Mastering the Art of Hand Sewing: A Beginner's Guide to Binding a Quilt

Quilting is an art form that has been passed down through generations, with each stitch carrying a story and memory. As quilters, we pour our hearts and souls into every piece, from choosing the perfect fabrics to piecing them together in a beautiful design. And when it comes to finishing off a quilt, there is nothing quite as satisfying as hand sewing the binding on. Not only does it add a unique touch to your quilt, but it also ensures its durability and longevity. In this article, we will dive into the timeless technique of hand sewing the binding on a quilt, providing you with step-by-step instructions and expert tips to help you achieve stunning results. So grab your needles and thread, and let’s get stitching!

Introduction
After spending countless hours creating a beautiful quilt, the final step is to hand sew the binding onto it. This is arguably one of the most important steps in quilt-making, as it not only adds a finishing touch but also secures and protects the edges of your quilt. While machine sewing binding may seem like a quicker and easier option, there is something special about hand sewing that truly completes the overall look and feel of a quilt. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the process of hand sewing binding on a quilt in detail, with step-by-step instructions and tips to help you achieve beautiful results.

Choosing the Right Materials

To begin with, it is essential to choose the right materials for hand sewing your binding onto a quilt. This includes selecting durable and high-quality quilting thread that matches or complements the colors of your quilt. Polyester or cotton thread works best for hand sewing bindings as they are strong enough to withstand wear and tear over time.

Another crucial material is needles – specifically, sharp needles with small eyes that can easily glide through fabric layers. Choose a needle size based on your personal preference, but sizes between 8-10 are recommended for quilting.

Lastly, you will need either scissors or rotary cutter and mat to cut your binding strips accurately and evenly. A ruler or measuring tape can also be helpful in this step.

Preparing the Binding

Before starting to sew, you need to prepare your binding strips carefully. The width of your strips depends mainly on your desired finished width of the binding – 2½ inches is standard for most quilts. However, if you prefer a wider or narrower binding, adjust accordingly.

To create continuous strips out of multiple pieces of fabric, join them diagonally using diagonal seams for a clean finish.

Next, press your strips in half lengthwise with wrong sides together using an iron – this will create a center crease that will help in the sewing process.

Attaching the Binding to the Quilt

Now comes the fun part – attaching the binding to your quilt! Start by trimming any excess batting and backing fabric from your quilt so that you have clean edges. Lay your quilt flat, right side up, and pin your binding strips along one edge of the quilt, leaving a few inches of tail at the beginning.

When you reach a corner, stop sewing and fold the binding strip up, creating a 45-degree angle. Then fold it back down over the adjoining edge and start sewing again, making sure to keep a consistent ¼ inch seam. Repeat this process for all four corners.

Once you have sewn around all four edges, slightly overlap the ends of the binding strip and cut off any excess. Unfold both ends of the binding strip and sew them together with a diagonal seam across. Refold it and resume sewing down where you left off until you reach approximately 10 inches from where you began.

Mitering Corners

To give your quilt a polished look, mitering corners is essential. At this point, we recommend ironing the corners and edges of your quilt to make them crisp and easier to work with.

Start by folding one edge up at a 45-degree angle so that its right sides match up with the adjacent edge’s right sides. The folded edge should be just below the top edge of your quilt. Pin it in place, then fold over again so that its raw edges align with the next adjacent edge’s raw edges – forming a neat mitered corner.

Repeat this process for all four corners, then hand baste along all four mitered corners to secure them in place before hand sewing them permanently.

Hand Sewing Techniques

To start hand sewing your binding, thread your needle and knot one end of the thread. Start sewing by inserting your needle from behind through the folded edge of the binding. At this point, you will make tiny stitches that catch only a few fibers of backing fabric at a time.

As you move along, take care not to pull too tightly, which can create puckers or uneven gathers. Instead, use your fingers to gently guide the binding in place as you stitch. Also, periodically check the backside of your quilt to ensure that your stitches are minimal and do not show through to the front.

To secure your thread at the end, make a few small backstitches before trimming off any excess thread.

Final Touches

Once you have sewn all around the quilt’s edges, it’s time for some final touches. Use scissors or rotary cutter to trim off any remaining binding strips’ ends and remove any stray threads.

Next, fold over and press the binding so that it lays flat against your quilt’s edges on both sides. You can either hand stitch it down on one side or use an invisible whipstitch for a clean finish and minimal visibility.

If desired, add a label with information about your quilt and its maker as a personal touch before enjoying your beautifully

What is Hand Sewing Binding on a Quilt?

Hand sewing binding on a quilt is the process of attaching the edge of the quilt to create a neat, finished look. Often referred to as the “finishing touch” on a quilt, binding not only adds functionality by securing the edges of the quilt but also enhances its overall appearance. While there are various methods of binding, hand sewing provides a clean, professional finish that can elevate any quilt project.

Hand sewing binding requires using durable thread or quilting thread and a needle to stitch the fabric edges together while maintaining an even seam allowance. It is essential to have patience and attention to detail when hand sewing as this technique can be time-consuming but results in an impeccable finish.

