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

AvatarByJill Nammar Quiting

Quilting is an art that has been passed down from generation to generation, creating beautifully crafted and cherished pieces. Whether you are a seasoned quilter or just starting out, one essential skill to master is hand sewing quilt binding. Not only does this add a finishing touch to your quilt, but it also ensures durability and longevity. In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps of hand sewing quilt binding, so you can confidently add this technique to your quilting repertoire. Prepare to bring your quilts to life with clean and polished edges that are sure to impress.

What is Hand Sewn Quilt Binding?

Hand sewing quilt binding is a technique used to finish the edges of a quilt and give it a clean, polished look. It involves attaching a strip of fabric, known as binding, to the raw edges of the quilt top and backing. Hand sewing quilt binding is often preferred by quilters who enjoy the traditional and personal touch it brings to their quilts.

Within hand sewing quilt binding, there are two main methods: double fold binding and single fold binding. Double fold binding refers to folding the binding in half before sewing it onto the quilt, whereas single fold binding involves folding one edge of the binding inwards before attaching it to the quilt. Both methods have their own unique benefits and can be chosen based on personal preference.

What Materials You Will Need?

To hand sew quilt binding, you will need several materials including:

  • Fabric for the binding – this can be either a complementary or contrasting fabric to your quilt top
  • A rotary cutter or scissors for cutting your fabric
  • A cutting mat
  • Thread – this can match your fabric or be invisible/matching to your backing fabric
  • A hand-sewing needle – thinner needles with small eyes are ideal for hand sewing
  • Pins for securing your fabric in place
  • A ruler for measuring and marking
  • Sewing machine (optional)

It is important to choose high-quality materials as they will result in a more polished finish for your quilt. Choosing high-quality thread will also make sure that your stitches do not break easily.

Steps For Hand Sewing Quilt Binding

Here are the main steps involved in hand sewing quilt binding:

  1. Cut Your Binding Fabric: The first step is to cut your fabric into strips that are 2.5 inches wide. You will need enough strips to go all the way around your quilt, plus a few extra inches for joining the ends together. You can cut your strips on the grain (parallel to selvage) or on the bias. Bias binding has more stretch which makes it easier to work with around curved edges.
  2. Prepare Your Binding Strips: Join your strips together using a diagonal seam if needed, until you have one long continuous strip of binding. Make sure to press your seams open for a smoother finish.
  3. Attach The Binding To The Quilt: Start by pinning or clipping the raw edges of the binding strip to the raw edge of your quilt top, right sides facing together. Leave around 10 inches of binding free from pins at the beginning.
  4. Sew The Binding In Place: Using a ¼ – ⅜ inch seam allowance, sew along the edge of the pinned fabric leaving a tail of binding hanging off at the start. Sew all the way around until you reach ¼ inch before stopping and backstitching.
  5. Mitering Corners: When reaching corners, stop sewing ¼ inch before reaching the end and fold your binding strip up away from your quilt top, creating a neat fold along the corner. Holding this in place use your fingers, fold it down neatly over itself before continuing along to attach it to your next edge. Repeat this process for each corner.
  6. Closing The Binding: When you get within 10 inches of where you started on attaching your first strip stop sewing and backstitch approximately an inch – then cut off excess strip fabric leaving an inch or so overlap over where you started. Open any excess apart from those construction stitches left by interfacing and slip them inside these too before giving everything a thorough final press.
  7. Fold The Binding Over The Edge: Now moving to the wrong side of your quilt, turn the binding over and to the back of the quilt edge. Create a diagonal crease with your fingers at this spot to start making neat miter folds in the binding from here outwards.
  8. Hand Sew The Binding To The Back Of The Quilt: Use a ladder stitch or a whip stitch to hand sew along the edge of the binding on the back of your quilt. Be sure to keep your stitches small and evenly spaced for a neat finish.
  9. Continue All Around: Continue hand sewing along all edges, neatly mitering corners when needed, until you reach where you began.

Tips For Hand Sewing Quilt Binding

To ensure that your hand-sewn quilt binding turns out beautifully, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Pressing is important – Take care not to stretch the fabric when pressing as this will create uneven edges.
  • Avoid using pins in the mitred corners as they can create puckering
  • To ensure even stitches, pin or clip neatly before sewing each line and/or use an edge-joining foot on your sewing machine

    Understanding Quilt Binding and Its Importance

    Quilt binding is the finishing touch that brings a quilt together. It is the process of enclosing the raw edges of a quilt with a strip of fabric, creating a clean and polished look. While many quilters opt for machine binding, hand sewing quilt binding can bring an added level of detail and artistry to your quilt.

    Binding not only provides an aesthetic element to your quilt, but it also serves as a protective barrier for the edges of your quilt. This will help prevent fraying and keep your quilt looking pristine for years to come. Additionally, binding can also add structural integrity to your quilt, making it more durable and able to withstand frequent use.

    Types of Quilt Binding

    There are several different types of binding that you can choose from when hand sewing your quilt. The most common types include single-fold binding, double-fold binding, and French fold binding.

    Single-fold binding is created by folding a strip of fabric in half lengthwise and then folding it over the raw edge of the quilt before sewing it down. This creates a clean edge on one side of the quilt where the folded edge meets the backing fabric.

    Double-fold binding is made similarly to single-fold but with two folds instead of one. This creates a cleaner and more finished look on both sides of the quilt, as both raw edges are folded inside the binding.

