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

AvatarByJill Nammar Quiting

Are you a quilting enthusiast looking to add a personal touch to your creations? Learning how to hand sew quilt binding can elevate the overall appearance of your quilt and showcase your craftsmanship. This age-old technique has been passed down through generations and is still widely used today. In this article, we will explore the steps of hand sewing quilt binding, the necessary materials, and some helpful tips and tricks to achieve a professional-looking finish. So grab your needle and thread, and let’s dive into the art of hand sewing quilt binding.

Understanding Hand Sewn Quilt Binding

Hand sewing quilt binding is a traditional and often preferred method for finishing quilts. It involves creating a secure and decorative edge around the perimeter of a quilt, securing all three layers (top, batting, and backing) together and providing the finishing touch to your quilt. While there are various techniques for applying binding, hand sewing is considered to give the neatest and most polished finish.

The Materials You Will Need

Before getting started on hand sewing quilt binding, it is important to have all the necessary materials ready. These include fabric for the binding strip (usually cut on a bias), scissors or rotary cutter and cutting mat, ruler, pins or clips, needle, thread that matches your binding fabric, thimble (optional), small scissors for clipping threads and any other household tools that can come in handy.

It is essential to use high-quality materials as they will affect the final look and durability of your quilt. For instance, choosing a strong thread will ensure that your binding stays intact even after multiple washes.

Cutting the Binding Strip

The first step in hand sewing quilt binding is cutting your fabric strip. The most common width for binding strips is 2 1/4 inches. However, you can adjust this size depending on your preference or project requirements. The length of your strip will depend on the perimeter of your quilt plus extra inches for joining and mitering corners.

It is advised to make your strips by joining multiple shorter strips instead of using just one long strip. This ensures that there are no inconsistencies in fabric stretch or print orientation along the length of your quilt’s perimeter.

Attaching Binding Strips to Quilt

Start by laying out your quilt flat with its right side facing up. Unfold one end of your first binding strip and place it along the edge of the quilt. Start pinning the strip from the center of that end and work towards one corner. Once you reach the corner, fold down your strip at a 45-degree angle, creating a neat mitered corner. Then continue pinning along the next side following the same process.

Once all sides are pinned, use a sewing machine to stitch your binding strips to the quilt with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Be careful to pivot at corners and ensure that there are no wrinkles or gathers in your quilt top.

Joining Binding Strips

As mentioned earlier, it is recommended to join shorter strips instead of using one long strip for binding. To join two strips together, place them at a right angle with their right sides facing each other. Then draw a diagonal line from one corner to another and sew along this line with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Trim off excess fabric and press open your joined seam for a flat finish.

Mitering Corners

Mitering corners is an essential technique in hand sewing quilt binding as it gives your quilt’s corners a neat look without any bulky overlapping fabric layers. To miter corners, start by folding up the next unsewn side of your binding strip perpendicular to its previous side, creating another neat fold at the corner point.

Next, fold over your strip again so that it lies parallel to its first side but creates an overlap with its first side at this corner point. Pin or hold in place before stitching in place.

Finishing Off

To finish off your hand sewing quilt binding, select an invisible stitch (such as slip stitch or ladder stitch) for securing your binding on the back of your quilt. Ensure that you catch only tiny bits of backing and batting with each stitch so that they are not visible from the front of your quilt.

Once you have stitched along the entire length of your binding, add a few extra stitches where your binding strip joins together to reinforce it. Lastly, do a final press with an iron and your hand sewn quilt binding is complete!

Expert Tips for Hand Sewing Quilt Binding

– If you are new to hand sewing quilt binding, start with smaller projects like wall hangings or baby quilts as they are more manageable and provide room for practice.

– Use contrasting thread if you are new to hand sewing as it will make it easier to see and correct any mistakes.

– Pressing your binding strips before attaching them will give you neater and more accurate seams.

– If hand sewing on a large quilt seems too daunting, break it down into smaller sections instead of attempting to sew the entire perimeter at once.

– While not mandatory, using a thimble can significantly decrease the stress on your fingers during prolonged hours of hand sewing.

Making a beautiful and durable quilt requires time, patience, and attention to detail. Hand sewing the binding is just one of the many steps involved in creating a masterpiece. By following these tips and techniques for hand sewing quilt binding, you will be able to finish quilts with a professional touch that will last

Understanding Hand Sewn Quilt Binding

Quilt binding is the process of wrapping the edges of a quilt with fabric to give it a finished look and prevent fraying. While there are various methods for attaching binding to a quilt, hand sewing is considered the most traditional and classic approach. This technique has been used for centuries and still remains popular among quilters today.

To hand sew quilt binding, you will need basic sewing supplies such as needles, thread, scissors, and pins. It’s also helpful to have an iron for pressing and a thimble to protect your fingers. The type of fabric used for binding is usually the same as the one used for the backing of the quilt, but it can also be a contrasting color or pattern for added visual interest.

