from where you began (where you left excess). Backstitch here to secure your stitches. Now take the end of the last strip you have sewn and trim off the excess leaving about 2 inches.

Take the beginning excess strip and unfold it. Place the ends of the two strips facing each other and pin in place. Sew along the diagonal line just like before, trim the excess, and press open.

Secure and Finish

Fold over your binding to the backside of your quilt, making sure it covers your stitching line. Secure with pins or clips (or use an iron to press it in place). Now you are ready for hand-sewing!

Using a small whipstitch or ladder stitch, sew along the binding edge on the backside of your quilt. Make sure your stitches are secure but not too tight so that they don’t pucker your fabric. Continue until all edges of your binding are hand-sewn securely.

Lastly, remove all pins from both sides of your quilt. If needed, give your quilt a final pressing for a smooth and professional-looking finish. And voila! You have successfully hand-sewn binding onto your quilt.

Tips for Beginners

– Use pre-made binding strips for easier handling.
– Practice sewing straight lines before starting on your actual quilt.
– Take breaks if needed

Preparation

To hand sew binding to a quilt, it is important to have all the necessary materials and tools ready beforehand. This will ensure that the process runs smoothly and efficiently. Here are some essential items you will need:

– Quilt binding fabric
– Needle and thread
– Pins or clips
– Fabric scissors
– Sewing machine (optional)
– Iron and ironing board
– Ruler or measuring tape

Before getting started, make sure to wash, dry, and press your quilt binding fabric. This will prevent any shrinkage or distortion of the fabric later on. Additionally, trim any loose threads or uneven edges.

Cutting and Measuring

Once you have your materials ready, it is time to cut and measure your quilt binding. The length of your binding should be equal to the perimeter of your quilt plus a few extra inches for corners and joining ends.

To determine the width of your binding, take into consideration the thickness of your batting and quilt layers. A wider binding is recommended for thicker quilts to ensure all layers are secured properly.

Using a ruler or measuring tape, mark and cut strips of fabric according to the length and width measurements previously calculated. Join these strips together diagonally using a 45-degree angle seam to create one continuous strip.

Attaching Binding

Begin by laying out your quilt with its top facing up. Place the raw edge of your binding along one edge of your quilt’s top layer, aligning it with the edge. Use pins or clips to secure it in place.

Starting from the middle of one side, stitch the binding onto the quilt using a ¼ inch seam allowance. As you reach each corner, stop sewing ¼ inch before reaching the end of that side. Pivot both fabric layers at a 45-degree angle before resuming stitching on the next side.

Continue this process until all sides of the quilt are attached with binding, making sure to cut and fold the corners neatly.

Hand Sewing Stitches

Now that your binding is attached to all edges of the quilt, it is time to hand sew the edges for a clean and professional finish. Using a needle and thread, start at one corner and fold over the binding towards the back of the quilt.

Insert your needle through both layers of fabric (quilt backing and binding), making sure to hide any knots or raw edges. Use a ladder stitch or whip stitch to attach the binding to the back of the quilt. Repeat this process along all edges, ensuring that your stitches are as invisible as possible.

To complete your hand sewing, secure your last stitch with a knot and hide it between layers for a seamless finish.

Finishing Touches

Once all edges have been securely hand sewn, it is time to give your quilt a final press. This will help flatten out any wrinkles or bumps caused during the sewing process.

If desired, you can also add decorative stitches along your hand-sewn edge for an extra touch of detail. This is where you can get creative and personalize your quilt by using different colors or patterns of thread.

Conclusion

Hand sewing binding to a quilt may seem like a time-consuming process, but it is well worth the effort for a beautiful and professional finish. It requires patience and attention to detail, but with practice, you can master this technique in no time.

Remember to always prep your materials beforehand, measure accurately, and take your time while attaching and sewing your binding. With these tips in mind, you can add a beautiful finishing touch to any quilt project by hand sewing its binding.

1. What is hand sewing binding and why is it necessary for quilting?
Hand sewing binding involves using a small, precise stitch to attach the edge of a quilt to the backing fabric and create a clean, finished look. It is necessary to secure the layers of the quilt together and prevent fraying.

2. What materials do I need for hand sewing binding?
You will need a needle, thread, scissors, quilt binding, pins, and a thimble (optional but recommended).

3. How do I prepare the quilt for hand sewing binding?
First, make sure your quilt top and backing are trimmed evenly. Then fold over and press the backing fabric 1/2 inch towards the front of the quilt. Pin in place before starting to sew.

4. How do I start stitching the binding onto the quilt?
Begin at one corner of your quilt and use small whipstitches to attach the folded edge of your binding to the front of your quilt. Make sure to catch all layers of fabric with each stitch.

5. How do I finish hand sewing binding neatly?
When you reach a corner, fold the binding at a 45-degree angle and then fold it back over itself so that it lines up with the next side of your quilt. Continue stitching until you reach your starting point and overlap your stitches slightly.

6. How do I make sure my hand sewing binding is secure?
To ensure longevity, tie a double knot at each end when you finish stitching or backstitch if using a machine. If there are any loose areas on your bindings, secure them with additional stitches before trimming off any excess fabric.

In conclusion, learning how to hand sew binding to a quilt can seem like a daunting task at first, but with practice and patience, it can become a rewarding and fulfilling technique for any quilter. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve a professional and polished finish for your quilt. Remember to choose the right materials, prepare your quilt properly, and use proper stitching techniques. Taking the time to hand sew binding instead of using a machine can also add a personalized touch and make the quilt truly unique. Additionally, hand sewing allows for more control and precision, resulting in a stronger bond between the quilt and binding. With practice and attention to detail, anyone can master this technique and create beautifully bound quilts that will last for generations to come. So next time you pick up your needle and thread, remember these key tips: prepare your materials carefully, sew with precision, and enjoy the process. Happy quilting!

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.