Step-by-Step Guide for Hand Sewing Binding on a Quilt

Follow these steps to learn how to hand sew binding on a quilt like an expert:

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials such as quilting thread, needle, scissors, pins, thimble (optional), and iron. Make sure your thread color blends well with your quilt’s fabric and choose a needle that is thin enough to slide easily through layers but thick enough not to bend or break easily.

Note: You can opt for pre-made or self-made double-folded bias tape for your binding; both work well and give different finishes.

Step 2: Trim Quilt Edges

Check your quilt’s edges for any uneven stitches or fabric overhangs from the previous step. Trim them evenly using scissors or rotary cutter and ruler. Ensure that all corners are right-angled for neat results.

Step 3: Press Binding in Half

If you are using store-bought bias tape, fold it in half lengthwise and press using an iron. This step ensures the binding is compact and ready for sewing.

Note: Skip this step if you are using self-made bias tape as it is already folded and pressed.

Step 4: Pin Binding to Quilt

Starting from the middle of any side of your quilt, align one folded edge of the binding with the quilt’s raw edge; ensure that the binding’s wider side is on top. Use straight pins to secure it in place every few inches, leaving a tail of at least 10-12 inches at the beginning.

Step 5: Sewing

Begin sewing from where you pinned your starting point, using a running stitch or whipstitch. Keep your stitches close to the edge and no more than 1/8th inch apart for uniformity. Make sure you sew through all layers of fabric.

Note: If you are making a mitered corner, stop stitching about 1/4th inch away from the corner, then fold your binding at a 45-degree angle towards the corner’s center. Then fold it back down onto the next side of your quilt to create a neat mitered corner. Secure in place with a pin and continue sewing until you reach about 1/4th inch from the other corner.

Step 6: Joining Binding Ends

When you reach about 10 inches before reaching where you started, remove pins along that edge and lay down your beginning tail over your ending tail. Trim them both so they overlap by at least two inches then unfold them so that they lay diagonally over each other with their right sides touching. Draw a line from one end of the binding to another at an angle; use this line as a guide to sew across both tails diagonally from corner to corner. Trim the excess, press open or remove any bulky fabric to create a flat line.

Step 7: Finish Sewing Binding to Quilt

Secure the final section of binding in place and continue stitching on top of where you stopped before joining the binding tails. Stop your stitching at least an inch away from where you started and secure your thread with a few backstitches.

Step 8: Secure Binding to the Back of Quilt

Flip your quilt over and fold the binding towards the backside of the quilt. You will see a neat row of stitching on the quilt’s front side, and on the back is where all your stitches will show. Fold in and tuck under one edge of folded binding to cover all raw edges of fabric; pin it in place neatly. Hand sew this edge using an invisible or ladder stitch for a clean finish.

Note: For mitered corners, use a tailor’s ham or try pressing down corners with your fingers from both sides before hand sewing them in place.

Tips for Hand Sewing Binding on a Quilt

Here are some professional tips to help you achieve an impeccable finish when hand sewing your quilt’s binding:

Q: What is the best type of thread to use when hand sewing a quilt binding?

A: It is recommended to use a 100% cotton thread in a weight of 50 or higher for maximum durability.

Q: How do I determine the length of binding needed for my quilt?

A: To calculate the length of binding needed, add together the length and width measurements of your quilt, then add 10-12 inches for mitered corners and joining ends.

Q: What is the proper way to press my binding before sewing?

A: It is best to press your binding with a hot iron on a low heat setting, without stretching the fabric. This will help ensure a smooth and crisp finish.

Q: Can I hand sew my binding with a simple running stitch?

A: Yes, a running stitch is sufficient for hand sewing the binding onto a quilt. However, you may also choose to use a whipstitch or ladder stitch if preferred.

Q: How do I join the beginning and end of my binding together?

A: To create an invisible join, leave an extra inch of binding at the start, sew it down until you reach the end, and then fold it over at a 45 degree angle. Then fold over your end piece at the same angle and slip it under the folded edge of the beginning piece before stitching it down.

Q: Is there a way to make sure my corners are neat and tight when sewing on my binding by hand?

A: To achieve clean corners, fold your binding back on itself at a 45 degree angle before folding it back down onto its next side. This will create mitered corners and ensure they lay flat when finished.

In conclusion, hand sewing the binding on a quilt may seem like a daunting task at first, but with proper technique and practice, it can become a satisfying and enjoyable part of the quilting process. Throughout this guide, we have discussed the necessary materials, step-by-step instructions, and tips for achieving a professional-looking hand-sewn binding on your quilt.

First and foremost, it is important to choose high-quality materials that will ensure durability and longevity of your quilt. This includes using 100% cotton fabric for both the binding and the quilt itself, as well as strong thread that matches or complements your overall design.

Next, we reviewed the step-by-step process for sewing the binding onto your quilt. This includes properly folding and pressing the binding strips, positioning them onto the edges of your quilt in a specific order, and stitching them down with precision. We also discussed techniques for creating clean corners and a seamless finish.

As with any skill, practice makes perfect when it comes to hand sewing bindings. We recommend practicing on smaller projects before tackling a larger quilt. Additionally, don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they can often lead to valuable learning experiences.

Overall, hand sewing bindings offers a level of control and precision that cannot be achieved with machine sewing. It allows for more

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.

Mastering the Art of Hand Sewing: A Beginner’s Guide to Binding a Quilt