    French fold binding is created by first folding one edge of the fabric strip towards the center, then folding again so that there are no visible raw edges when attached to the quilt. This type of binding is typically used for more delicate or intricate quilts where a cleaner finish is desired.

    Materials Needed

    To hand sew your own quilt binding, you will need some basic materials including:

    – Fabric strips cut to desired width (usually 2 ½ inches)
    – Quilt to be bound
    – Thread to match your fabric
    – Ruler or measuring tape
    – Scissors
    – Sewing machine (optional)
    – Hand sewing needles
    – Thimble (optional)
    – Pins or clips

    Step-by-Step Guide to Hand Sewing Quilt Binding

    Now that you have gathered your materials, follow these steps to learn how to hand sew quilt binding:

    1. Trim your quilt sandwich (top, batting, and backing fabric) so that all edges are straight and even.
    2. Cut your fabric strips to the desired width and length. The length will depend on the size of your quilt, but it’s always better to have more strips than not enough.
    3. If using double-fold binding, fold the strip in half lengthwise and press with an iron.
    4. Starting at one corner of the quilt, place the raw edge of the binding strip along the raw edge of the quilt sandwich. You can use pins or clips to hold it in place.
    5. Leave a 6-inch tail at the beginning and begin sewing with a backstitch along the raw edge of the quilt sandwich.
    6. Continue sewing along all sides of the quilt until you reach your starting point again.
    7. Fold both tails of the binding towards each other and trim them so that they overlap by 1 inch.
    8. Open up one tail and fold back ½ inch from one end towards the wrong side of the fabric strip.
    9. Then, open up both tails completely and align their edges with right sides together.
    10. Sew along this diagonal line where both tails meet.
    11. Trim any excess fabric from this seam allowance, leaving a ¼ inch margin.
    12. Press open this seam with an iron.
    13. Flip over your binding and press it in half so that both raw edges are touching.
    14. Starting at one corner, tuck the binding around the raw edge of the quilt and pin or clip it in place.
    15. Using a blind stitch, hand sew the binding to the back of the quilt until you reach your starting point again.
    16. Once complete, secure your thread with a knot and trim any excess.
    17. Give your quilt a final press with an iron to ensure all edges are crisp and neat.

    Making Corners Neat

    One of the trickiest parts of hand sewing quilt binding is getting neat corners. Here’s a simple trick to help you achieve perfect corners every time:

    1. When approaching a corner, stop sewing ¼ inch from the edge of your quilt sandwich.
    2. Fold the binding strip upwards at a 45-degree angle, creating a diagonal line that aligns with the raw edge of your next side.
    3. Fold back down over this crease so that it aligns with both sides.
    4. Continue sewing along the new side, repeating this process as you come to each corner.

    Tips for Hand Sewing Quilt Binding

    – Use a thimble to protect your fingers from being pierced by the needle.
    – Choose thread that matches your binding fabric for a seamless finish.
    –

    1. What is quilt binding?
    Quilt binding is the fabric that is sewn around the edges of a quilt to enclose all three layers (top, batting, and backing) and create a finished edge.

    2. What type of thread should I use for sewing quilt binding?
    It is recommended to use a high-quality 100% cotton thread that matches or coordinates with your fabric. This type of thread will provide durability while also blending in with the overall design.

    3. How much fabric do I need for quilt binding?
    This will vary depending on the size of your quilt, but generally, you will need approximately 2-3 times the length of your quilt plus a few extra inches for corners and overlapping ends.

    4. How do I miter corners when sewing quilt binding?
    To miter corners, fold the binding at a 45-degree angle and then fold it back down in line with the next edge. This creates a neat diagonal fold that can be easily stitched down.

    5. Should I hand sew or machine sew my quilt binding?
    This is a personal preference, but many quilters prefer to hand sew their binding as it gives more control over the stitches and provides a more traditional look. However, if you are short on time or have a large project, machine sewing can also create a sturdy bind.

    6. How do I secure my hand-sewn quilt binding?
    To secure your hand-sewn quilt binding, you can use an invisible whip stitch along the back of the quilt. You can also incorporate hidden stitches within the corners to ensure they stay in place. Be sure to double check for any loose stitches before trimming off any excess fabric.

    In conclusion, learning how to hand sew quilt binding is a valuable skill for any quilter. It allows for a more personal and traditional touch to quilting projects and can also be a therapeutic and enjoyable activity. By following the steps discussed in this guide, one can easily master the technique of hand sewing quilt binding.

    Firstly, it is important to choose the right fabric for the binding as it affects both the appearance and durability of the finished product. The width of the binding should also be determined based on personal preference and the size of the quilt.

    Secondly, proper preparation is key before starting the actual sewing process. This includes cutting and pressing fabric strips, marking placement lines, and creating mitered corners for a neat finish.

    The actual sewing process involves attaching the binding to the back of the quilt first, then carefully folding it over to the front and securing it with hand stitches. This requires attention to detail and precision to ensure a professional-looking result.

    One of the main advantages of hand sewing quilt binding is that it allows for customization and creativity. From choosing fabrics to experimenting with different stitching techniques, one can add their personal touch to each project.

    Moreover, this technique also offers a sense of satisfaction as one sees their quilt slowly come together through their own labor and skill

    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.