Preparing Your Binding Strips

Before you begin sewing your binding onto your quilt, it’s important to properly prepare your binding strips. You can purchase pre-made bias tape or make your own by cutting strips of fabric on the bias (diagonally across the grain). Bias-cut strips are more flexible and easier to work with when applying them to curved edges.

Once you have cut your strips, join them together using a diagonal seam to create one continuous strip. You may also choose to miter the corners of your strip for a more polished look. To do this, fold each end of the strip in half diagonally, press with an iron, then open up the strip and fold it in half again so that both raw edges meet in the middle. Finally, press along the folded crease and you will have a perfectly mitered corner.

Attaching Binding to Your Quilt

To attach your prepared binding strips to your quilt, first lay out your quilt with the top facing down. Starting at one corner of the quilt sandwich (top layer + batting + backing fabric), align the raw edge of your binding strip with the raw edge of your quilt, leaving an 8-10 inch tail to work with later. Pin the binding strip in place.

Continue pinning the binding strip to the quilt sandwich, easing it over any curves or angles. When you reach a corner, fold the binding strip up at a 45-degree angle and then back down along the next edge, making sure that it overlaps the raw edge of the previous side. This will create a neat mitered corner. Pin in place and continue sewing.

Sewing Your Binding In Place

Using a hand sewing needle and thread, begin stitching along one side of your pinned binding strip, approximately ¼ inch from the edge. You can use an invisible stitch or a whip stitch for this step. Take care to only stitch through the top layer of your quilt so that your stitches do not show on the front.

When you reach a corner, fold the excess fabric at a 45-degree angle and then fold it down over the next edge, creating another mitered corner. Remember to first secure this fold by stitching through all layers before continuing along that side of the quilt.

Continue hand sewing around all four sides of your quilt until you reach where you started. Overlap both ends of your binding strip by about an inch and trim off any excess fabric. Fold in one end of the binding strip to create a clean edge and then overlap it with the other end to form a neat seam along with both sides of your quilt corners.

Finishing Touches

To secure your overlapping ends together, stitch them in place using a whip stitch or ladder stitch. Once complete, press your binding away from your quilt so that it covers all raw edges neatly.

You can either choose to hand sew or machine sew down this final step depending on personal preference and skill level. If hand sewing, use a slip stitch to attach the binding to the back of your quilt for an invisible finish. If using a machine, stitch along the edge of your binding strip, taking care as you sew around corners and curves.

Finally, give your quilt a final press and admire your hand sewn binding. With practice, you will perfect this traditional technique and add an extra touch of charm to all of your handmade quilts. You can also experiment with different fabrics and techniques to create unique and personalized quilt edges that truly stand out. Happy quilting!

Q: What is the purpose of quilt binding?
A: Quilt binding is used to enclose the raw edges of a quilt and provide a finished look to the edges.

Q: What materials do I need for hand sewing quilt binding?
A: To hand sew quilt binding, you will need fabric strips for the binding, pins, scissors, needle, and thread.

Q: How do I prepare the fabric strips for binding?
A: The fabric strips should be cut on the bias, pressed in half lengthwise and ironed to create a crease. Then, fold both long edges towards the center crease and press again.

Q: How do I attach the binding to my quilt?
A: Place one end of the folded binding at one corner of the quilt, leaving about 5 inches of excess. Pin it in place and start sewing along the edge of your quilt using a ¼ inch seam allowance.

Q: How do I miter corners when sewing on quilt binding?
A: When approaching a corner, stop sewing ¼ inch away from the edge. Fold the binding up at a 45-degree angle and then back down along the adjacent edge. Continue sewing along that edge until you reach the next corner.

Q: How do I secure my stitches when finishing off quilt binding?
A: When you reach where you started sewing on your first side, overlap your stitches and sew over them before cutting off any excess thread. This will ensure your stitches are secure and won’t unravel.

In conclusion, learning how to hand sew quilt bindings is a valuable skill for any quilter to possess. By mastering this technique, you can achieve beautifully finished quilts that will last for generations. Throughout this guide, we have discussed the necessary materials, steps, and techniques involved in hand sewing quilt bindings. We have also highlighted some common mistakes to avoid and provided helpful tips to enhance your binding skills.

One of the most important aspects of hand sewing quilt bindings is having patience and taking your time to ensure a neat and tidy finish. With practice and attention to detail, you can achieve professional-looking results that will elevate your quilting projects.

Additionally, remember the importance of choosing the right fabric for your binding and properly measuring and cutting it to ensure a snug fit around the edges of your quilt. This will prevent bunching or puckering, creating a seamless look.

Furthermore, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of stitches or decorative techniques to add a personal touch to your quilt bindings. They can also serve as seams or design elements within your project.

Overall, mastering how to hand sew quilt bindings requires practice, patience, and attention to detail. With each completed project, you will gain confidence and refine your skills. So next time you sit down at your sewing machine with

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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.